[romulussy]

I don’t know. Should we call Mom?

SUCCESSION — 1.02: Shit Show at the Fuck Factory.

[cupxofxstars]

@clubsmarties continued from x

Fate? Ugg, her eyes rolled, he was annoying.

How had one run in spiral into seeing this jerk everywhere now?

"If you must know." Her hand gestured to her outfit, it wasn't her usual attire. A casual romper with a deep V that left very little to the imagination about what was there and sandle wedges. "Date." Was the simple word she offered as she made her way to the door. "Wow, you got one right, agent. I'm more an old fashion kind of girl." A small pat on his shoulder as she passed him. Not wanting to entertain him any more than she already had. The last thing she'd want him to think is that he was welcomed to just pop up wherever she was.

Hazel eyes narrowed at him, as she stepped to the side. Arms crossed as she tried to decide what to do about this. "What trial are you chasing and I might tell you which trail I'm chasing. It's wrong to assume that we're chasing the same one, when there are so many here." Which was true, in her short time here already, she had found plenty of leads and people here at the Whiskey Crate.

The prospect of never having to see him again after this did sound good though. "You show me yours, I'll show you mine, agent."

[honeyxcombs]

He did a casual glance at her outfit and nodded. That smirk was ever present with her confirming she was here for the same target. Even if they were adjacent. He had no idea why Kari wanted this specific target to squeal like a chew toy but he wasn't paid to question. He was paid to thwart the utter bane of his existence. He was still trying to cash in that year before he got out.

"Date," he repeated like he didn't believe her. "I knew it. You're not a margaritas girl. Won't be seeing you at Jimmy buffets' restaurant. Old fashioned? Huh. Kind of have that take whiskey straight so it burns down your throat type."

A hum was his only response. The door opened and he got a white folded letter. Wally smiled and tipped his hat. Looking over at the woman, he sighed. "Tell you what, in twenty minutes, when your date doesn't show. Meet me at the nearby park. I'll show you mine."

He pushed his back off the wall and wiped his casual attire. Rolled up sweater sleeve and an unbuttoned magneta shirt. "It's Wally, by the way. You watch too many movies."

[cupxofxstars]

It was pure chaos and she couldn't help but be wrapped up in it and giddy about it. She was having fun. Another balloon had left her hand as she threw in the direction of a girl she had in her Introduction to Biological Anthropology last semester, Jennifer, she believed her name was. Hitting her on the shoulder, laughing she turned around to run off before she could be made when she saw him.

He was coming to fast for her to react and a soft grunt came from her as she was knocked to ground with him. The wind being knocked out of her. "What the hell!" She sputtered out as she began to take a deep breath in. It wasn't angry, she saw him take that stumble, it wasn't on purpose, right?

An old familiar feeling began to ball up in the pit of her stomach, an ache in her heart at this. His eyes, his body, this close to hers. She found her hand reaching up to tuck his hair behind his ear as she had so many times before. It was as she had been possessed by an old version of her. The one that still longed for him every night.

Her lips parted to ask if he was okay, if he could get up, aware of what this would look like to others if they were to find them. A situation that didn't seem to matter much to her in the moment. Nor the fact that her boyfriend was here somewhere in the fray either, a concern that left her mind that moment his lips met hers. Arms moved involuntarily to wrap around his neck and pull him closer as the familiarity of this, of him came rushing back in. The past she was trying so hard to forget, to move on from. Mouth moved in sync, kissing him back. God, she had missed him.

Pulling away breathlessly, she looked into his green eyes, knowing everything and nothing would be the same again. Then everything around her began to crash in. The yelling, the laughing, the running. The fact that her boyfriend was somewhere in all this. "I need you to get off of me." The words were soft, unsure but direct. "Please."

[honeyxcombs]

Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew he had to pull back or be sorry for kissing her. But, as he felt her kiss him back, he truly wasn't sorry. He wished he was but he wasn't. There was a satisfaction attached to the kiss, one she didn't pull back from nor did he get slapped back to reality. There was a small chance she still felt the same he did about her and he pulled on that thread like his life hanged in the balance.

Flashes and quick images scrolled through his head of their time together. The good, the bad and the ugly times. Hazel eyes bore into his own emerald pools. There was love there and he knew it in his heart, she was putting a wall. With good reason. He had hurt her. But, this was exhilarating enough to kiss her twice before pulling away. Her breathing making a symphony with his own erratic and rapid breathing.

Opening his eyes to look into hers. He saw it. That small little flicker. He knew his features showed he still loved her. Although brief, this kiss changed everything between them but that didn't seem to make him care. Staring down at their crushed bodies, he lifted himself up and off as he began to apologize.

"I'm sorry," he spoke softly but before anything else could be said from her end, he finished. "For not regretting the kiss." He left it at that and nodded as he wiped his hands and let her get up. He was about to ask if she was okay when his arm shot out to prevent a balloon coming for her face from smacking her. The balloon did a loud thud as it burst into colors against his arms and fell flat by his feet.

