i'm a kid like everyone else

oscar. the cutest garrett :D

[maiagrainger]

Maia's arms slipped around Oscar's waist as they kissed. She wasn't sure how long they stayed like that, only that when the waitress came to interrupt them, she felt an uncharacteristic burst of irritation, because it hadn't felt like long enough. She probably should have felt a little more bashful about it, if not for the fact all she could think about was how much she had enjoyed kissing him, and how much she wanted to do it again. Unfortunately, she didn't think the waitress would be very understanding towards the urge.

"I'm sure they'll welcome us back with open arms if we leave a big enough tip," she pointed out. "And if not... it was kinda worth it." As much as she loved their Philadelphia adventures, it wasn't as though this place was the only place in the state they could grab lunch, no matter how good their milkshakes were. It might have been corny, but she would have been happy anywhere, so long as she got to keep hanging out with Oscar.

Reluctantly, she withdrew her arms, shuffling away a little and digging in her purse for her share of the bill. "Besides, this place is open twenty-four hours," she said. "I'm sure they've seen more scandalous things. Maybe she's just the real life version of Mrs. Crumplebottom from The Sims. That was her warning before she starts hitting us with the menu."

[oscargarrett]

Oscar was reaching for his wallet almost instantly upon her mentioning the bill. He'd somehow forgotten it being the sole cause of the kiss killing. "Good idea," he nodded, pausing to look over at her with crinkled brows and a smirk. Something about her enjoying the kiss as much as him made him feel all warm inside. "Yeah? Might have to find some new places to try it, then." He was a Garrett, so rather than elaborate, Oscar let that statement hang in the air before slapping down a few bills to add up with hers. It was more than enough to cover anything they'd ordered and any make-out related trauma they'd inflicted.

He found himself snorting at her statement, having been a Sims fan himself. He was put on a temporary ban from playing it a while back, Oscar getting a little too emotionally invested when his Sims's hamster died, but he was still knowledgeable of the lore. "The idea of Mrs. Crumplebottom taking on the work force in our world is so sad. You know times are tough when she has to wait tables. She should be at the club." Something flashed through his mind, something he was sure could be the dorkiest move if he didn't execute it just right. He paused, giving Maia a small look before really meeting her eye and trying to play this as perfectly as possible. "You said she usually comes up and smacks you with her purse, right? She didn't do that with us, and normally, she doesn't wait to do so in the game. She'll just start swinging, right? So I'm not sure this waitress is the real deal if she didn't. I don't about you, but I think we need to make sure there's no glitch going on here." It was just so stupid that he hoped he could get away with it, his hand finding its way to the back of her neck. "Here, I'll be the test patient. I think I can take an old lady purse beating." With that, his lips made their way back to hers.

[maiagrainger]

"Like Eat Pray Love, if it was Spain instead of India or wherever she goes in that movie. I don't know. I haven't seen it," Maia snickered. Whereas before it had been difficult not to keep looking in the direction of Chowder and Tumbles, though, now she was finding it difficult to keep her gaze away from Oscar. There was a huge, dorky smile on her face that had planted itself there when he first said the word girlfriend, and wouldn't quite go away. She knew if Dahlia was there, she'd be roasting her for it. But Dahlia wasn't likely to show up here in Philly. It was one of the nice things about their relationship - in their own little bubble away from home, they had been allowed to get to know each other as Oscar and Maia without everyone else they knew butting in.

For a moment, she was slightly confused when Oscar stood up from his seat. It seemed like an odd time for a bathroom break. Her cheeks turned a little pink when she realised he wasn't going to the bathroom, but coming to sit right beside her. "Hi," she said, suddenly feeling an explosion of butterflies just from being close to him. It was nothing compared to what happened when he leaned in to kiss her, though, less butterflies and more like a fleet of jumbo jets taking off at once. Maia wrapped her arms around his shoulders as she kissed him back, momentarily forgetting they were doing so in a public diner.

By the time they pulled apart, Maia's cheeks weren't just pink anymore - her entire face had flushed entirely red. She smiled at him again, almost shyly. "You know, there are easier ways of getting me to shut up than kissing me," she said, her tone making it clear it was a joke. "But I think your way is definitely my favourite. We might have to try it again though. Just to be sure it works."

[oscargarrett]

Anyone who knew Oscar could confirm that he was a hopeless romantic, usually with emphasis on the hopeless part. He didn't really stop to think of the turbulence involved with falling for someone. For whatever reason, though, that feeling didn't exist with Maia. She was cute and funny and one of the coolest people he knew. He could've sat in that booth for hours just talking with her, however he was starting to think of a much better option than talking. His hand moved to tug her in a bit closer, or as close as legally possible. Getting booked for public indecency was much more a Josie or James move, not so much him. He was liking their Philly trips, too, not wanting to jinx anything.

He was sure there was a tinge of redness reflecting on his own face as they broke apart, but seeing it on Maia's? It made it very hard for him to stop grinning back at her. "That wasn't why I did it, but good to know for the future," he teased back. He felt his brows raise towards the following statement before nodding. "You're so right. We gotta really make sure that it's your favourite, get that second opinion and everything." With that, his lips found hers once more.

