zₐₚ zₐₚ

[montesgarden]

ɪɴᴛʀᴏᴅᴜᴄɪɴɢ… 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯

Walking through the picturesque streets of Cardinal Hill, you find Monte Morrison, the 27 year old gardener at the Green Thumb Nursery originally from Cardinal Hill, WA. Living alongside them in such a small town, you know that they're easy going and withdrawn, but what you might not know is that they are a witch, and that they’re hiding something…

tw: death, drugs (marijuana)

He never knew his mother and his father died in a construction accident when he was only a toddler. Monte was raised by his paternal grandparents as one of their very own. That had been nice for a while but by the time he was a teenager their health was failing and he took the responsibility on himself. Skipping school to take them to their doctor's appointments, missing out on events because he didn't want them at home alone, never regretting a moment of it. They were the closest thing he ever had to parents but on a much shorter timeline. His grandfather was the first to go, right after he (barely) graduated high school. It was up to Monte to put his grandmother in a nursing home and sort out the bills. He'd always had a knack for growing things or so she said. It was his grandmother who taught him everything in the soil of her rose garden and he continued to care for it after she went to a home.

Their house became his but much quieter than it had ever been. He made it his sanctuary and was happy to share it with his friends who practically lived there with him. College wasn't in the cards for Monte, without the money, grades, or patience it just didn't make sense. Instead, he got a job at the nursery he'd visited since he was a kid. Some days life feels normal but Monte knows better than to get comfortable.

He was fourteen when his powers started to make their appearance. At first, he was freaked out, wondering what was wrong with him, and it was all explained by his grandmother who had been waiting for the day to come. His father told her the details of Monte's mother before his passing which meant it was up to her to explain who's blood ran through his veins. Some nights he'd pray it would go away and he'd wake up normal, just like everyone else, but it never happened. Practically no one knows about this, a secret he holds close to his heart, but still, a few have been lucky enough to find out. Lori guessed within days of knowing one another and Corey had the same affliction, it made sense for them to know.

His best friend, Corey Agnew, changed everything when he rolled into town. They're in a band together, Chasm, where Monte is their bassist, finally putting his once useless skills to work. If he isn't at work or with the band, he can usually be found in his garden smoking his homegrown bud while pretending his problems simply don't exist.

charlie heaton . pansexual . cis male . he/him

his familiar is the only bright side to the whole witch thing. his ball python, fusilli, is often with him and his closest friend. fear of snakes seems ridiculous to monte who had one for company for much of his life.

growing up he was often referred to by his last name and also answers to morrison.

he grows his own marijuana and offers it to anyone who comes through his humble abode. it isn't something he sells, only giving it to those he is close to. it's hidden amidst his vegetable garden and is known for being the best shit in town.

📌 : Pinboard

[montesgarden]

closed starter for jinhwan (@whispersandwraiths) located at the cardinal hill pumpkin palooza

He'd had more on his mind than usual. The town was out of whack, but other things had fallen into place. While part of him felt guilty for enjoying it, the other knew he'd waited for a moment like this since high school. The first time Monte ever saw Eden, he nearly tripped over his own feet, lost in her hazel hue, thinking of a life that never came to fruition. Now that she returned to town, so did the color. Not everyone got that side of him. Outside of his music, Monte didn't even really know how to explain it himself. Lucky for him, Jinhwan never seemed to care how roundabout his friend expressed the feelings he lacked words for. Painting pumpkins wasn't the original plan for the night, but somehow the duo ended up there after a stroll through the petting zoo and having nothing better to do. "Is it weird if I give this to her?" He asked, spinning the gord around to show his masterpiece. On it was a black cat wearing a lopsided witch's hat. "Or is that like stupid?"

[montesgarden]

closed starter for ash (@footnotesoftherecentlydeceased) located in monte's backyard

The smell of weed and tobacco filled the air. It was one of the nicest nights they'd seen in awhile according to Monte. The air was crisp, yet filled with the moisture of the impending rain that would ensue in the coming hours. They were free from the bugs, hiding from the approaching storm, and with the sun having sunk into the hillside, it was the perfect temperature to enjoy the patio without baking in the sun. While he had an awning, with that kind of building-storm humidity it acted as a shauna. This was the perfect time to partake in the evening before things got much more damp. After taking a hit from the pipe, it was held out for Ash, while holding the smoke in his lungs to further encourage the high. Upon exhaling, he returned to their conversation. "I know they've made like way too many Freddy movies, but I kind of want to see the new one." He thought for a moment before turning back to his friend. "Might be a rent, though, my co-worker saw it this weekend with her boyfriend and said somehow this one was even worse than Dream Master." Even when they continued to get more horrible and lose quality with each release, Monte couldn't help himself, finding a particular joy in bad horror.