[starrylovebug]

"The grumpiness really adds to the entertainment. I think he's made peace with a lot of the hometown, and with Eli too, I'm really glad they could make those amends." Laurel couldn't help but laugh at the thought of their newest sister in law. "She probably thinks Javi is the exception in height, I'm curious what her reaction will be when she sees all of us towering over her. Oh Izzie too, they're going to end up suing you two."

"I was so scared Max," she hadn't admitted this to anyone besides Eli when he was still in his coma. But, she'd also never kept something from her brothers. "The thought of losing him frightened me like nothing else. The future got blurry." She nodded happily, proudly even. Growing old with her husband was a dream. "Have you been reading my diary? Because that's exactly my vision. Can you imagine grandkids? If my kids are cute, my god...extra cute grandkids." Now she was getting carried away.

"Yeah, Santa Barbara. It's one of the places we're considering. With a new business venture. Look at you, Santa Barbara advocate! I'm...half sure, we're still discussing, and it's also kind of tied with whether we get the place we're looking at." Max had such a nice way to talk about how he'd pivot. Laurel loved the idea, the picture of her brother taking the reins of the family winery looked so beautiful in her mind. "I do love it," she said with a longing sigh. Leaving the winery was difficult, and something she couldn't stay away from (clearly, given her new job). "Dad would throw a party if you said you wanted to learn. More dad and son time, he'd say. I would love to show you everything I know, like you said, if it's not out of duty. I know you and Izzie would love it there! And you wouldn't be on your own, you know Eduardo will help show you the ropes." The team was so close to the family that they would be more than happy to welcome him into the fold.

"Venture, yes! That's super exciting. We've been looking at this bar," giving him a look before he said anything, "no, we're not becoming bartenders. But, just the location. Eli was thinking of starting this restaurant, island style, with our wine and pastries tastings we used to do too. Getting the location has just proved to be the biggest task, that's all. And then, with Javi visiting, he's been talking about the winery his family has here in California. I told him I'd hear him out on that, I'd like to make sure our mom isn't tied to any of it before I sign up."

[honeyxcombs]

"Kisses hold up in Izzie court." The mere thought of their baby brother and his girlfriend seeing how tall their entire family is made him laugh. "She'll rethink marrying him." In a way he couldn't believe every sibling was on their happiness journey. "On Isa, I'm glad he has made peace with his past and his present. I don't think I could do another team one team two dinner when Eli and him were at odds."

Max nodded his head as he looked at his sister. It was the first time ever he didn't know how to help her. Pulling her into a hug, he kissed her forehead. "I know. Scarier even not knowing how to help you move forward. Not without doing a weekends at Bernie's thing where we pulled Eli along like he was awake. Traumatizing the kids in the process. For what it was worth, you were the strongest person. No one lost hope but you held onto that like a rider on a bull." A slight eye roll emitted from him as he laughed. "Rub it in with your cute ass kids. I'm sure your grandkids will be just as cute. I wonder whose genes they'll get?"

"That's why I'm not nervous to step into this new venture. So, hang on. Is Santa Barbara the place we are going with? Why aren't you fully sure? Are there more places on the table?" Before he even said anything she cleared up the question he had. Not bartenders, okay. "Though that venture would be new for him. Anyway, okay. What's the deal with the bar? Whose is it?"

Javi's winery did give him pause. He had heard about his winery or hacienda as it was dubbed but didn't really know where that came from. "Do you really think mom has her hands in that winery Javi said was his in California?"

[starrylovebug]

"You really sold it too, I think that's why they're beginning to crack. We'll get them baby, and then we can hopefully put all of this behind us." She happily turned her attention to him, the shift in conversation was more than welcome. Talking about their future was so much more welcome than discussing the Hendersons further. "Hm, I love that idea. Oh my goodness, can you imagine the kinds of desserts you'd come up with an island type place?" Her smile widened thinking of their adventure - pairing a variety of pastries with wine, something that eventually became a wine tasting special at the winery. "It could be fun, beachside dining. You'd have a beautiful view and making pastries for fun. It might be some stress, manning a restaurant versus a bakery, but you won't be alone."

Laurel hated the thought, but there was no denying it. If there was someone who resembled her mother, it was the Hendersons. If she'd gravitate to someone, it'd be them. "Yeah, we can find out," she gestured towards the basement where she kept a few boxes in storage. Some reluctant mementos on behalf of her dad. Grabbing one of the boxes, she set it down on the floor and pulled it open, filled with items from her childhood and a smaller box that contained her mom's things. Sorting through a set of pictures, she saw her and Max as kids, pictures of her parents when they were younger, and pictures of...her mother's side of the family, she assumed. Flipping the picture, she saw the handwritten note in the back. "Look, I guess this is my aunt," she handed him the photo before sifting through a few more. "You were right...it's them. Look, Claire and my mom. Some kind of party, they're pretty dressed up. Shit, my mom never mentioned friends. Or family, I didn't even know about that aunt I showed you either."