He didn't realize how long they'd been at it. Honestly, he could've spent the rest of that day just making out with her in that 50's diner booth if it weren't for their waitress. "Ahem," he heard, pulling away from Maia a little breathlessly. "Yeah?" he asked before meeting the eyes of the poor middle-aged lady that held their cheque and had clearly been waiting a while for them to wrap things up. "Oh. S-sorry, and thank you," he nodded once she gave him an annoyed sounding mmhm and set it on the table. He waited a few seconds for her to walk out of earshot before chuckling. "Whoops. I might've just gotten us banned from this place for life."

[elijahxsteele]

Elijah shrugged his shoulders a bit. "It's not like, a big secret that I think he's an okay dude. They just fight a lot. It's not like, Chloe and the rest of our family or anything. They just clash." At that last word, Elijah made a hand gesture where he slotted his fingers together, as though to demonstrate how Eliza and Laurie's fights were like two wrecking balls slamming into one another. "But yeah. Either he did it on purpose, or he has short term memory loss. Which also wouldn't surprise me. Your James gave me a noogie once and I swear I felt my brain rattling in my skull. Explains a lot about why you're like that."

He rolled his eyes at Oscar's comment. "Keep dreaming, Garrett. As if Michael would look twice at you," he snorted. It was here he felt his patience completely slip from his grasp. Not that he was holding on too tightly to it to begin with. "Why do you even ask for my advice if you're gonna fight me on it every time I make a suggestion?" Elijah threw his hands up in the air. "Don't bring up the movie, then. In fact, don't even reply to her text at all. Ghost her for all I care. She probably thinks you have already seeing as you're over here sweating about what you're gonna say rather than actually saying anything. Just don't come crying to me when she finds someone who actually texts her back and starts dating them instead of the weirdo who stared at her while he was deep throating hot dogs."

[oscargarrett]

"Oh? Well, if it's not a big secret, I'll just run it by her later. I'd love to get a woman's thoughts on the matter," he teased, watching Elijah's hand demo in amusement. He didn't really have that same kind of relationship with any of his own siblings. Rupert, maybe, but he still liked the guy. A small pang of defensiveness ran through his body at the mentioning of James. His oldest brother was one of his favourite people in the whole world, so unfortunately for Oscar, he was going to defend the guy whether it was deserved or not. "Or maybe you're just a baby who can't deal with a little bit of rough handling. Don't you have, like, five older brothers? You of all people should know the feeling."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you and Michael Bakarai were besties and that you knew his every thought," he rolled his eyes, slightly offended by his comment. He liked to think he was handsome enough to get a double take from MBJ. He followed the eye rolling up with a round of groans, Elijah always taking the drama king route when he lost his patience. "Dude, are you on your period or something? Because you're acting more nutters than normal. Do you need a hug?" He didn't want to admit it, but the idea that she could think he wasn't interested? A clenching sensation pulled in his chest. No. He wasn't gonna let that happen. He scrolled to his gallery, a screenshot of the Rapunzel movie's casting being there from when he'd sent it to Gordo. He quickly found Maia's saved number, pasted it in, and sent a 'do you think this means i have a shot at being pascale? 🦎' her way before tucking it back in his pocket. "There, you happy now, princess? I took your stupid advice. Also I didn't buy a hot dog, I bought a slurpee. I watched the hot dogs as they spun in their case. Shows how well you listen."

[maiagrainger]

"Oh, totally. Gazpacho? Totally fine," Maia paused for a second. "Or at least, it is on paper. I wouldn't object to you eating gazpacho. I don't think I'd be ordering it myself, though. I still think I'd rather my soup warm. Wait, do you think Gazpacho is what kickstarted it? Like, she had a really good bowl one time and now she's chasing that high?" She craned her neck a little, before realising Chowder hadn't brought a purse with her. "I'm super curious to see what they order, now. I feel like we can't leave until we know. Is that weird?"

Her eyes flicked to his attire. Now that he mentioned it, he did wear a lot of cardigans, more so than the average guy their age. It suited him, though. His love of knitwear was one of the things that made him unique, and the more time she spent with him, the more Maia found herself appreciating the differences between Oscar and pretty much everyone else she had ever met. "On the plus side, you give great hugs. Because of the cardigans, I mean. It's kind of like hugging a teddy bear." She thought about his suggestion for a moment. "I think it would have to be Dahlia. Raye wouldn't say anything even if she thought it was weird. I'll let you know how it goes, though."

She wasn't sure if her face reflected the journey her feelings were going on, but Maia had always been a bit of an open book emotionally. What started in curiosity jumped to surprise, then a sort of excitement mixed with affection. Given most of her self-retrained was going to not bouncing up and down in her chair, and not controlling her facial expression, she would have been surprised if he didn't see every step of the journey. "Are you kidding?" she said, loud enough that the people at the next table glanced over. "'Oscar Garrett's girlfriend' is way better than Maia Papaya. Blows it out of the water, in fact." If that wasn't enough of a confirmation, Maia nodded her head. "Yep. Yes. Definitely cool with it."