[hearthandhallows]

‎ ‎ ‎ “A vicious pack of butterflies?” Jinhwan echoed with a giggle, head tilting with delight. “I hadn’t heard that one yet. I’ll add it to my collection.” His smile lingered, soft and fond. That was something he loved about Monte–every conversation offered something new, some turn of phrase or metaphor that felt like a secret treasure. Griffin had been teaching him new phrases, too. It made the world feel a little bigger, a little more alive.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ When Monte handed him the plate, Jinhwan followed without hesitation, sliding in beside him. He stared at the treat for a moment, almost too delicately, like he was unsure how to begin. A fork crossed his mind, briefly, but he dismissed the thought, deciding that part of the experience must be getting powdered sugar on one’s fingers. So he picked it up, took a bite, and–

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ His eyes widened in wonder. “This is really nice.” He took another bite immediately, lips dusted faintly with sugar. “Dangerously nice.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He blinked, then tilted his head toward Monte, eyes curious. “So… is blowing chunks a good thing? I can’t imagine a vicious pack of butterflies bursting out of your stomach feels very good, but-” he paused, squinting at Monte’s face. “-you’re blushing.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ His tone was soft, but teasing, just enough to coax warmth without embarrassment. Normally, Jinhwan might have kept such observations to himself. But tonight he felt braver, a little looser in his skin. He was safe here–with powdered fingers and a friend who made him laugh.

[montesgarden]

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Monte didn't understand how to string words together beautifully, not in conversation, but sometimes the poet songwriter in him would make an unexpected appearance. Usually, in times when he was lost for words, searching for the name of a feeling that he wasn't even sure existed. "I say something sometimes," Monte replied with a shrug through the brief trickle of laughter.

Then the importance shifted from these feelings he knew not how to explain, and to the delectable goodness that was: funnel cake. He watched, studied, checked for a reaction, though he felt quite confident it would be enjoyed. Monte couldn't imagine fried dough not tasting as delicious to everyone as it did to him, but he wouldn't push if Jinhwan didn't enjoy it the same. "Riiiiight." A grin foolishly large spread across his features as he nodded in quickly. "Imagine me as a kid figuring out these things existed... I'd wait like all year and make my grandparents stop here before we did anything else." It felt nice to reminisce with someone, share a past that had been mostly kept to himself. Those were quiet memories, but ones he knew Jinhwan would appreciate, which made them safe to share.

Then a laugh, if only it were so simple a feeling. Maybe he hadn't understood it as much as he liked to believe. That was the thing about the feeling: he had no control over anything when she was around. "Yes and no?" Monte didn't quite know himself. "It's like she makes my knees go weak and my tongue forget how to speak, but also like I would do anything to make her smile or nothing I wouldn't do to make her happy." He exhaled at the remnant of that electricity she made him feel. "It's somehow the best and most terrifying feeling ever." And that was putting it lightly.

[hearthandhallows]

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ They moved closer to the front of the line, and with the other’s reassurance that he would order, Jinhwan let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. It wasn’t fear of something new; no, he’d been braver lately, daring little steps into unfamiliar joy. But the thought of speaking now, in this light-headed, giggly state, sent a ripple of anxiety through him. If he tried to say “powdered sugar and honey,” he feared it would come out as laughter and nothing more.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ So he let Monte speak for them, hands tucked into the sleeves of his cardigan, the world sparkling a little brighter around the edges. When they stepped aside to wait, Jinhwan’s grin bloomed effortlessly as Monte started to describe how he was feeling.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Jinhwan listened the way flowers listened to sunlight–drawn in, warmed from the inside out. He was, admittedly, a hopeless romantic. Always had been. He found poetry in raindrops on café windows, in chipped teacups, in the way people looked when they thought no one was watching. It made sense that romance–actual romance–would be no different.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He had long since buried the idea of it for himself, tucked it into the soil like a seed never meant to sprout. But even so, watching it bloom in someone else’s life–especially someone he cared for–was more than enough. It was beautiful. And it made his heart ache in the sweetest way.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ But he was a little confused at Monte’s choice of words. “Blow… what?” He asked, tilting his head. “Is that good?”

[montesgarden]

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Monte had already decided he'd order two, one for each of them. His friend deserved to try it for the first time without a worry, as he did when he got a funnel cake as a child. It couldn't be one paid for out of his own pocket. This time, his meal was on Monte, that being the least he could do. The order was placed and paid for before his friend could argue, though he had the feeling it could be passed off nonchalantly if he continued on, having been around Jinhwan enough by now. While they waited for the dough to freshly fry, his eyes darted to which booths seemed busy that night to note for later when they'd need something to wash down their sweet treat.