Olivia was someone she didn't think of too often, only because it hurt to think there was a sibling out there that she didn't know. The thought that she knew some townspeople more than her own sister. "Do you think that's what it is? My sister making a claim on the place, and that somehow benefitting them. If she doesn't care about the place, she'd probably agree to sell." Her smile inevitably widened with her brother's mention. She was visibly excited at the thought of working with her brother, to teach him what she had learned. "As always, you are very right," she conceded, giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek. "I'll get that started asap."

[honeyxcombs]

"I hope so. I am tired of dealing with them. Like get off our dicks, you know?" The saying made him laugh when he heard Max say it a few weeks ago. "That's what I was thinking about. I saw these pineapple mojito on a commercial and I thought that'd be paired with a nice and creamy non crust pie. Like marshmallow fluff." Maybe he was a little bit hungry. "The thought made me smile. We'd bring what we did for the winery festivities to a bigger scale for a restaurant. We'd still work together. From what I remember, we make a pretty good team." Beachside dining. "That's it. Come join us at Sunkist Cove. You get the water front plus the pier as your view. I happen to know a really hot manager that can help me man the restaurant."

Basements were always creepy and even more so when he had to see the bane of his existence in photos. Following after his wife though, he was careful to watch her steps and glided his hand out just in case. In his split second caveman mentality, he smirked watching her back. Those jeans really were a godsend for him. Long legs really made him thankful she did those thirty minute work outs for her lower half. Chuckling to himself he shook out of that and focused on what she'd showed him. "You have an aunt?" His eyebrows knitted together. "I thought she was always an only child." Upon further inspection of the photo in question he hummed. "Not for nothing but you and your aunt look scarily alike. Like you and Cece. Can chalk it up to family resemblance. Looks like a Halloween party," his eyes narrowed and remembered the sign. The Rolling Gambler. "That's that bar that guy hit on you in. Remember? Older dude. Seemed like he thought he was the hottest piece around. Couldn't take a no for an answer til you clocked him in the nose."

"So Claire knew your mother. Enough to party on like teenage girls. Nick may have been onto something. So, let's see," his brain had worked out two possible scenarios in under thirty seconds. "If they were friends. We can assume she told her everything. Which means there's leverage if she wanted to give a last fuck you to your dad. Which also means their angle of winery means they think they can take it because they know something like your ghost sister is somewhere out there getting prepped to take it."

He pushed into her kiss and hummed. "Put the deed under Max's name. That means his next of kin is Izzie. I'd put Javi but he is half hers so would probably be moot. Then we get to our next thing. That bar in SB."

[starrylovebug]

And, there was her gift. Even if it wasn't her birthday, her siblings still made her feel special. "Aw, I love you guys too! So so much. I'm the luckiest, youngest sibling." She laughed at Wally's accuracy, "oh, you know she loved it and seeing everyone representing you two has her in a puddle of emotions. I think I still owe her another trip down the last few photo albums." It wasn't the first tour through the albums, but Sam found that their mom loved hearing it all time and time again. Sam saw his reaction and clapped her hands together in pure excitement. "Hell yes! I'm so glad you love it," looking down at his discarded shoes made her laugh. "No waiting with you huh? Good luck keeping them from the kids. If they could hold off until the holidays, I'll get them matching pairs."

"Hey hey, you got me last year! It even got in my bangs." No one could say Wally didn't go all in. "It was only fair I returned the favor. Do you think we can all sneak off to nap? We could snuggle in the one bed, see if we still fit," she joked, knowing the likelihood was very slim. "Before we build this baseball team, the better question is what team does Rome cheer for? I think Sam will get a heart attack if we get another Bluejays fan."

[honeyxcombs]

"No, we are the lucky ones. We have you." No one ever said Bordeaux's weren't sappy fuckers. Wally kissed her head and hugged both sisters tight. "She missed a lot and I don't blame her. But, good thing our auntie took a shit ton of pictures." Speaking of pictures, same aunt came around with a Polaroid and snapped a few of them three. Wally opted for a normal one for one and the other four he had put bunny ears over Sam's head, gave their middle fingers and last had them poke the others eyes.

Wally snapped his head back up as he saw his feet move side to side. "No waiting on these puppies. The kids wanna keep their limbs. Hey, if their second favorite aunt promises them these matching sets, they'll be patient." Wally was cozy and that shit was priceless. "I'm so ready for hallmark movies and my hoodies which by the way, which one of you has it, that dark black one?"

"God, a nap sounds so good right now. We can swing it but we put wombat in the middle. I don't feel like getting kicked in the balls again by the sleep kicker." Wally laughed as he watched their sister's reaction. "Poor Benji. He chose the wrong team. Rome, I think goes for LA but an Angel's fan. Poor dude never gets a chance to watch the post season. His team gets eliminated real quick."

