sounds sweet;

luci fitzgerald | 📍everywhere | 30

[rowanoconnell]

The hug makes him feel better, more put together. Maybe he needed that over the last couple of days and he could have walked to his parents and asked, no matter how silly it sounds. Someone would have been there. Sometimes Rowan forgets that even though he's independent and can handle a lot of things, he doesn't have to sometimes. Rowan nods to his mom, listening to her. He doesn't feel very brave right now but that's okay.

"I think they're letting us into the ballroom now," Aiden says as he walks towards, coming from a separate room. He pauses as he looks at Rowan pulling away from Luci. Aiden reaching out his hand, gently placing it on Rowan's shoulder, "Everything okay?"

Rowan nods again and he's not going to cry right here. "Yeah, all good," he promises the both of them. "I'm going to wait out here for Henry, and then we'll join the table."

Aiden nods with a light smile, "Okay," he replies, "Glad Henry could make it."

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci chews on her lower lip, nodding as Rowan pulls away. She reaches for Aiden's hand, holding onto it, running her thumb along his knuckles. She watches her son carefully, offering him a smile that hopefully makes him feel like he can handle whatever's put in front of him.

"Okay," She slides off the barstool. We'll see you in there." She nods, letting Aiden guide her into the ballroom.

Rosie knows that they probably should be heading into the ballroom soon to take their seats at the table with her parents, but like...because her mom and dad are in charge of this event, the snacks are literally so good.

She can't get enough of the little puff pastry things that taste like bacon.

"I feel like I'm going to become one of these puffs if I have another one." She says, looking up at her boyfriend.

Her boyfriend.

[rowanoconnell]

Sometimes Rowan wishes he was still five, maybe that's selfish, but he doesn't want to be grown and an adult right now. It feels too difficult and he very well knows that's the way of life and he has to get through it. He's in a grand position compared to several other people, he needs to be thankful. But... he just wants to curl up on his parents couch and eat homemade dinner from his dad and cookies from his mom.

Rowan smiles a bit more, looking down at his suit and nods. He is put together, but when she asks if he's okay he has to think about it for a moment. No, not really, but he doesn't want to ruin the night for his dad. "I'm okay," he says instead with a nod. But he leans down to hug her, really hug his moment for a few solid moments.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci can read it right on Rowan's face. He's always been like this, just like Aiden. Thinking of others before himself, tucking hurt away so no one has to 'deal with it'. And while she won't call him out in the middle of an event, she will bring this up later to talk about.

For now, she nods at his I'm okay but doesn't believe him. She instead wraps her arms around Rowan, squeezing him. He's so much taller than her, but she's always been strong in the sense that she knows how to hug.

She threads her fingers through the back of his hair like she would do when he was little, pressing a kiss to his temple.

"Whatever it is," She says gently, "It'll be okay. You're strong and kind and brave."

[rowanoconnell]

Rowan steps out of the car and looks around at this event space. The outside is pretty with flowers and banners. Some people linger outside but Rowan walks up the steps to go inside. There's a few awards tonight, he's certain, not just for his dad but that's the most important one to Rowan. He's sure his parents are here because his dad is the time management police which is always a little funny but a decent trait, he thinks. Rowan's got that too sometimes.

He looks around the space, more people inside and hanging out until the event will begin. There's some drinks and finger foods out and Rowan takes a mini sandwich along the way. The goal for tonight is to be supportive for his dad, and his family. That's it. Nothing else matters even if his stomach feels off and his thoughts keep drifting to other things (Henry).

Rowan eats the sandwich and pauses in the doorway of a sophiscated bar area just outside a ballroom. He glances around before finding his mom and something about it makes him feel like a kid losing his parent in a grocery store. "Mom," Rowan says as he walks over to her, smiling a little bit.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci is more than proud to be here to celebrate Aiden. She's always ready for a party, but one of her most favorite things to do is celebrate other people. Her kids, her husband, doesn't matter. So this event being thrown for Aiden? She's all over it. She's in a white sparkly cocktail dress, silver heels and smiling as she watches people start to file in.