"Ah, it means throw up," he explained simply. Monte didn't have a problem clarifying; it mostly only made him realize how strange some of the slang he used was. "Like my stomach is going to come out of my throat, or a vicious pack of butterflies trying to escape." Whatever Eden did to him was unlike anyone else. She'd been different since the day they met. Even then, he didn't know how to talk to her, but somehow enjoyed her company the most. Now Monte had broadened his friendship horizons, yet no one made him feel the way she did, only amplified from their youth when it was a silly crush. Sometimes, he worried he might just love her. Their food was ready before he'd been able to dive too deep into his easy breezy brain.

One paper plate soaked with oil and honey was handed to his friend, and Monte kept the other for himself. A table nearby called their name. Only then could they start their feast, beaming at his friend to watch his first bite. "Sooo, what do you think?"

[hearthandhallows]

Man, oh man, you're my best friend! I scream it to the nothingness-there ain't nothing that I need. @montesgarden

[hearthandhallows]

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ While the night they’d shared a few months ago had been the first time Jinhwan had tiptoed into the unknown, it hadn’t been the last. Curiosity bloomed in quiet places, and Monte's company had a way of turning caution into warmth, fear into soft laughter. It wasn’t something he would’ve done with just anyone–but Monte wasn’t just anyone. There was safety in his orbit, something kind and untangled.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The Witch blinked once, twice, slowly–then turned his head to look at Monte, hands rising to gently cover his face as laughter, light and uncontrollable, fluttered from him like little birds. Nothing was particularly funny. And yet everything felt funny. The lights overhead spun like lazy stars, and the warmth from the crowd pressed around them like a favorite blanket. The smell of sugar and fried batter curled through the air.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You have to add the honey,” Jinhwan repeated through his hands, “You sound like a prophet of sweetness,” before dissolving again into giggles. He wasn’t even sure if the joke made sense. When he finally uncovered his face, his cheeks were pink. “I haven’t had a funnel cake before,” he admitted, looking toward the menu. “But I will add honey. I love sweet things. Speaking of sweet things, you do still need to tell me about her," his voice took on an upward lilt, and he started giggling again.

[montesgarden]

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Monte wanted to make sure his friend got the same experience that he had growing up going to summer carnival. This was the first stop of many on the Tour de Monte. There were games to play, rides to go on, but none of that could be completed on an empty stomach. Besides, he considered the culinary excellence of the fair to be top-tier cuisine.

They found common ground quickly and an easy friendship in two soft souls. It made sense that they got along, but Monte hadn't been prepared to care so deeply for the boy. Found family was all he had now, and he clung to it with all he had. A smoke on the way over was a must. Not only would the food taste better and the games be easier, the lights would take on an entirely new personality. The funnel cake distracted him from the dancing lights, and his focus ping ponged between the two. It had been exactly how he remembered it. Every year brought back a feeling from his youth that otherwise would've been forgotten, but the smells, the sounds, all took him there.

"That's why we're making sure you get one exactly how they should be prepared," he confirmed. "Two funnel cakes with honey and powdered sugar, it is." Monte would take care of the ordering; this was a feeling of second nature, being able to function as if his brain wasn't fumbling inside his skull. At the mention of her, a blush took over his sun-kissed cheeks. "Ah," he searched for the words, running a hand through his hair. "Where do I even start? I've known her since high school, and I still can't talk to her without feeling like I'm gonna blow chunks."

[bitethvhand]

❁ Location: Carnival & Fun Fair ❁ Closed Starter for @montesgarden ❁ Muses: Monte & Eden

She needed to get out and let loose, knowing everything she did and telling Dorothy her secret made her feel lighter. Even though she wasn't entirely sure this was a date, Eden decided to treat it as such while getting ready for the night. The plan was to meet at the entrance, and she wanted to be on time because, to be honest, she missed being near him. The more time they spent together, the harder it was to be apart.

Still with all the excitement, she also couldn't stop thinking about what that piece of paper had said. Had it just been her eyes playing tricks? Once Eden blinked, the message changed, leaving her confused and anxious. She had to somehow tell Monte her secret, but first she had to tell the rest of her family. Every day, it was growing more difficult not to just blurt it all out.

Eden felt dizzy from the mixed emotions until he came into her line of sight. Before she knew it, she was waving and walking much faster. By the time she got close enough to him, she was already flushed. "Thanks for meeting me here." She blurted out with a smile. "I never managed to make it back here for this when in away, so it's been forever since I've been here, and yet it still looks exactly how I pictured it."

[montesgarden]

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Monte was nervous walking up to the entrance of the carnival. He'd already gone earlier that week on his own, but this time was different. Even the mundane would've been nerve-racking if he spent it with Eden. She was the girl he'd wondered could look at him the same, and now that he thought there might've been a glimpse, he felt himself short-circuit. It hadn't been labeled as a date when they talked about going to the fair together, but he prepared for just that in case the girl gave him a chance. After this many years apart, Monte found the most joy in being around her, as there had been a time when he thought he might never see Eden Prior again. His world had been a lot duller without her smile, he knew that for certain. Now that she was back in his life, all he could think about was how to make sure he didn't lose her this time around.