[oscargarrett]

"Oh, that's definitely what it was," he nodded with a grin, automatically going along with whatever backstory the two of them could spin it into. "She had one incredible trip to Spain and was forever changed. It one of those trips you take with your girlfriends, you know? The one every woman apparently has during her mid-life crisis...or the crisis of whatever age Ms Chowder is, that's what happened. She went on a gazpacho spree and never looked back." He watched with a bit of concern, taking a moment to try and act as if he didn't notice them at all while she did the exact opposite. "Honestly, no, it's not weird at all. I feel like if I leave here before learning if she also orders soup while eating out, I won't sleep. It'll haunt me forever."

Oscar hoped how he felt about the teddy bear comment didn't appear too obvious, although the sudden warmth in his cheeks had him thinking it might've been revealed already. Not too bothered by it, though, he'd already moved on to listening to her talk about her sisters. It was nice that, considering he once pined stupidly hard for Raye, hearing her name brought nothing more than the tiniest heartstring tug. That was it. It was nostalgia more than anything now, especially considering what he had in front of him. Her reaction did have him take a quick glance around and shooting the diners next to them an awkward smile and wave before turning his attention back.

If Oscar wasn't blushing before, he certainly was now. He was okay with it, though, given her answer. "Yeah? Cool," he replied automatically, hesitating when he realized how dumb that sounded. He tried to pull up any Elijahisms from memory, thinking of when he essentially said to make a move once he felt the vibe. He held up a finger, signalling for her to wait a moment. He took around fifteen seconds or so to slide out from his side of the booth, take a few steps, and settle in right beside her. "Okay, so I really wanted to get a better view of Sips and Slumps," he let out a quick snicker before relaxing into a grin and letting his eyes fall to her lips. "But more importantly, I wanted to do this." He reached over, using his thumb and pointer to tilt her chin up slightly. The smile he wore only left once his lips found hers and he let himself get lost in kissing her.

[elijahxsteele]

"His name's Laurie. The one that goes on TV sometimes. He's okay, actually, but don't tell Eliza I said that. The quirky blonde is Alice." He shrugged his shoulders. "It's not too bad. Well, unless her other siblings are there. Rhett and Natasha are kind of pretentious. And no offence, dude, but your brother is too when he shows up with her. I said hi to him the last time we were both at Eliza's place and he asked me who I was." He thought about it for a minute, then shrugged again. Whatever went on in James Garrett's brain was a mystery to Elijah.

"What, you aren't into black dudes? Racist." Elijah pinched the bridge of his nose, the small amount of patience he had previously had for Oscar rapidly disappearing. "Since when was I your Disney movie buddy? That's literally never been a thing. Besides, I don't want you third wheeling on my dates." He elbowed Oscar, a little harder than was necessary. "C'mon, dude. Don't be stupid, it's not even out for like, a year or whatever. You're not asking her to save the date for 2027. It's a conversation starter. Once you've felt the vibe, then you ask her out properly. Do I need to do all your thinking for you, or are you good now?"

[oscargarrett]

Oscar blinked, only having a brief image in his mind of Eliza's family. Apart from her dad that'd passed away, Alice, and Natasha, those were the main ones he really knew of. "Oh? Why don't you want me to tell her?" he asked, feeling the hints of an evil grin perking up. It settled once he mentioned Oliver being snobby and reluctantly nodded. "He really should know you from the amount of times you've been to my house, but that's Oliver for you. He's kind of a Squidward amongst the Spongebob crew in the family."

Oscar's brows knitted as he shook his head. "No. If Michael B Jordan wanted a piece, then he's getting a piece. I'm just not into you." He looked back at his friend with an equal amount of confusion, the revelation that Elijah didn't see himself as his movie buddy surprising in his mind. "Yes it has! What are you even talking abou-ow!" Oscar reached over to rub at the spot Elijah had conveniently jammed his elbow into, pouting as he tended to it. "Would it be weird if I did that, though? Like, asked her out in advanced? Not to get ahead of myself or anything, but...I don't know, I think it'd be kind of...nice if me and her end up together and are still together in time for the movie." He shot him a look before rolling his eyes. "What thinking? You literally have no filter, Elijah. It's just whatever dumb thing comes to your head first, and you go with that as a master plan."

[maiagrainger]

"I'm touched you''d give it up for me, but it's truly for the best. Once you discover the joys of hot soup, there's no going back." The disgust on Maia's face gave way to something more thoughtful as she seriously gave consideration to Oscar's hypothetical. "What do you mean, like, straight from the bag, still frozen?" She paused to chew her cherry. "He's like a duck, probably," she declared when she was done. "You know how you're not supposed to feed ducks bread anymore? I think I read somewhere they really like frozen peas." She wondered briefly if it was too much to ask to go and feed the ducks together, not having done so since she was a kid but somehow figuring it would be an activity both would enjoy.