She orders a drink at the bar, something pink and fizzy, smoothing her hands down her dress. She turns when she hears mom and smiles widely as she sees Rowan.

So much taller than her now, filled out and handsome as ever. A grown man that she couldn't be more proud of.

"Look at you," She grins, touching his cheek, "So handsome."

But she gets a good look at his face, mom senses tingling. She frowns just a little, her eyebrows drawing together, "You okay?" She asks.

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden flinches although he's not sure if it's from the pop out, Luci or maybe both. Either way, he's laughing too as his arm secures around Luci and then they quickly move on. They've definitely lost August and Ryan. How big is this place? Maybe Aiden's perspective is wonky, or they really are turned around.

He tips his head down to listen to Luci over some spooky music that plays. "It'd be like the ghosts in Casper, how they eat the food but it goes right through them," Aiden comments, "Maybe that's why some ghosts are miserable and haunt people."

Aiden looks around, reorienting them to go to the right and he thinks they might be on the right pathway until it's pitch black. His hands remain on Luci as they feel their way through and Aiden is praying that no one grabs them or– there's screeching. Then a flash of light.

It's Ryan and she almost crumbles to the ground but she's laughing? Aiden can feel his heart rate leap.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci skitters out a laugh and reaches back for Aiden to wrap her fingers around his own. She squeezes, comfortable and happy and a little thrilled that there might be a legit ghost or something in this maze because she swears she hears other screams that aren't their friends or whisps of white in the mirrors that's not the fog machine.

They walk down the hallway, her steps slowing before they turn a corner, "Think you gotta lead, that's the rules." She presses herself up on her toes, unable to stop herself. She kisses him gently, her stomach fluttering in butterflies, "As the tallest. And most handsome." She smirks, peeking around the corner to make sure nothing was spooky in person.

At least for now.

[aidenoconnell]

"I'm not messing," Aiden tells her, his free hand falling to Luc's hip to turn her to the right. "There were four red eyes which I'm sure were some lasers or somethin'," he mumbles but he doesn't matter so much because as they walk more weird things keep happening.

Aiden's not scared, definitely a bit weirded out because it's dark and everything is purposefully unexpected. It is fun, he can feel the aderenaline build up in him as they keep going and he definitely... doesn't almost collide with a mirror.

"Forever is a long time," Aiden hums as he tries to make sure they're not going in a circle.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci lets out a soft laugh as she looks in the direction of what Aiden is talking about. She didn't see the eyes but there were a ton of moments in which there were things to scare them. They turn the corner and she jumps almost a mile high when a false wall drops towards the corner and someone screeches at her.

"Oh my god," She laughs, leaning back against Aiden's chest. The wall is replaced all over again and she holds onto his hand, skittering past to another long hallway.

"I mean, yeah, they become ghosts. The people who are stuck." She grins at him, curling her hair around her ear, "I'd be so mad if I was a ghost without my dog. Or, like, access to sweets."

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden rolls his eyes, "How about we finds our way through this, yeah?"

Ryan smirks and nods, turning on her heel to begin through the maze of mirrors and traps, spooky music and lighting. It definitely is confusing to navigate through and Aiden swears they hit the same dead end twice in the matter of minutes.

"I'm not very good at these," he admits to Luci with a soft laugh. It feels like he's seeing about twelve of her and Aiden focuses on the physical to keep his head straight. With that, they've lost his brother and Ryan so it might be a free for all.

Aiden eyes scan around as they walk, blinking when– "What was that?" He points to seemingly nothing, "There was four red eyes over there."

[lucifitzgerald]

Oh Luci loves this. She's always been a haunted house girlie, even if there's some screams and such or jump scares. She loves everything about it. Obviously a Fun House made for a county fair isn't going to be as intense? But the fact she gets to wander through this maze-like structure and hold Aiden's hand? She's already about it.