While he intended to be on time, it seemed she beat him to the punch. Still, once she smiled at him, everything that he'd been overthinking on the walk up melted in her eyes. He wondered if his heart had been waiting for her all this time, as no one else made it feel quite as full. "Of course." I'd follow you anywhere. "Just wait until you see the bumper cars. I don't think they've updated those things since we were in school," he followed with a gentle laugh, just enough to fill the dead space. "It's like you didn't miss a thing."

[wcirdo]

Closed starter for Monte Morrison ( @montesgarden ) Location: Cardinal Carnival and Fun Fair

Luke had hardly made it into the fairgrounds with Paige before she broke away from him to go chat with one of her old friends from high school. While he and Paige had made it official that they were dating they hadn't exactly made it known to people in their lives for no reason in particular. He wasn't keeping his relationship with her secret or anything but Lucas was just someone who tended to be more private with his personal life. All that to say he didn't mind offering to go stand in line to buy tickets while she caught up with her friends instead of awkwardly introducing him. The line was long and it seemed like everyone had the same idea of coming to the fair that night for dinner and some amusement and Lucas got in line at the end of the cue.

Luke had been standing behind Monte for a couple of minutes unaware the man was standing in front of him until he happened to turn his head and Lucas caught sight of him. "Hey," he greeted Monte. Their paths had crossed plenty of times over the years that it would be awkward not to acknowledge him even though Lucas and him weren't the closest of friends. "How've you been?" Lucas asked as a follow up. Last he'd seen Monte had been a couple months ago when he'd happened to deliver him a pizza.

[montesgarden]

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Monte came alone that night. His smoke session earlier ended with a hankering for churros; thus, the carnival called. It helped that he didn't live too far away, and he didn't need to worry about biking over instead of worrying about the car. Summer nights were perfect in Washington, the moon lighting the way, and the air still for the first time. That's when it felt most like home. Not that Monte wouldn't share his evening with someone, but he never complained about a night on his own. They were rare, even for someone who never struck up a conversation unless absolutely necessary; he still kept good company.

The boy tapped a hand against the side of his pant leg along with the music that played through the loudspeaker. He was in a familiar world created after a few hits and a moment to be left alone with his thoughts. Sometimes he could be known to spiral when he dared to think, that's part of what his favorite plant provided ease from. At least that's where Monte stayed until a voice drew him back to the carnival. "Luke? Been forever," he greeted with a smile and a half-wave as they were already face to face. "Not bad. Not good. Same as always." Nothing much to update besides the fact that he might've found his best strain so far. Not that he could say that so outright. "Stop by soon, got some new stuff you can try." He'd understand, Monte was sure of it.

[montesgarden]

closed starter for jinhwan (@hearthandhallows) located the cardinal hill carnival

The funnel cake had been calling him name since his smoke sesh before. Every time the carnival came he’d been sure to get some inspiration before arrival. That and Monte was raised by his grandparents who came every year and made sure to order a funnel cake for the trio to share. Once their grandson hit puberty he got his own while they shared one until his grandparents became a grandma and now he usually came alone. This year was different, there were two nights he made plans to go with friends and the possibilities were endless.

Jinhwan needed the Monte Morrison Carnival experience. Not that it was anything particularly special, just that he wanted to experience it with his friend, full of firsts. Only a few months ago, they were enjoying Jihnwan's first taste of the high life. This was less pressure on a night where they could let go differently. "I'm thinking powder sugar and honey," he thought out loud as the line moved another customer closer to the front. "You gotta add the honey." Or at least Monte thought so and would recommend his friend do the same for the maximum experience.

[bitethvhand]

❁ Location: Potting shed behind the Maplewood Inn ❁ Closed Starter for @montesgarden ❁ Muses: Monte & Eden

The potting shed wasn't fully done yet; all the appliances that weren't in there originally were now finished and in place, while the only extra item was a mattress. Moving out of her childhood room was desperately needed. Being there had made it so easy for her to not process anything and instead just go at life the same way she did in high school. After some terrible nightmares and hours of talking with Monte, she decided that even if the greenhouse wasn't ready, Eden would still move all her things there. It took only a day to lug all her objects from the Prior household to her new abode. She'd never really had much, only a few items she held close to her chest and some clothes. The owner of the inn had no use for the shed anymore, and once Eden had mentioned her situation, the deal was quickly made.

Inside, there were no sections to the place; instead, everything was an open concept, which only felt odd while using the bathroom. When talking about this annoyance with Monte, he reminded her that he was handy with tools. Since she didn't trust herself with anything sharp, it seemed like the perfect time to invite him over for some help.