Her head cocked to the side, eyes raking over Oscar as she mentally compared him to Big Bird. "I'm not seeing it, to be honest," she shrugged. "I mean, apart from the height thing. You have that in common, sure, but it's not like you wear a lot of yellow. But, uh... maybe stay clear of that colour when you're in Elijah's company. No point feeding the fire and all that." Any protectiveness she felt over his friend's less flattering nicknames was brushed aside at his explanation behind Lil Buddy, finding the story behind it adorable. "It would be a little weird if your younger sibling was calling you Lil Buddy," she pointed out. "But I think that's cute. It's like, you're not just his brother, you know? You're his little friend." The idea of Oscar letting other people call him gas station hottie was clearly a joke, but it still made her feel a little jealous at the prospect. Despite the fact he wasn't being serious, she was still a little relieved when he revealed the joke. "Thank you. I don't think I'd like hearing other people call you that. It's like, you're my gas station hottie, you know?" She made a V with her hands, placing the point under her chin to frame her face and smiled at him. "What about me? What nicknames you got?"

[oscargarrett]

"I know that in different cultures or whatever, there are certain soups you traditionally eat cold. That I'm all good with. It's her way of deciding to take part in that by buying a tin can of soup from the store that upsets me. Do you think she carries a can opener in her purse? God, I wish I could check." He sighed almost wistfully, knowing that'd have to remain one of lifes little mysteries. His brows knit with a split second of concern, wondering if he'd fed any ducks recently. Feels like something I would do. "I'll confiscate the next pack of frozen peas I find, and we'll look for a pond and test that out," he grinned.

"Thank you. I'm never in yellow, either," Oscar pointed out. "I'm more of a nature toned guy, I guess. I also have a weird amount of cardigans. Not, like, old man ones or anything, but the number of them is actually a bit concerning now that I think about it." He didn't think that explaining he just likes being cozy would fix anything, so he shook his head and carried on. “I don’t know, I think you should try it. Call one of your sisters ‘lil buddy’ and see how they react.” Deep down, Oscar actually felt a squish in his heart at the realization that James didn't solely see him as his baby brother. That, as well as what she'd said next. Metaphorical cartoon hearts might as well had been popping up all over the place in Oscar's mind. Hers. They'd tip-toed around it, but hearing that made a switch flick in his mind.

He let out a light chuckle, knowing fully well that what he said next could potentially kill this outing. There was a weird sense of bravery there, though. If he was hers, he might as well show that she was his right back. "Well, there was one specific nickname I was thinking of. I've been thinking of it for a while, too, but it's not as good as Maia Papaya. And I mean, obviously, there's nothing that can beat that," he teased before letting his expression settle into something a bit more serious. "If you're cool with it, I was thinking the nickname 'girlfriend.'"

[maiagrainger]

"I swear to God, Oscar. They just sat down on the table near the bathroom." Maia watched him as he bent to scoop up the sugar packets, her expression undeniably fond. He was different from pretty much anybody she had ever met before, in the best possible way. Something about him set her totally and completely at ease with herself, and he made her laugh until her belly hurt. It was all green flags in her book, despite the fact it was still early days. "Do you think he knows?" She lowered her voice to make sure nobody else was listening in, leaning over the table slightly so he could hear her. "About the soup thing, I mean? Because I'm not going to lie to you, I can't think of anything less sexy than finding out the person I'm holding hands with drinks soup from the can." Just the idea of it made her feel a little queasy. She pointed to their milkshake. "Do you mind if I eat the cherry? I feel like I need to get the thought of cold chowder out of my mind."

A grin grew on her face. She'd yet to really meet Oscar's friends, still learning more about him inside the little bubble they'd created for themselves. It wasn't that she didn't want to meet them, either, more that there didn't feel like there was any rush to. On her end, she was pretty set on this turning into something that lasted, which meant their paths would eventually cross, and she didn't feel the need to push the subject. "I'm gonna need an explanation on Big Bird," she said, the look on her face showing her confusion. "And actually, Lil Buddy, too. You're not little. You're tall." She gestured to him as she said that, as though to emphasise his height. "My sister Dahlia gives me weird nicknames sometimes. When I was little she used to call me Maia Papaya or Mimi." She could feel her cheeks getting a bit warm when he questioned the names she had referred to him with in the past, but she answered honestly anyway. "When I very first met you, I think you were just 'Oliver's cool little brother', back when he and Raye were dating," she mused. "When we ran into each other again, though? You were definitely 'gas station hottie' for a minute, until I realised it was you. Not that you're not still! It's just, I realised that I knew you, so your real name kind of replaced the nickname in my head."

[oscargarrett]

"Is that so, huh? Well, I guess my cold soup from the can days have reached their end," he sighed, fully playing out the bit. "I'm gonna miss those perfectly square chunks of chicken and carrot...and now I see exactly what you mean." His expression wrinkled in disgust towards his own words, now shuddering at the thought of either of those ingredients cold. "Great. Guess we have a shared ick now. Maybe Tumbles is into it, too? Or something of equal weirdness, like he uses a frozen bag of peas for his injuries and to eat." He nodded, hoping the way his eyes followed the maraschino as it reached her lips wasn't too obvious. He willed himself to focus anywhere else.