They pass wobbly mirrors, some green and purple lights and a little bit of fog on the floor rolling over their ankles.

"Me neither," She laughs, tugging him towards the right. "Ryan and August will probably make it out first and we'll be stuck in here forever...you know I saw a horror movie like that once."

A squeak leaves her lips as she turns quickly towards the direction of the so-called eyes and then laughs, "Do not play with me, Aiden."

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden laughs at his brother's comment because he's betting on that one. They'll find each other eventually. He puts the other wirstband on himself and looks at the fun house, squinting from the sun. "I don't think it's that scary," he says but part of him can't recall. Aiden remembers there being an actual horror one but that could have been the one at the fall fair in October.

Either way, Ryan motions everyone to go towards the line that's formed and people in small groups are being let through. They leans against August as they wait a sort amount of time for their group of four to be allowed through.

It's old, rickety and creaky. The flooring moans eeriely as they walk inside the fun house and alright, maybe it is a little more dark than Aiden had remembered. He find Luci hand and from what he's learned about her, she's going to eat this up with a big grin on her face.

"As the self appointed Daphne of the group, I vote we split up, look for clues to escape," Ryan turns to look at the other three.

Aiden makes a face, "That's what Fred says."

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci grins as she holds onto Aiden's hand, the dark giving her stomach a fluttering sensation and even though it's kinda spooky? She loves stuff like this. Her pulse is already hammering in her neck and it...well, it kinda makes her want to kiss Aiden right on the mouth.

She concentrates instead, a soft laugh leaving her lips as Aiden of all people, corrects Ryan's comment about Fred. Interesting. She raises her eyebrows at him,

"I want to be Scooby in this scenario--if there's snacks."

August huffs out a sound, "Aiden might take that role too." He grins at his brother.

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden knows the fun house is usually by a ticket booth so he leads them in that direction. There is a plethora of people and he encourages the lean in from Luci so they can stick together. "It feels like it stretches on for miles," Aiden tells her as he keeps his eyes peeled for his brother as well.

He motions to a few spots as they walk along, "These a large food tent over here," Aiden points off to the right, "Live bands all day towards the back with a beer garden too. Surely line dancing later," he chuckles softly, weaving them through a group of teenagers lingering.

Eventually he does see August and Aiden places Luci in front of him so she can see and go that way.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci allows Aiden to gently guide her through the crowd. It's busy but not to the point where it feels overbearing or suffocating. Just a lot of families gathering to have fun together at the same fair, so much to do that it spreads people out depending on interests.

She chews on her lower lip, walking until she sees August and Ryan, waving excitedly. August offers her a gentle wave, looking towards his brother,

No surprise that Vic is late, but I'm sure he won't mind if we do the Fun House without him.

Luci wanders up to Ryan, offering her a half hug, "You look lovely."

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden smiles as he sees his brother with Ryan, and Ryan waves back enthusiastically just as Luci does. He greets them and Ryan hugs Luci back, looking down at her outfit: frayed denim shorts and a airy lace top to keep cool as she can for the day. "Thank you, I love this dress," Ryan says as she touches the fabric of it.

Aiden looks to his brother as he mentions Vic and nods, glancing around.

You'd think he wouldn't want to miss all the mirrors with his reflection, Aiden teases, then looks at the ticket booth. He walks over and pays for wristbands, returning to Luci and gently grabs her hand to secure it around her wrist. "Fun house first."

[lucifitzgerald]

August grins, he's a scaredy cat. He hooks one of his fingers into Ryan's belt hoops and tugs her closer until he can put an arm around her.

"That or he's making out with Micah in his car. Really a coin toss."

Luci can't stop herself from smiling at August's warmth towards Ryan. Kind of the same since the bar but also different? Like...maybe their date went really well? She hopes so.