The two ended up talking for hours on the day they ran into each other. To be honest, she never wanted to stop being in his presence. Everything felt lighter when he was the one asking her about herself, so unlike the tightness that often followed personal questions from everyone else. Still, she was also terrified of him knowing what she had done and why she had to do it. Anxious questions swirled in her mind whenever the idea of bringing it up and how that could end, most of the time, it was him leaving because it was too much. Eden had always felt like too much, so she decided, after her father died, to keep her preferences and thoughts to herself. But with Monte, it never felt like that, nothing she said was going to be second-guessed or dissected.

The offer for help came with some perks. Eden had taken some leftover side dishes from dinner at the hotel and purchased a chicken to roast as the main course. To top it off, she got some wine even though she wasn't sure if either of them was actually going to drink it. Still, she wanted to pull out all the stops. This wasn't a normal feeling that coursed through her body when she was near him; all her life, she had never once focused on the prospects for romance. Now it was all she could think about, and she specifically envisioned him as the one she'd finally open that door with.

When he knocked on the door, she looked at the clock to see that he arrived right on time, and a soft smile grew on her lips before answering the door. As he came into view, she couldn't help but feel her body grow warm. A sensation of tingling sparks went to her knees. "Hi! I was just setting the table up, come on in." Monte was one of the few people who had seen her childhood bedroom, which was very different than her current space. The walls were white and bare, with no photos of family, not even art to make it feel like home. She'd hoped to get more things done, but right now it was busy season at the Inn, so many families and couples on vacation, that by the time she got back to decorate, she was exhausted. That's why she invited him over on a Friday, hoping that, because her shift was covered tomorrow, it wouldn't matter if she had to sleep in the next day. "It's a work in progress, but they finally put it in a tub, so I don't have to keep using a vacant room at the inn." Closing the door, she then walked towards the kitchen area. "I was hoping you could help me section it off a bit more. I can't figure out how to make it work, but even if just the bathroom area could have some walls, it'd be an improvement."

[montesgarden]

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He would never turn down an opportunity to see Eden. Ever since they saw each other again at the Ceramic Cup, he hadn't been able to get her off his mind. Maybe he'd seen a ghost that day, but if he did, he'd only hope she never stopped visiting him. For all the years she'd been gone, Monte had the memories and no hope for a future. This time was different, a second chance to do something for the girl who got him through those four years. She wouldn't have known that watching her play with her hair in history or laugh with her friends during gym would play on loop. Monte never forgot her, the one who got away, the only one who ever mattered.

His hands were worn. Whether from the soil he dug his nails in every day or the tools in his grandfather's garage workshop that were stained with hard work. Monte's hands were always prepared for a grind, but jumped at Eden, taking up his offer from before. They'd had enough conversations to know what her vision was, yet this would be his first time seeing it in person. He brought over the toolbelt passed down to him and a homemade bouquet picked from the Morrison garden. The boy stood at her door, awkwardly trying to adjust his items before she opened the door, a hand pushing outward with the fresh flowers and a goofy grin taking form. "I uh, brought these for you," he fumbled through the words.

Within the first few steps, he could already see her home coming together. Eyes scanned from ceiling to floorboard, taking in the potting shed that she'd given new life to. She'd taken off faster than him, and he found himself picking up his pace to follow her to the edge of the kitchen. "No problem," Monte assured with a nod. It wouldn't be a fast process, but something doable by the end of the night. "No one wants to bathe out in the open like that, a little too freeing if you ask me." Immediately wishing he'd thought of something else to say, he switched the subject. "Where do you want me to put the tools?" He didn't want to place them somewhere inconsiderate or on an item she wanted to avoid a scuff. Better to be safe and sorry, he asked.

[lovesspell]

"No I do know and I know you're selling yourself short, Monte. If she shines bright when she's around you, doesn't that tell you something? You won even give her a chance to give you a chance because you've already decided the outcome. That's kind of ridiculous,"he told him, having no hesitation about being straightforward with him. If anyone deserved to enjoy some romantic bliss, it was Monte. He was a good person and Carter didn't feel that way about a lot of people. He felt like most people were full of shit but Monte had always been genuine with him. And seen him for who he really was and liked him anyway. Sure Carter wasn't the reckless bully he was in high school but he wasn't exactly a saint now. He was still shitty to people at times but his lasting friendships had told him he was capable of maintaining some things. It was a lifeline at least. "If you don't have the confidence to say something to her, I'll do it for you and you know I will."