Baseball was like a bat signal for Basty, it was a bright neon sign that he happened to respond to as he grabbed his last drink for the night. "If you had said Yankees or Mets, I think I'd gouge my eyes out. Lets not threepeat the absolute insanity it was having a Yankees fan be in our midst with Janny's ex from high school. Ya'll remember Alicia?" Basty shuddered. That poor girl was misguided. "I think even mom asked Janny if he was okay."

Wally opened his arms for Basty and grinned. His rosy cheeks spelled how tipsy he was and he loved that face. "Got the lap open. Just no lap dances this time."

[starrylovebug]

@clubsmarties - oops

Subbing was easy money and low commitment. Usually it was a day or two, max a week before she moved on to the next classroom or even the next school. Valentina didn't mind teaching. The easy days were okay, and the bad days were just a stark reminder of the dream that got further and further away each time. This had been one of her longer assignments, subbing for months at a time was something she did not plan for. She was glad, however, that subbing for this class had been okay, all things considered.

Valentina had already cleared the desk of the few belongings she kept there, so she was a bit confused when she was called back into the classroom. "I didn't miss something, did I?" A heavy sigh followed, her disdain for teaching was not too concealed. Most teachers related, to some extent, for one reason or another. "Again, your class was surprisingly well-behaved, nothing too outlandish to report. They did ask a lot about you, but I just sent them to the other teachers. I didn't really know what to tell them."

[honeyxcombs]

Kikè shook his head as he half smiled moving around his desk area. "No, nothing like that. You actually kept my desk extraordinarily neat. A first for me." A silly little smile spread across his face. "I wanted to come by a day early to thank you and ask for a favor." Especially knowing her disdain for teaching. "You can say no, there is no pressure." He'd try to conceal his disappointment though.

A well behaved class made him laugh. "My bribe worked. They are menaces every other day. I'm glad they treated you kindly. No one tried to do the dog ate my homework?" Kike liked teaching, it was like doing what he loved and his hobby all in one.

"Yeah, that's fine. They're always curious when I go on an excavation dig. They think I turn into the Mummy's character of O'Connor. If they knew it's not as glamorous. Who'd you send them to? Dani?"

[starrylovebug]

"Oh bummer, so this means I don't get Charlie's Angel's and pj party?" Vie tilted her head, her smile telling him that finger sandwiches would absolutely be birthday vibes. A night home with him meant everything to her. There really was no wrong option after all. Something quiet, just for the two of them before the big festivities. "That was such a good one, you're going with store bought vest or vintage? We could try borrowing one from Wally's bins at home."

"Okay, that sounds good, but please let us know if you need to go. We can come back asap." But knew that Wally would insist on them keeping their date night. Seeing her brother with the kids made her smile.

"Isn't it crazy? Having another child," intertwining her fingers with his. "I hoped, but I just wasn't sure if it would work out." But, she was really glad that it did. "I was thinking about it. I want to, probably sooner rather than later, so that I have time to train them. I'm just not sure who, maybe I need to start with an ad on the paper," she half-joked. It was a real concern though, who to bring on to the shop. "Especially with Sam's wedding looming over us. That floral order is no joke. Any chance you know someone? I was also going to ask the family, if they know someone, before I resort to an ad."

[honeyxcombs]

"It means you'll get a raincheck on it. If you think about it. It works out better in your favor. You see," he made an exaggerated gesture as he took her hand and walked down the rocky pathways away from their beach house. "I have it on good authority that your favorite husband in the planet has a week off work so you won't have to lift a finger and can sit in bed watching all your favorite guilty pleasures."

He laughed as his green eyes sparkled at the mere thought. "I was thinking of raiding Wally's bin. Unbelievable but he is even worse than you and Sammy when it comes to mementos saved." A bunch of hoarders were their lot. "Is the fourth storage even filled yet?" Curiosity filled him as the last he knew, his brother's things went to storage number three.

"Cargas toda la esperanza que teniamos." As he said that he pulled their intertwined hands and kissed her knuckles. "Maybe little one should be named Esperanza? Or Fey if it's another girl. Fatima sounds like my tia and we don't talk to her. If it's a boy," he hadn't considered it in fear that they'd have a daughter again. "Not gonna lie I'd like to honor both my brothers. Basty's middle name would be what I'd take. But also, unsure if we could handle another Janny." A heavy conversation he kept light. "I could ask around? I know Cleo has a daughter that is looking for a job but unsure if she's still looking. Why not put Wally to work? He's got time?"

[starrylovebug]

"They would never," she said with a feigned, incredulous gasp. Ivette had come to love the town they lived in, despite their willingness to spread news and rumors so quickly. it really made the place what it was, and it made it hard to be mad at that. Glancing down at their hands, she was inclined to agree. They were a solid team, had been for many years. Finding their way back there, with their newest team member, would be the adventure of a lifetime.