She looks over at Aiden as he comes back over with a wristband, nodding her head, "I'll try not to scream too loud during any jump scares." She playfully puts a cross over her heart with her fingers.

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden knows the fun house is usually by a ticket booth so he leads them in that direction. There is a plethora of people and he encourages the lean in from Luci so they can stick together. "It feels like it stretches on for miles," Aiden tells her as he keeps his eyes peeled for his brother as well.

He motions to a few spots as they walk along, "These a large food tent over here," Aiden points off to the right, "Live bands all day towards the back with a beer garden too. Surely line dancing later," he chuckles softly, weaving them through a group of teenagers lingering.

Eventually he does see August and Aiden places Luci in front of him so she can see and go that way.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci allows Aiden to gently guide her through the crowd. It's busy but not to the point where it feels overbearing or suffocating. Just a lot of families gathering to have fun together at the same fair, so much to do that it spreads people out depending on interests.

She chews on her lower lip, walking until she sees August and Ryan, waving excitedly. August offers her a gentle wave, looking towards his brother,

No surprise that Vic is late, but I'm sure he won't mind if we do the Fun House without him.

Luci wanders up to Ryan, offering her a half hug, "You look lovely."

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden changes lanes, the car in front of him going a little too slow for his liking, then gets back over a moment later. He smiles and nods about the Oreos because yeah, it's just an Oreo dipped in batter and deep fried. Yet it feels like so much more than that. The powdered sugar? It's almost a delicacy.

He turns his head again as he adjusts his rearview mirror and his hand falls to Luci's to hold onto as he continues to drive. "We can get those as well," Aiden nods and he thinks they'll be there a while anyway, it's after two and it's always a little more fun at night with the lights. "I think there might be fireworks tonight," he says.

The view of the fair comes up soon enough with the large attractions, tents, already the wafting smell of fried food too, popcorn. Aiden pulls in and there's a line up of cars getting in. He takes out his wallet to pay ten bucks for parking and weaves through lanes until he manages to find one that'll fit his truck. He climbs out and helps Luci slide out of the car as well, texting his brother in the other hand to see where he is.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci can't stop herself from looking around with wide eyes around the truck. It looks like every fair she's ever seen on a typical rom-com movie or 2000s TV show. Also known as, everything she's ever wanted. She loops her fingers with Aiden's as they slowly walk in the direction of where the crowd is headed. There's bright lights and screeching children and the sound of laughter.

She's already sure that this will be the best date she's ever been on.

August texts back that they're lingering near the Fun House, which is basically a house of mirrors with some surprise jump-scares.

Luci smiles as a fortune teller calls out to her, but she leans into Aiden's side as they continue walking, "There's so much stuff here--you're right, it's massive."

[aidenoconnell]

It's not a far drive, twenty minutes tops but the parking might be a slight pain. Aiden turns on the radio low and has the windows of the truck open, a nice breeze for the day coming through. He settles into the seat and glancing over at Luci every so often to see if she's okay and Luci already seems to be enjoying herself.

He chuckles, looking back at the road, "That is one of my goals for the evening," he nods, matter of fact. "Also to get some deep fried oreos and maybe something extremely greasy to eat," he adds and looks at her again. "It's a big lot, so whatever you want to see... we can see it."

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci looks out a window, sticking her hand out and rolling her fingers through the breeze. She breathes in, closing her eyes as Aiden drives. She turns her head to smile at him, her other hand reaching out and touching Aiden’s thigh. It’s not hinting at anything else, moreso just for a connection, if his hand leaves the wheel they can maybe…lace fingers. If he wants. 

“Oh my gosh, I can’t remember the last time I had a fried Oreo.” 

She chews on her lower lip, thinking about everything they’re going to do. She can’t wait to do the carnival games and ride the Ferris wheel and—

“I gotta get chicken tendies and a funnel cake.” 