"That's sweet Monte but I'm not depressed enough to give up my Egyptian cotton for your couch." He laughed but he was completely serious. He thought about the question and sighed. "I think the ship has really sailed. I'd like to think it's never fully sailed when it comes to Maddie but I don't see how we come back from this where she can trust me again. Trust me not to be selfish with my feelings and my time. Trust me to not flirt with our fucking waitress or some other stupid shit." He shook his head, knowing that he had partly sabotaged it, partly gotten so scared of what it meant to truly be happy. If only his parents had used their riches to actually put him in therapy at some point in his adolescence. "Or maybe I'm just a coward. I don't know, I think I should be trying harder but then I feel like I'm making it worse. She deserves some peace not my pathetic ass dragging her down all the time." It wasn't usual for Carter to speak so poorly about himself but it was how he felt. "All I do is fuck things up. It's like kind of my calling more than acting if you think about it. And that's not bait for you to say something nice about me, please don't. It's not deserved."

[montesgarden]

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Carter never sugarcoated, something a guy like Monte needed every once in a while. He'd always been the type who decided before it happened, assuming it would be the more disappointing option to prevent himself from getting hurt. It worked, kind of, but he never knew anything else. Carter didn't let him get away with that so easily. It'd hurt if she didn't feel the same, yet maybe not as much as making the mistake of never trying. "I know, I know," he nodded, trying to wave the truth from the air. Whether that's what he wanted to hear, it was what he needed. "I'm not gonna waste my second chance." A confirmation to his friend that Monte told himself at the same time. This wouldn't be like last time. "I'm going over to help her with some stuff at her place; she's fixing up this shack thing behind the inn," the boy explained before taking a drag. With his lungs freshly refilled, Monte's chest released some of the tension, and his shoulders sank down to their natural slouch.

It was true, he didn't doubt it for a minute. Sometimes he'd forget that Carter bled gold while sucking on his silver spoon. Not that it wasn't clear when anyone took a good look, but to Monte, he was a friend regardless of the sheets he slept on. "Yeah, don't remind me. I know your bed is more comfortable," he laughed, his head shaking at the obvious, as to most it was common knowledge. Their conversation took a turn, and he focused in, smile fading into a slight frown to go along with his furrowed brow. He knew Carter made mistakes, big ones, but this time was different. "Nah, dude, that just sucks, even if you did deserve it," the boy gave in with a gentle nod. No harm was intended; his friend's actions did not change the friendship they'd had up until then, but wouldn't deliver him the disagreement he didn't earn. Carter knew it too. "Sometimes it's that really painful, shitty shit that gives you the kick in your ass you need to do something about it." Profound, as Monte tended to be when he smoked, offering it out for his friend to take. He needed it more right now.

[hearthandhallows]

 ‎ ‎ ‎ Jinhwan listened carefully, his expression shifting through a dozen subtle shades—nervous, curious, amused—until Monte’s story about burning his finger made him laugh, a warm little sound that broke some of the tension in his shoulders. “You told your grandma it was a saucepan?” he echoed, wide-eyed and clearly charmed. “That’s awful. But also very convincing.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He reached for the water bottle he’d brought with him, taking a small sip like Monte had suggested. His fingers were delicate as he took the joint, like it might break if he wasn’t careful, and he turned it between his fingers once, twice, stalling. Then, slowly, he brought it to his lips.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Okay. Like a straw. Don’t hold it too long.” He inhaled—and immediately coughed. Hard. His eyes went wide as he half-choked, pulling the joint away and waving a hand in front of his face like that might somehow help. “Oh my god,” he wheezed, laughing between coughs. “You weren’t kidding. I think I did the exact thing you just told me not to. ” 

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ After a beat, he finally caught his breath, cheeks flushed and eyes watering slightly. He leaned back into the couch, pressing a hand to his chest. “Okay. That was… an experience.” He looked over at Monte again, the smallest grin tugging at his lips now that the initial burn had faded. “I will try again.” He hesitated for only a second longer before he took another, smaller hit—this time more gently, more confidently.

[montesgarden]

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Everyone had to start somewhere, but while Monte made his own discoveries, he could be a guide for his friend. The art of smoking weed was one that he studied from a young age, and his later lungs would suffer the consequences. Not that it would ever stop him, Monte relying on the plant to keep his anxiety in check. By the time his grandma passed away, he was fairly certain she knew exactly what he had really "needed" to do in the backyard and appreciated her silence on the matter. Maybe she knew why he did it, or at least, Monte liked to think so. "For how high I was, I don't know how I thought on my feet like that," he confessed with a chuckle.

After nodding in encouragement for Jinhwan to take his first hit, the oh so familiar scene unfolded in front of him. His head naturally rolled into a nod, an acknowledgement, and gave his friend's knee a tap of understanding. "We've all been there," he reassured. Even veteran smokers weren't safe from a coughing fit, but some of the best hits resulted in one. "Coughing actually makes you higher, or so the legend goes." There was no science backing him on that (or at least not yet), but Monte was convinced it was true.

The smile made his own grow, glad the experience wasn't deemed bad right off the bat due to Jinhwan's first hit. "Don't get too crazy, turbo." He knew the feeling would come in time and didn't want his friend to go too hard too fast. That being said, Monte watched for the reaction of his second attempt in the hopes it went better than the first.