He let out an automatic groan once he knew explanations were needed. "Big Bird is courtesy of my stupid friend Elijah. I think it's more cause of the tall thing, but he's also that friend you'd look through school textbooks with, and he'd point to the ugliest person on the page and go 'that's you.' It's kind of the same thing, but at the moment, it's photos of Big Bird supposedly looking like me." He shook his head, Elijah's antics seeming to follow him no matter how far from home he'd gotten. "Lil Buddy is what my brother James calls me...older brother, obviously. I guess that's just how he sees me. I love him, though, so he gets a pass with the silly nickname." He found himself grinning while listening to hers, James's nickname not seeming as silly now. Like the one's Maia's sister had for her, it was actually cute. More feelings of that cuteness stirred up while listening to her memories of younger him. Oscar was many things, but cool? Absolutely not, so he was both flattered and amused she saw him that way. He cocked an eyebrow before finding himself smirking with her next admission. "'Gas station hottie', huh? Very interesting. I feel like I need to get an actual name-tag with that engraved. I'll just wear it around campus and see if it sticks," he teased before shooting an almost bashful smile. "Kidding. I don't think I want anyone else calling me that. It's reserved special for you."

[maiagrainger]

"Okay, don't look now, because she's just saw us and it'll be too obvious." Maia's attention was fixed at a point just over Oscar's left shoulder. "Or if you do, pretend you're trying to catch the waiter's attention or something. But remember that guy we saw roller-blading in the park? The one who kept falling down? He's just walked in holding hands with that girl we saw in the library who was drinking cold soup straight from the can." In an attempt to make it look like this was a completely normal conversation, Maia leaned forward to take a sip of their shared milkshake. To some, it might have been corny, but one of the great things about being with Oscar was that she didn't have to worry about looking lame for actually liking the cheesy stuff. "Do you ever wonder if the people we see remember us, too? Like, what would our nicknames be in their heads? Because I think about it all the time."

@oscargarrett

[oscargarrett]

Being on his own at university was a whirlwind for Oscar. Considering a year ago he was all broken up about his former roomie, he thought he'd be going through the 'shit-I'm-alone' blues all over again. Maia being there somehow made it easier, though. A lot easier. She was the first person in the longest time to make Oscar feel excited to just be alive and in her presence. The best part was he didn't have to tone it down for any of his friends or family or anyone else in between. Whatever was going on between them was theirs. He'd been mid-reach to the basket of waffle fries on the table when his hand froze in place, eyes widening and darting from left to right. "Chowder and Tumbles? You're lying." He was suddenly just as invested if it was actually them. His eyes searched between them before not-so-accidentally dropping a couple sugar packets to the floor. "Oh, gosh! Clumsy me!" he dorkily exclaimed, quickly moving on from the horrid acting so he could bend over, grab the sugar and sneak a peek. "Holy shit," he half-whispered, half-snorted. That was the last couple he ever expected, but from the little tug he felt in his chest, Oscar knew he was fully rooting for them.

Once he'd scurried back in his seat, his brows rose as he considered the amount of nickname's he'd already been dubbed with. "Well now I do," he chuckled. "I'm hoping the people here are more creative than my friends and family back home. I've got Osc, Ozzy, Lil Buddy, and Big Bird, so there's room for improvement." He propped his arm up and rested his chin into his palm, really taking her in from across the table. "Pretty sure that right now, it'd be 'long-limbed-French-fry-guy' and, uh...'cute-blonde-sitting-across-from-him', or something like that. I really shouldn't speak for other people, though." He didn't feel like the most natural flirt, but with her, it didn't matter. There was no fear of wondering how she felt. He just knew. "Now you've got me wondering what our nickname history is, or what you remember from when you first saw me."

[elijahxsteele]

Elijah chose to ignore Oscar's comment on his dramatic tendencies. Not because he was above it or anything, but because this moment wasn't really about him. It was all about Oscar in that moment, and he didn't want to get side-tracked with defending himself when the focus was supposed to be on Oscar and his many, many flaws. "Obviously I paid attention in English class. Eliza's family are like, the biggest bunch of book nerds you'll ever meet, apart from her one brother. I had to pay attention just so I wasn't lost when they invited me to dinner." He'd been with Eliza long enough that he wasn't worried about that stuff anymore, but when they'd first got together, the idea of looking stupid in front of her family had terrified him. "Fine, your life's a joke, then. Better?"

Elijah actually fell quiet to listen to what Oscar had to say, and when he finished, found himself taking a deep breath. "Okay, dude. I hate this for me, but I'm actually gonna help you." He wasn't sure what part of the speech changed his mind, or if he was just as sappy as Oscar was deep down. Either way, something about it had him softening just enough take it seriously. "I mean, hey, she texted you first. That's a good sign. If you were just some zooted freak she said hello to while buying lottery tickets, she wouldn't have bothered. I think there's a good shot she might have had the time-slowing experience, too." He patted Oscar's shoulder, the gesture made a little awkward by the fact that Elijah just wasn't used to actually encouraging Oscar like this. Before things could get too weird, though, Oscar dropped his little invitation, and Elijah was scowling again. "Dude, no. I'm going with Eliza." Not that he had officially asked her, given that the movie wasn't even made yet. "And I don't know why you're asking me out right now. You know I'm taken." He gestured to Oscar's phone. "So ask her."