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden refills Bee's food and water bowl in the kitchen as he finishes tidying up. He's excited about the fair today, he's gone every since since he was a kid and it's something to look forward too. He likes the rides, although the spinning ones are a bit much this days. He likes the overpriced games and more importantly, the variety of food that is always there. He's looking forward to some deep fried Oreos as well.

With that, he's looking forward to going with Luci. It's always fun taking someone who's never been before and he thinks she's going to really like it, and maybe the other important element is that it is a date. A real date and Aiden hasn't been on a date in a couple of years but he's pretty certain he knows what he's doing.

He grabs a treat for Bee in the cupboard and hands it to her, petting. "Wish me luck," Aiden says and Bee barks. he smiles and stands, grabbing what he needs and begins to walk to the door just as Luci knocks. Aiden waves and pulls open the door. "Just need to put on shoes," he tells her and does so promptly so he's not wasting any time.

Aiden steps outside and closes both doors before standing on the porch with Luci. He takes in her white dress and her boots, very county fair-like. "You look very pretty," Aiden compliments, then looks down at himself in a vintage looking t-shirt that has a small logo of the ranch and a nice pair of jeans. He thinks it's okay, definitely can't wear something too fancy to a fair.

Taking Luci's hand, he guides her down the steps to his truck parked just off to the side and opens the door for her. He helps her into the cab of the truck before going around to the other side.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci feels excitement fill her entire chest when she turns and sees Aiden, wearing a pair of nice jeans and a t-shirt. Aiden's always looked like the type of man who's smells really good. And he does. She can catch hints of his cologne and laundry detergent, mixing with something that's purely Aiden. She draws in a breath, her stomach fluttering when Aiden reaches for her hand. She interlaces their fingers, squeezing as she jumps off the porch.

"Thank you," She tells him with a grin, "Wanted to feel fancy on this first date."

Her heart is hammering in her chest, living as a pulse in her neck. She knows she has nothing to worry about, but she's definitely excited. She can't remember the last time she went to a fair or anything like that. Not to mention she's going with a handsome guy and a group of new friends?

She's really happy.

"You gonna win me a prize?" She flirts, smiling up at him as he helps her into the truck.

[lucifitzgerald]

county fair

Luci is so excited to be going to this county fair. Not only is it right up her alley with everything she could possibly want: sweets, rides, games, maybe a petting zoo (as if she doesn't live on a ranch every day), she's going with Aiden. As a date. And that, beyond anything, is what she can't wait for.

She changes her outfit twice before she decides on a white sundress with a jean jacket, pairing it with her going-out boots and nods at herself in her reflection.

Good, she thinks and smooths her hands out over her dress. She grabs her phone and wallet before walking over to Aiden's house, knocking on the screen door.

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden shakes his head, not wanting to Luci feel embarrassed or upset. "No, trust me, I would have thought the same thing if I had seen what you did," he's sincere and it's innocent, how would Luci have known? He knows she hasn't met Siobhan, she works in a different town so she's always here and there anyway.

He can feel relief between them which is funny because while he didn't feel tension, he can feel that Luci is a little more relaxed given the circumstances. The air shifts to something lighter as she squeezes his hand and he does the same in return. Aiden nods, "I like you too," an he feels a bit kiddish saying it, or maybe it's just something he hasn't said to someone in a while.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci hums warmly, running her thumb over his knuckles. Well this is...this is good. This is exactly what she needed to hear. She looks over her shoulder as Sunflower lays down with Bee, almost wanting to apologize to her for yapping her ear off last night with this so called 'predicament'.

But she's also grateful that Aiden came to talk to her. She's not sure she would have said anything after seeing what she did last night.

"Guess that's pretty lucky." She smirks when he says he likes her and tugs him a bit closer so she can press herself up on her toes and kiss the corner of his mouth.

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden steps into the tiny home, avoiding the light he always nearly hits his head on. He looks over at Bee having fun with Sunflower, but his attention swings back to Luci immediately at the collective words and thoughts she says to him. He blinks a few times, wondering if he's still half asleep because last time he checked he wasn't dating anyone and–

Oh.