If Ivette was an owl, her head would've already done a complete turn. She was sitting in bed, watching him just speeding through the room - from the closet to the suitcase, and back again. Peering over to the suitcase, she smiled widely. "Any chance the bed and the hacienda fits in there?" She was definitely just teasing him, enamored by the way he immediately took to preparing everything for both of them. Standing up, she made her way to him and cupped his face with her hands. "I think we will be okay. I will take the extra sweaters, and um," looking back at the items, "I think so, yes. I'm also not a stranger to buying clothes once there. My version of souvenirs."

Now, Ivette was also just as nervous as he was. Even more maybe. The thought of meeting more family had her spooked since the first time they broached the subject. Her track record with his family had not been all that great so far. "Lunch is a yes, a long plane ride awaits. Hm, no...no pizza, sorry. Can we do pasta? Maybe like an Alfredo sauce. I know it's not very traditional, but kinda hard to ignore the super rich cream."

[honeyxcombs]

"Oh is this your gentle nudging to go to Disney?" Javi smiled already amused at her antics. "Remind me not to let my phone down near you. You get all nosy," he poked her nose and kissed her softly. "Honestly, you and my sister are nosy detectives." But there was no bite in his words at all. He would truly do whatever she wanted. After he put in the last sweater, he zipped up the suitcase and set it by the door. "Zeke is too excited to come. I hope you know he's our first child."

"Pasta it is. We can get dressed so we are airport ready and you don't have to change on the plane. We'll get you the Alfredo pasta and some bread? Is that still okay?" He reached for her hand and smiled. "Pizza is a never thing in this household. Ew, blegh." His forehead rested against hers as he grinned. "Anything else my love?"

[starrylovebug]

"I understand," she said, even if her mind was still spinning with everything that they had discussed for the last couple of hours. Gianna almost made a note, about their secrets. Agents after all, there was an irony there, but her need to be close to him was greater than considering ironies. She was shameless, the way she leaned into him, and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer leaving no possibility for any space between them. Her eyes were shut, taking in each touch he graced her with. Gia nodded softly, mumbling yes and moving to trail kisses from his jaw down to his neck. "I...yes, I promise. I'll be focused. Whatever you need, I'll do it." She was promising now, and she knew that eventually, she would be able to fulfill that promise. Gia would just need to find her way back to that version of herself.

As he flipped them over, a quiet chuckle escaped her. "I knew I'd be a bad influence on you, trying to get you to run away." It wasn't the place to be joking around, but Mikey was also a level of insane that she couldn't quite fathom. She was sure if she told anyone else all of this, they'd give her one of three reactions: run for the hills, report her immediately to the bureau, or take her out. He was upset, understandably so, Gia knew she was not exempt from that...but the fact that he didn't react the way she expected and was now taking lead to get her out. Well, it left no room for doubt that she was hopelessly in love with this insane man. She agreed, no more work, even if her mind was riddled with it. "I could work with that," her brown eyes looked into his, that gleam flickering, fighting to return. "Third base? Aren't I a lucky girl?" Undoing his buttons as she spoke, gently pushing the shirt off him. It was eager, but not rushed. Each action, each breath bring committed to memory. It took her longer than it should've, the realization that this was their last night together. But, knowing it now, she had to savor each moment. Her world was slowing down, centering was more, and it was because of him. "We'll make this a good one."

[honeyxcombs]

Mikey smirked and dug his face into her neck. He left bite marks all over, something like a claim he made of her body. A canvas that was his to play with. Their eager heartbeats he could hear it in his ears as the heartbreak of letting her go fueled every movement. This memory would have to be enough to get them through.

The morning came way too quick, Mikey shut his eyes as he felt her naked body against his side. Her fingertips trailed over his stomach as he knew she was awake but didn't make an effort to move. They had about an hour before they needed to leave. The room was quiet and dark despite the sunlight hitting the bedroom. His breathing was even as he looked over at her and smiled softly. "We gotta go." He didn't need to say where but that she would know. "Wanna shower first? I gotta text Alvaro. See if he's where I told him to be at."

He got up and slinked his arm away from her. He ran his hands through his hair and rubbed his eyes. "Karina always this annoying with texts?" he asked as his shoulders turned to show her the text messages. A lot left unanswered. "She hates not being in control." An observation really more than a knowable fact. Turning to fully face her. "Defiance is a turn on?"

[starrylovebug]

His smirk gave it away, and she suspected that was no coincidence. He was shameless about it, and frankly, Selene didn't care enough about who he, or her mother was involved with. She did care, however, when he set her up with some bullshit dating story that now had her mom's panties in a twist. But, he didn't comment on it, so she didn't either. Reluctantly, she looked over at the screen he showed her. Matty. Matty had already told her this, but seeing it through the phone screen almost knocked the air out of her. "Is this your idea of, willing to help? You owed me a favor," she reminded him, her irritation growing by the second. "You dangle something like that in my face and won't tell me more? Such a tease." She would play dumb, play the flirt, whatever it took really. Her priority was getting Matty out, away from all of this, like she had promised him. She'd get herself out of this once he was safe. "You're all ears, and so am I Joey. There's nothing to think about. So, if you're willing to play ball, get to it."