[oscargarrett]

"Wait, which one? She has a bunch of siblings that I lose track of, I basically just know Eliza and the quirky blonde one that James lives near. Also with all the respect in the world, that sounds like the worst dinner ever. That's almost as bad as when James started randomly giving me canned corn with every meal. Still have no idea what the hell that was about." Rather than humour him and respond to another dig, Oscar shot him a look of 'really?', hoping that was enough of a reply than actual words.

If Elijah was surprised, Oscar was practically blown out of the water. He really didn't expect Elijah to agree. That's why he was suddenly laser focused on his friend. He nodded a little, trying to grab on to any shred of possibility that things could work out. She did text him first! He normally put the hopeless in hopeless romantic, but it might've been time for that to change around. The patting his shoulder was a little far, though, Oscar's 'what the fuck' expression coming through clear as day. "Thanks?" He'd wished he'd held back his thank-you's seconds later, though, his eyes narrowing. "Okay, one, you're not my type, so I'm not 'asking you out'. I'd rather not die a death by Eliza. And two, you're my Disney movie buddy! Why can't you just go with me, too? I wanna get to know Maia first before doing in the dark type date stuff."

[jamesxgarrett]

"Be careful what you wish for, Osc," James shot Oscar a look of warning. He wasn't the wisest man by any means, and his ego wasn't so great that he couldn't admit it, but when it came to Rupert, he felt unique qualified to share what little wisdom he possessed. "When it comes to Rupert, it can always get worse, even when you don't think he can sink any lower. Best not to tempt fate." He patted Oscar's shoulder, before snorting. "Don't let Raini hear you say you tackled Larry. I'm already surprised she lets him out the house without shinpads and a helmet." Any amusement he had about that was wiped on his face, and he stared at Oscar for a minute, dumbfounded. "Windmilling?" he repeated, in horror. "Oscar... have I never taught you how to fight someone? You've just ben going in flailing your arms around all these years? Oh, we need to fix that." He downed the rest of his beer, then rose to his feet. "C'mon, then. Show me what I'm working with here. Tackle me."

[oscargarrett]

Oscar's brows furrowed slightly, his concentration on James almost like he was captivated by a scary story. He'd grown up with a room right next to Rupert's and the never ending chaos that ensued from that side of the wall. It wasn't an empty threat of that weird behavior ramping up again. He even found himself jumping a little once James's hand clapped his shoulder, feeling like he'd been shot out of some full body trance. "S-sorry," he muttered, truly hoping he didn't jinx any weird fates. "Trust me, there's a lot of stuff Aunt Raini doesn't know," he sighed, hoping he didn't find himself hooked up to a lie detector anytime soon. There were things that didn't leave his little friend group, and that included some choice hobbies and activities out of the watchful eyes of their parents. He nodded a little, not sure if there was a better word out there for his signature move, but then James was up on his feet and Oscar's eyes were of dinner plate size. "Oh, n-no, that's okay, James. Really." He wanted to wave it off, but the seriousness in his brother's voice had him starring back in horror. "Dude, you're, like, a hundred times stronger than me. I want to live to see tomorrow."

[elijahxsteele]

"Thank you. I've waited years for you to apologise for what you put me through." Elijah pressed a hand to his chest, as though he was genuinely touched by the long overdue apology. It was then that an evil smirk crossed his face. "You know, now that you mention it, there is something Shakespearean about you." Elijah paused, purely for dramatic effect. "He wrote tragedies, right? And you basically are one." He couldn't help but snicker at his own insult.

Elijah's expression went on a journey as Oscar spoke, starting with horror when Oscar brought up his brother's ex. For a brief moment, he thought Oscar was trying to make a move on his old crush, and Elijah would have to break it to him that, as someone who had dated a family member, she was definitely off limits. It shifted to relief when Oscar had a sister, until finally resting on exasperation. "This is... on brand for you." He mused. "Let me get this straight, though. You spotted this girl in a gas station when you were high as fuck on one of James' special brownies? Romantic. Hallmark is shaking." He paused, a thought occurring to him. "Have you... seen her sober? Just to check she's actually cute and you weren't just horny stoned." He held up his hands, already anticipating Oscar would protest that particular suggestion. "Anyway, it's so obvious, dude. Text her about the new Rapunzel movie. Ask her thoughts on the casting. Don't go for a meme. If she doesn't find it funny, you're done."

[oscargarrett]

"You know, I thought my brother Rupert was a drama king, but you? I think it's you reigning over that role. You are the drama king," he replied, truly not remembering anything he and Emmy might've done warranting all the theatrics. There might've been a few overdramatic moments, he'd give him that, but still. Once the word Shakespearian was thrown his way, he knew he was toast. He sometimes wondered if Elijah was secretly gunning for a Guinness World Record in number of times he could successfully diss him. "I'm just proud you stayed awake in class long enough to remember that. Besides, he also wrote comedies, where the ending's are usually happy. I'm trying to genre switch, no thanks to you and your stupid jokes."