[angstfactory]

"Eden Prior.." He repeated the name, trying to think back over the people he's met in life, as if that might help pinpoint her. "I feel like I know that name." But even then, he couldn't quite place her. Tripps was sure, if they met again, he would probably recall things fine. And, seeing as how Monte was so obviously hung up on this girl, he suspected they were bound to meet again soon. At their next gig, apparently.

The young man scoffed, waving off Monte's attempt. "Yeah, right, like I'm going to just let you skirt on by and try to distract the conversation away from you and this Eden," Tripps chided his bandmate, as if he was offended Monte even made the try!

"So, like," he rested an arm over his knee, considering the other man closely, "what makes Eden this someone? How'd you figure that out?" He was curious to know, what kind of signs occurred to let Monte know he had some kind of feelings one way or another. Tripps wasn't so sure what those signs were, himself. He had never really focused so singularly on any one person before in his life. Well, not until recently, and even then, Winnie wasn't exactly taking up all his thoughts that much. Like, yeah, he came up unbidden at times, and he sometimes wondered what the other was doing, if he ought to drop by... But, that wasn't a crazy amount, he didn't feel like, so he wasn't alarmed by it yet. Those were totally casual thoughts. "Do you know if she thinks you're a someone, too? Or are you just kinda hoping that's the case, throwing caution to the wind.."

[montesgarden]

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Maybe it was better that way. Not that Monte didn't trust his friend, but the fewer people who knew her or could get involved might've been for the better. There was a slim hope that the subject could be shifted, exhaling that with the continued questioning. It would've been too easy to mention something of that caliber and just sweep it under the rug. Tripp wouldn't let that happen. Sure, he liked talking about her; this was different. Not that he was embarrassed to have these feelings, but more so his inability to act upon them. "Okay, okay, fine." Monte gave up the goat and accepted his fate. The questions were inevitable since it wasn't every day that he claimed to have feelings for someone, and never to this degree. Eden was in a league all her own.

A decent chug of beer coated his throat to start talking about the girl he'd rediscovered. He'd never forgotten her during her absence; that would be impossible to do, but removed the idea that she could ever come back. Now that she was here again, Monte didn't want to blow it. "I guess I've kinda of always known," he started, furrowing his brow in thought. "We went to high school together, she uh, tutored me." His bandmates didn't know that much of his past, not thinking his grade point average mattered to them, but it felt odd revealing it nonetheless. In some parts of his life, the boy preferred to put them away to collect dust in the back of his head. "I had a fat crush on her, and then she left after we graduated. I haven't seen her since, you know, until now." It seemed too crazy to think she could've felt anything then or even now, Monte shrugging at the question, unsure of the answer. "I dunno, man. I'm just happy she's back." At the end of the day, that's all he could ever ask for.

[wcirdo]

"Thanks," Lori said as she took the joint as it was offered to her and took a hit. She listened as she got confirmation that it was in fact the Eden she thought. She exhaled her smoke away from him as she passed the joint back to him. "Well, do you plan to talk to her?" Lori asked. It sounded like he wanted to obviously but given what she vaguely knew about those two's past he'd really fumbled the ball there. "Is she like back, back or just visiting?" Lori asked.

She nodded her head. Getting a set of wheels again had been on her bucket list since she moved to Cardinal Hill and her car that had gotten her there finally bit the dust not long after she'd made the move down here from Seattle. "Yeah, it's been way too long," she said. "I'll be driving all over. I'm probably going to start calling some dealerships soon. I'm hoping to get something used," she stated. Lori didn't have new car money, just used car money saved up and her heart was set on a Subaru Brat but could be swayed to get a different truck if the price was right and it could win over her heart.

[montesgarden]

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Normally, he'd blame the weed, but his obvious awkwardness when it came to the girl in question brought out a cascade of laughter. He couldn't fault Lori for asking since the last time, Monte watched her walk out of his life without even a word. Now that she'd returned, he didn't want to lose her again, or at least not without having tried to express how he'd always felt. "I already talked to her, I'll have you know," the boy corrected with a chortle. "She's like back back. She's working at the inn, and I said I'd help her with some stuff in the back shed she's turning into her own place." Even Monte couldn't believe he had already set up their next meeting when in high school, he didn't do more than ask when she could tutor him next. Then again, he'd grown up in the time she was away, and hopefully this version wasn't quite as stupid.

Ever since they met, he knew about her desire to get on the road again. Lori needed her own ride anyway, and her friend was just as excited for it to finally come to fruition. "If you need a lift there or someone to go with you, give me a call. I love wandering around those lots. Not like I'm gonna get anything, just like window shopping." Monte wasn't much of a car guy in the grand scheme of things. He preferred music tech or plants, but couldn't help it when there were cars around to take a peek. Still, his Volkswagen van couldn't be replaced as far as he was concerned. "Used is the way to go anyway, and you'll find somethin' sweet, for sure."