You think she's wavering, then go all in on the experiment. If it's true, she sought this out herself. If it's not true, well it's good training for her. What's new on Armind? okay, have some updates with the next fax. I hate using this machine.

[honeyxcombs]

"Not cashing it in for this one. This is low stakes. Come on, this wouldn't even crack the top ten." Joey smiled and released a breath. "Seems to me the one who boasted about having the highest scores here was not me. You're smart, figure it out. Think of this as a puzzle. Except someone's life hangs in the balance."

He crumbled the fax paper from Karina and went on his way. Of course, he stopped by the room and opened it. He was sitting near the wall as he tried to figure out how many dents the ceiling had.

"I always get 245 cracks. How about you?" Matt smiled though he tried not to and hummed. Joey saw that he had broken through but didn't relent his conversation. "I've come with a proposition. Wanna help me help your girl?" Nothing. No reaction. Selene had trained him well. "Alright. Well. Big boss is coming to see you. I'll need a favor." He dropped the lighter next to his pillow. He knew what it meant. "You do that when you're scared. How about when you're neutral."

[starrylovebug]

“Bless your soul,” she offered a small smile in return, though there was absolutely no pity in her tone. Minju knew how much he loved being a dad, it was obvious the moment you walked into the room. "Guilty as charged. Yes, just trying something new - working with new places in the area. And, it's a huge boost for the observatory, hopefully." Now that made her grin in delight. Glad that no one had thought of it. The one venue she wasn't fighting over. "Honestly, I'm surprised too. I think it's just a trek up in the hills, so it's quickly discarded, but I watched La La Land and honestly? In love. Yes!" Her excitement was hushed, but it still couldn't be contained. "That's what I was hoping for! Enjoying the gala, but leaving a few exhibits open so people can wander around." With a brow raised toward him, yes she got it - he would be the people wandering.

He was right. The themes presented were no good. Nothing that she loved either, but presented for the sake of having a starting point. "They're not great, I think we can scrap these. Put them in the vault for next year, if anything. The aquatic one seems fine, but feels kind of odd given the space." Looking back down at her folder, she mulled over the half-baked ideas she'd been tossing and bringing back to her mind. "Another option, risky if not done right though, is to lean into the venue. Observatory, planets, celestial themes - all that fun stuff." Laying the folder out, she pulled a few color options. "Like here, some silvers and royal blue. You ever seen those vintage sun and moon pictures? Could be something like that. Or, silver stars, like the wishing star. Um..if we wanted art inspired, Starry Night is always a classic."

[honeyxcombs]

Wally smiled and looked down at his two sleeping babes. He had half a mind to wake them up but thought better of it. He knew once Lorey was up, all work wouldn't get done. It'd be playtime with the little mini me. Something he'd happily oblige to but with the gala being two months away, there couldn't be any more setbacks. "You're right that it is. Plus with tourists coming in that means a boost the local economy." He wasn't a numbers analyst by any means but he knew money attracted revenue. "It's always La La land," he laughed. "I like it. Not that I'm the one you're supposed to impress but you know, clever." Lorey squirmed but quickly fell back asleep. He liked his dad's voice. It always soothed him to sleep. It comforted him. Wally touched his fingers and hummed when he gripped his index. "You know, for that? Call in Matt Shields. We can use him for the few exhibits. I'm pretty sure he was in the team for one of the newer exhibits we got at the island."

He noticed her eyes glanced at the folder and held out his hands to hand it over. "Celestial theme?" Wally asked as an eyebrow quirked. "Interesting. I like it. Speaking my language there with the Royals Blue. Makes me think of the Dodger blue or the Blue Jays." That high from the World Series was still strong. He'd always represent his siblings' schools and their short stints on the mainland. "Let's use and lean into the old Hollywood effect. Vintage sun and moons. That could be the art behind the party favors? Starry Night? I like it. Why have you been holding onto these gems?"

[starrylovebug]

"You got it boss," she was quick to reply before hanging up the call and grabbing the binder on her desk before heading down the hallway. The shift in planners did not throw Minju in a loop, but the looming event date did. It felt too close, close for someone whose life revolved around these events.

On any other occasion, she would've knocked before entering, but he had mentioned sleeping babies and she did not want to startle them with an echoing knock. "The holiday gala not letting you sleep? It is a bit of a rollercoaster this year, the venue is the star," a grin following at her own lame connection. Throwing the gala at an observatory was a bold one for her, but no one could deny the beauty of the place. Downside? Finding a theme for it has been proving difficult, and without that, not much else could progress.