Oscar couldn't help but groan, knowing that the whole thing sounded way worse than it actually played out. "I didn't intentionally get high, and it wasn't like James drugged me on purpose! They were on the counter and they looked just like normal brownies. I mean, there was kind of an off taste to them, but if you'd tried any of James's cooking, you'd be used it," he tried explaining. "Plus I don't think she knew I was. I hope not, anyways. But. uh, I think the being stoned actually kind of made it more...I don't know, magical? It felt like everything around me was slow-mo when I saw her and all that." He sighed almost wistfully, but then the breath was cut short. "It wasn't a horny or a high thing, you freak. Unlike you, I'm not constantly thinking about gooning or whatever, and It's not like I saw her in the chip aisle and went, 'ooh, smash!'. She just...she made the world around me feel like it'd stopped. Like nothing else in that store mattered, just her. And when I slept it off and woke up to see she'd texted me, same weird frozen feeling." His brows knit together upon his suggestion. "Wait, there's gonna be a new Rapunzel movie? Not sure why none of you have informed me about this until now...also not to make things weird, but do you maybe wanna go see said movie with me once it's in theaters?"

[jamesxgarrett]

"Gross, man," James wrinkled his nose. "They're the ones that look like bald ballsacks, right?" though the image wasn't a pleasant one, James had to admit Glen had a point. Clearly, the littlest Hall was smarter than James had ever given him credit for, or just oddly good at conjuring visuals. "You know what, I really shouldn't be surprised. But just when I thought Rupert couldn't get worse, he does." He'd long since given up trying to force their brother to be normal. "I don't know. I think you could make your height work for you here. I mean, Rupert is just as weedy as you are, but he doesn't have your reach. You get one hand on his forehead." He put a hand on Oscar's head to demonstrate. "And hold his phone up with the other, like this?" His beer car was held aloft, like he was some buff, handsome version of the statue of liberty. "My money would be on you."

[oscargarrett]

"I was gonna say the cute ones with no hair, but I guess your description works, too," he replied with a wrinkled nose. "Thanks for that visual. Anyways, yeah. I kind of wish he'd revert back to his instrumental phase. The Bali Spa stuff is more relaxing than the new songs, but knowing him, he'll be in a cowboy hat and saying he idolizes Jelly Roll by next week." Oscar's brows knit together upon James's demonstration, letting out a 'hm' as he considered the moves. He did feel a smile perk up upon James's confidence in him winning, though. "Really?" he asked. "I'm not really a big fighter, but it might be time to learn. I've tackled Elijah and Glen and Larry a few times. Those weren't really proper 'fights', though, not with my moves. I think my friends called it 'Windmilling'. It's just me moving my arms a lot to distract." He got to his feet, suddenly interested in whatever wisdom James might have in the wrestling department. "Got anything else?"

[elijahxsteele]

"Sure, you're allowed. Doesn't mean I'll answer, though." It was a rule of thumb when it came to their friendship. When Oscar came to Elijah for advice, he needed to be prepared for at least three insults before he'd get it. "And don't I know it," he muttered. The only thing worse than Oscar and Emmy's relationship was the way they both were when they finally broke up. "Sure, people can change. You haven't, though. Unfortunately I'm still your best friend, so I think I'd know if you'd suddenly become less of a sap." He could sit there tearing strips off Oscar's confidence all day, but the mention of a girl had his curiosity kicking into full gear. "Who's the girl? Do I know her?" he pressed harder, not entirely satisfied with Oscar's answer. "Okay. Okay, give me a second to think." He raised a hand to his chin, eyebrows screwing up in thought. "So you can't just go straight into it and ask her out if you don't know if she likes you. You're too emotionally fragile for outright rejection," he pondered aloud. "And if you text her about the weather, I'll throw your phone into oncoming traffic. Just... be normal. Ask about something you know she likes. Boom. Done."

[oscargarrett]

Oscar's eyes were rolling, although he really should've been used to Elijah's antics at that point. His best friend had always been honest, albeit brutally, but still. "Sorry for being affectionate and touchy feely with someone I dated in the past, didn't realize that was such a crime to humanity." He was slightly dumbfounded by the next statement, opening his mouth to form a rebuttal but nothing coming out. "Look, I can't help being sensitive. I just am! It'd be like telling Shakespeare to not be poetic."

Oscar wondered if he'd regret spilling his guts but also knew it'd make the rounds at some point. If he didn't tell Elijah now, someone else's giant mouth would do it for him. "You might. Do you remember when I used to think Oliver's girlfriend was cute?" he asked, definitely understating how he felt. "Well, that's long done and over with, and she has a sister. We kind of reconnected lately...or a least I think we did. I don't know. I ate a brownie that James made and really wanted an extra large slurpee like an hour later, it was a whole thing. Anyways, we ran into each other at the gas station and I just...saw her in a totally different way." He was fighting back a typical dorky grin, one that was wiped away pretty quick upon Elijah's 'emotionally fragile' comment. "You make it sound like I'm seconds away from having a mental breakdown at all times. Give me more credit than that." His brows pinched, racking his brain for something, anything to get his foot in that metaphorical door. "You think a meme could do the trick? I think she likes girly things. You know, Disney, puppies, stuff like that."