[angstfactory]

For some reason, Winnie was on his mind tonight. Enough to have Tripps relaxed back in his chair, leg up, with his journal braced open against it as he sketched the man's eyes from memory. There were a few sentences of thought written above this drawing, that referenced the other day and everything that happened. That he had learned about him. Mostly about Winnie's condition, how he was struggling to remember things. The words — Will he remember me? — bolded from how Tripps had traced over them multiple times now. He was busy shading in a part of the eye when Monte spoke up.

"Yeah?" he asked, one ear open for Monte, only slightly distracted as he adjusted his journal to a different angle to continue shading. It took a moment, before Tripps did finally look across at his friend, before he soaked in those words and understood them. "A girl, huh?" he asked, fingers fiddling with his pencil, studying Monte's pinkened cheeks. "Sure seem awfully defensive, for it not being like that," Tripps said, a faint smirk playing the corner of his lips. Amused that apparently, his friend had gone off and found himself a crush in the last who knew how long, and he was only just finding out about it now?

Was he a bad friend? Terrible bandmate? Tripps felt he should have seen this coming.

"I mean," he adjusted then, deciding to put his full focus on the other man. Tripps folded the pencil inside his journal, closing it up, and using its cord to wrap it sealed. "Who is she?" Tripps asked, setting the journal aside and picking up his drink instead. "Someone I know?" He paused, sipping from the glass briefly. "Gotta be a someone, for sure, if you're out here making songs for her."

[montesgarden]

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Monte didn't often talk about girls. In fact, he never did. It was a rare occurrence that he revealed details of his personal life, especially his relationships. Those were held close to his chest, and it was odd that anyone ever got through. Eden was different, always had been. "We grew up together." Kind of, at least that was one way of putting it. Monte didn't want to share the details about his failures in high school and how the girl of his dreams pulled him out of it. Those were years he didn't share often, when all they did was lead up to the loss of his grandparents. That memory was one he never wished to relive. "I mean, yeah, she's someone. She's great," Monte explained, taking another sip of his beer. At least that would help the words find their way out. "It's uh, Eden Prior. She just got back in town, she's been gone for I don't even know how long." A lie. He knew exactly how long she was gone and, having expected never to see her again, the words he wrote would never have reached her ears until now.

As quickly as he brought up his own feelings, they were directed to those of his friend. It hadn't gone unnoticed that someone was on his mind, and this provided the perfect opportunity to switch the attention away from himself. "What about you?" His eyes focused on the other male and raised a brow. "I can like sense there's shit going on in there," he said giving his friend a light tap on the head with his index finger. "Who's got you in your feels?"

[hearthandhallows]

✿ Closed starter for Monte (@montesgarden) at Monte's house.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Jinhwan sat cross-legged on Monte’s couch, hands folded neatly in his lap as he looked around the familiar living room with new nerves fluttering in his stomach. The light was dim, just the golden lamp in the corner and the last streaks of sunset seeping through the window, and it made the place feel smaller, quieter, and safe.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He glanced over at Monte, then quickly looked down at the little ceramic ashtray on the coffee table like it had suddenly become very interesting. "So... um. I mean, if you’re still okay with it. I think I’m ready to try,” he said, voice soft, but steady in that way it got when he was bracing himself. His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his sweater, tugging and smoothing, tugging and smoothing.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ He bit his bottom lip, then looked back up with a flicker of nervous curiosity. “So… is there a process? Do I need to hydrate first?” He laughed a little at himself. “Sorry, I’m a little nervous.”

[montesgarden]

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While this was the norm for a guy like Monte, his friend didn't have the same level of experience. His place and his crop were always offered, but not always accepted; today hadn't been the case. Jinhwan wanted to give it a go, and Monte had been happy to assist in the process. A grin came to his face at the request, offering a nod of obvious agreement. "Of course, always stands, man." The process was not complicated at all, but to someone who hadn't experienced it before, it could be intimidating, so he broke it down anyway. "Not really, but never hurts to wet the whistle and have some ready for after. You're gonna cough, don't sweat it, everyone does their first time. All ya gotta do is take a little inhale," he explained, all while reaching out to take the burning joint and putting it to his lips. "You're basically just pulling in the air like a straw, but don't hold it too long, or you find out fast how you like the feeling of coughing. Ain't no right way to do it, not really and you always fuck up at first. I burnt the fuck out of my finger the first time I smoked, had to tell my grandma it was from a saucepan because I didn't bother using a potholder." He chuckled at the memory, letting out the smoke from his own lungs. "So don't sweat it, just enjoy it like a deep breath of fresh air." Monte held the joint out for his friend to take whenever he was ready.