[honeyxcombs]

Wally chuckled but shook his head. "More like six little limbs." It was a joke he loved to pull out with family and close friends. They knew he loved being a dad. He was as devoted as they came but he also never wasted an opportunity to joke at his own expense and lack thereof of his sleep. "I am beginning to see that. Don't tell me! Your idea?" The venue was pretty epic if he was being honest. "I gotta say that I was more surprised to know that the observatory had not been used. A great idea by the way. People will nerd out." Wally looked up and grinned. "I'm people."

"Saying that though, I don't know that any of these themes would work. They're all lovely but just not the one. The aquatic one that I see here isn't too bad just might clash with the color."

[honeyxcombs]

@invisiblelovebug

It should have been scary how fast Wally acclimated to his new role at hq. He wasn't on the pay roll, he thought that'd be fucking stupid, he was helping his sister out and also doing something with his hands. Actual work had been paused so here he was doing what he did best. Throw himself into something, anything. Upside of this was that he could bring his kids to the offices and he could watch them while meetings went on.

He had Everly asleep on his lap, Lorey quietly playing with his blocks and Jack following people around to see what daddy did. Wally kept an eye on him and smiled as he thought that was cute. Sitting in Sam's desk felt weird but he quickly adjusted. Her chair was super comfortable that he now knew why she didn't move from it. He flipped the papers of his packet and read through carefully. He had a few themes on paper that he could see happening for the holiday galas but nothing stood out.

Lorey sighed and looked over at his daddy. He ran that three feet and sat on his feet hiding under the desk. Wally looked down and rubbed his head. "Hungry, buddy?" When Lorey shook his head, he rubbed his eyes and yawned. "Tired." That he understood. Without moving his daughter, he moved lorey up to his lap and caressed his hair. He knew he'd fall asleep soon after. His crabbiness was showing and that meant he needed a nap. He saw the phone light up and he picked it up. "Hey, no, no. I was just reviewing the packet. Do you have a minute to come? I would go to your corner of the office but currently got two chickies asleep on my lap."

[starrylovebug]

He confirmed what Selene was dreading to hear. Her mother's inklings. "Right, and you know a lot about my mother these days." She stood in front of him, not moving an inch, even as he paced around the room. Selene felt like he was circling her, predator and prey situation here. It was not something she was fond of, being on the receiving end of it. "And that spark of mother's intuition was before or after you fucked her?" her words were hushed, just for him to hear, not the cameras that were surely still running in this room. Her blood ran cold at the mention, experiment 003, her Matty. He was back, add that to the list of things she was dreading to hear. "I don't know what the hell you're talking about," she opted for acting dumb about her connection to Matty. Again, she’d be stupid to assume those cameras were not on.

“You know what I mean,” she said through gritted teeth, her patience running thin. Then again, she supposed they were both acting fools right now. Playing mind games with each other. “What you’re doing here, in this room. How’d you find me?” Referring to how concerned he looked when he barged in here, saying he had found her. Still, she was grateful for the keys, moving quickly to undo the cuffs. “Thanks,” looking back over at him, she crossed her arms over her chest (because she could do that again), “an escape? Here I thought my date would be a gentleman and just let me out. But, what the hell, sure let’s talk.” Because talking might just help her figure some of this out and think of how to get to Matty. “Do we need to talk here, or is there some place more comfortable?”

Karina heard the machine whirring behind her, and knew that it was Joey. No one else really sent fax messages anymore. Clear to move forward with it then. We’ll see if kinder feelings yield something useful for us. She knows of it, part of the tour I gave her. Can’t decipher why she’d be thinking of experiment 003 - I didn’t assign her to that file. He must’ve made some impact, which doesn’t matter, so long as she doesn’t begin forgetting where her loyalties lie.

[honeyxcombs]

Joey smirked as he had just gotten confirmation that she knew. But, still that wasn't what he wanted to pull focus on. If he could yank on the strings between mother and daughter then he could get to his endgame. He didn't care for infighting between family. Joey bent down to her level, showed off the phone camera for her to see. Matt fast asleep on a bed and seemingly looking disheveled. She could continue playing stupid but it would only hurt him. "Piece of advice if you care. You don't have many people who will be willing to help you with him. Most people here call him experiment 003. He is beneath human level to them. But, if you're fine with letting him die for the cause then by all means walk out that door and continue on with your don't know anything spiel. Door is right there."

"You think I don't know what goes on in my department? Not everyone is you, sweet cheeks. It depends on what you choose. If you gonna play the dumb card, I am afraid we won't get much out of it. If you want to be smart then I am all ears. You got time to choose. I'll be back. Oh, by the way. If you're thinking he's in this building, better think again."

Ball is in your court now. She's playing dumb. She keeps calling him. Armind was in her room. Gave her a key. Puzzle pieces are in place. I'm heading off for a few hours. Got things to take care of with our friend, Dean. I'll let you know what comes from it.