There's an array of emotions that course through him but somehow his thought just lingers on Luci missing him. The ranch has been busy, it's felt like he hasn't seen Luci in few days too. Aiden's exterior softens and he shakes his head, taking this seriously as he thinks it feels to Luci.

"The other woman you saw is my cousin who called me to come get her from the bar last night," Aiden says as he leans against the wall. "I can definitely see how that would have looked. I'm not that person to kiss someone then go off with someone else. I'm sorry."

Aiden breathes it, slowly reaching out to see if he can take Luci's hand. "I missed you too."

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci is very much aware that none of this is her business. Aiden can kiss her and be with other people and if that’s… if that’s what he wants to do, she gets it. She’s someone who kind of wants to date seriously and there’s no judgement if Aiden doesn’t. She doesn’t think he’d be like that but also, not everyone handles being with people the same way. 

But then Aiden is softening and reaching for her hand and oh—oh. Her cheeks pink instantly and a soft, embarrassed laugh leaves her lips. 

“Oh god,” She shakes her head, her one hand touching her cheek as she squeezes Aiden’s fingers. “I’m sorry. I just— I didn’t mean to assume.” She offers him a smile, glad he’s not upset with her. She wasn’t trying to eavesdrop anyways. 

“As you know, I’m kinda rusty with all of this and —what I do know is that I like you. I really like you. And I’m glad we kissed.” She smiles. “And I’d love to go to the fair with you.” 

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden stifles a yawn as he waits for the door to open and when it does, he almost apologizes because he's certain he just woke Luci up. Politely, he darts his eyes away and smiles a little bit, shaking his head before looking back at her. "You're fine, I only woke up about a half hour ago," he admits, breathing in softly as he takes in her sleepy face and the sound of her tv on in the background.

"Two questions," he says a moment later. "One, how is your leg?" Aiden motions to her shin and hopes it hasn't been bothering her too much. "Second... I was wondering if you were interested in going to the county fair with me?" Aiden asks, some hope in his voice because it is a big question for the morning.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci doesn't think that Aiden is playing with her, exactly, or trying to play the field. Or something like that? But she has to admit that she's surprised he's asking her to go to the fair when he's literally got a woman in his place right now. Or maybe she left. It doesn't really matter.

She looks down at her leg, "Yeah, it's good so far. Sore sometimes but healing." She smiles a little. Sunflower is wrestling with Bee with one of her toys. She encourages Aiden to come inside so she can close the door.

"Uhm," She looks at her doorframe, wondering... "I mean, I would love to go with you but...I dunno, would the other woman you're seeing be okay with that?" She rubs the back of her neck, "I went to go talk to you last night because I hadn't...I missed you." Pathetic, "And I saw you bringing someone into your place."

[aidenoconnell]

Aiden gets the horses situated, making sure Penelope isn't bothering Reggie too much this morning. But she likes Athena so he keeps them together in a separate pastures. He cleans a few items up before grabbing some water and decides to make the small hike towards Luci's place, wondering if she is awake or not. He nearly stops himself because it is kind of early but he thinks he's seen her milling about around this time.

Worth a shot anyway.

He inhales and Bee joins him halfway towards the familiar house she knows. Maybe she'll get to see her friend Sunflower as well. Aiden bends down to pet Bee before knocking on the door, taking a small step back.

[lucifitzgerald]

Luci, for whatever reason, does not put two and two together before she yanks open her door. She's not naked, exactly, but she's in a very tiny pair of shorts and a bralette. She blinks at Aiden as Bee rushes in to greet Sunflower, which is definitely okay but...she didn't expect him to be here.

"Uhm," A flush covers her cheeks as she reaches for a sweater to tug on, "Hi," She smiles, "Morning." She clears her throat, "Slow start...hope that's okay."