[starrylovebug]

She was going to interject and let him know that was not where her mind was going, but it was sweet hearing him explain and break down exactly what he was thinking. "You're telling the girl who was attached to the animals at the zoo. Curious about nature would've made you interesting in my eyes." And, she was not exaggerating. "Mhm," though frankly, Emma didn't really have a type. She just liked who she liked, no rhyme or reason. "Tell you what, you show up with the glasses and give me your best nature fun facts, and I'll let you know if the nerdy guys are still my type."

Emma grinned at the mention of her brothers. "Absolutely, but I love it. My brothers are the best, they mean well. You'll probably see them around here, sometimes they come pick me up." Not because she couldn't drive or get to her place on her own, but it was a good opportunity to catch up or head to family dinners together. "I joined so much, let's see - theater, dance, cross country. Oh, and the most fun one, the school's radio station. We partnered with the local community college to run it, it was super fun. Definitely my favorite. How did you spend your college days?"

It was super close, and Emma really did think she had beaten him, but soon after, from the corner of her eye, she saw him surpass her with ease. Bold of her to think she'd win. "Dinner's a good motivator huh. I do keep my word though, real fancy? How's the Cheesecake Factory looking?" She followed his lead and hopped down, gently holding on to the rope and following after him. "Beautiful," now Emma would need to do a more detailed exam to determine where this beautiful creature stood. But, at first glance, it seemed like it could work. "It's very minimal though, I'll need to examine in further detail, but if Rome sees no concerns, I don't anticipate this affecting this gorgeous boy long-term. Proper trims and if we get someone really qualified, they can help set him up for success, reducing the risk of pain. But doable, with a good, balanced diet."

[honeyxcombs]

"Did you follow zoo animals around?" Landon was now curious about the animal lover in her. "Which one was your favorite? Did it change as you got older?" A soft chuckle fell from his lips as he nodded his head. "That sounds like a date. If I'm not reading it incorrectly. But, deal."

Landon was curious and so when her brothers were mentioned, he couldn't help but ask. "Your brothers are protective? How much of an age gap is there between you? Do you ever feel the gap when you're hanging out together?" Being an only child, he had to wonder if people who had siblings ever felt like a fish out of water. "The radio station as a radio host or what were you working as? I spent them here at the ranch. Helping out or just being a shadow for Rome. I didn't actually work here until way later."

"Cheesecake factory sounds good to me. As long as we get a cheesecake to take with us. Do you like holiday movies?" Landon being the holiday nut he wanted to know if he would have to hide his guilty pleasures from Emma. "You know that was really hot?"

[starrylovebug]

Gia didn't want to point out that he couldn't guarantee that. It wouldn't help him or her. Besides, it was so easy to believe him. So so easy. So instead, she nodded slowly, a soft smile breaking through her lips. "I hope that's the case," and she had contributed to his training. "I'll be counting the days until you do," she admitted, resting against his chest and her eyes closing for a few moments. Gia never thought she'd be placing her trust, her life really, in someone else's hands. Her life, her decisions had always belonged to her. Even under Karina's supervision, the decisions had always been Gianna's. It was bizarre now, giving that control over to someone else. But, there was no one else she'd rather do it for than for him. "That feels like a lifetime ago that I asked you that. I do...I will, trust you with it." A humorless laugh inevitably came from her, the irony couldn't be ignored after all. "Honestly, if this is all some elaborate plan to fuck me over, I would've earned it." Through and through. "He's in the loop right now, about all of this?"

She leaned into his lips, soft peppered kisses following as he spoke. "Yes you're right, I'm-" about to say she was sorry again. "I'll be fine, by the time we do this. I promise." Guilt ridden would likely remain, but he was right. She couldn't jeopardize what he was doing for her, just because she wanted to feel bad for herself for a while longer. "I'll follow your lead entirely." Gia heard the soft thud as the phone was set down. She tried to push all the thoughts out of her mind, "somewhere between first date and running away together," she answered quietly, her hand tangling up in his hair as she pulled him down to bed while she laid down. This definitely made for one hell of a first date.

[honeyxcombs]

Mikey released a soft breath as he nodded his head against her chest. "He knows enough. Haven't told him about Santo Domingo yet but I'll catch him up when we get there. Guess, I was also keeping a secret." He kissed her slowly and his hands roamed down her sides. He took his time even though their conversation was heavy.

"You promise," he caressed her skin with his lips. "I need you to be focused. We can do this. We can beat her." Did he know for sure? No. But he also knew who Gia was as an agent. If she wasn't good at what she did, Karina would have relieved her of her duties a long time ago.

"Mm, right. Running away," he caught her lips and made out with her. Pulling her body close to his and flipped them over. "As much as I love talking about work. Enough for tonight." Vegas would wait. He heard his phone buzz again and ignored it. Instead, focusing on Gia. The pleasure they both got from their bodies coming together. "We might even get to third base."