[elijahxsteele]

"Why'd you come to me for help?" Elijah groaned, looking genuinely annoyed. "You know you're insufferable when you're with someone, right? Helping you now is actively not in my best interest." He was still traumatised from being forced to watch Oscar and Emmy as teenagers. Having finally found freedom, he wasn't keen on returning to that stage of their lives. "And to answer your question, yes you have always been this shitty. I could give examples, but you'd probably start crying."

He had made his mind up that he wasn't going to help, but then another instinct kicked in, one that weighed heavier than self-preservation. If Elijah had one fatal flaw, it was that he was very, very nosy. "Who are you texting, anyway? Or trying to?" He looked over Oscar's shoulder, trying to peek at his phone screen. "If you spend your life worrying about sounding stupid, you'd never get anything done. It's like your default setting." He pointed out. "You're overthinking the hell out of it. Just don't send a one-liner they can ignore. Don't say too much, either. One or two sentences, max."

[oscargarrett]

"I don't know, am I not allowed to ask you or something?" he sighed, eyes narrowing slightly. "Okay, jeez. You know I haven't only been with Emmy. You just...happened to be there for most of that time. People can change." Oscar considered mentioning he hadn't slept with a night light in years, but knowing Elijah, it'd only give him more ammo. He was about to let it go, but then the next question had him raising a brow. He opened his mouth to spill, but then Elijah just kept talking and it was shut again. "Wow. You really know how to make a guy feel like a million bucks," he deadpanned. "And not that it matters, but I want to text a certain girl. I just...I don't know if she sees me that way, or if I'm wasting my time or whatever. I haven't really done this kind of thing in a while. The last time I was like, really into someone was this guy at university, but he had to travel home to Scotland when the semester ended." He conveniently left out the part where he didn't leave his own dorm for a day or two after that happened. "But anyways, one or two sentences maximum? That's it? What the hell am I supposed to say? 'Gee, nice weather we're having?'"

[oscargarrett]

"Okay, I need your help, big time." Oscar and Elijah's friendship was an enigma to many, the two of them included. It was somewhere between constantly overstimulating each other to ride-or-die status. Still, he knew if he wanted an honest answer, Elijah was his go-to. "So there's someone that I want to text, but, uh...I'm not sure how to do that without sounding over eager or stupid or...I don't know." He sighed, starring at his friend a bit helplessly. "Have I always been this shitty when it comes to relationship stuff? I thought college would've make me more skilled in that department, but apparently not."

[oscargarrett]

"I may need you to break Rupert's phone." Oscar plopped down next to James with a heavy sigh. "Or see if someone knows how to get him banned from any music streaming platform. He keeps playing that stupid Charlie Kirk song, and if it's not that, I'm pretty sure it's Tibetan chants. I'm not sure how much more I can take. I'd do it myself, but, uh..." He held out his arms for emphasis. What he lacked in muscle he made up for in height, but he wasn't sure that would be enough. "Glen said something about how we'd probably sound like two Sphynx cats while smacking each other, and I hate to say that he's right but...I think he's right." @jamesxgarrett

[oscargarrett]

jamesxgarrett‌:

James chuckled under his breath. “No offence, but I’ve seen Corn. I don’t think his mom is going to be my type,” he said- though he was happy to be proven wrong. “Besides, who said anything about stepdad? That’s never been part of my plans. I’m just out for a good time, dude. It doesn’t have to get that serious. He reached up to scratch his eyebrow, wincing as the movement sent a pain through his joints. The topic of conversation was boring him, though his attention was piqued when they spoke about Oscar’s love life once more. “I guess that way works too. It’s not my style, but it’s fitting for you.” Before he could stop himself, his eyes rolled. Oscar’s tangent was about as teenage angst as it got, and it was clear there was no reasoning with him. “Well, when I get with an older woman, chances are she won’t be going to jail for it,” he pointed out. “Besides, you were just talking about wanting to make things special for an entirely different girl. If you’re really intent on doing things right by Emmy, you should probably let the Raye thing go.” 

“Trust me, Corn takes more from his dad looks wise. His mom is...different,” he said, not wanting to full on admit to Corn’s mom being hot. She was, but she was also his mom. He didn’t want to get lusty over someone he’d known since he was in elementary school. “They both have red hair, but that’s pretty much the only similarity.” Oscar shrugged, having a hard time picturing James as the dad type. He fit the older brother role perfectly, and in all honesty, thinking about any of his siblings as parents was weird. That thought was pushed away pretty fast once James spoke up, and Oscar was about to form a rebuttal when his brother’s words hit him. “Oh my God,” he muttered, voice only a bit louder than a whisper when it dawned on him what he’d been doing. “Oh my God,” he repeated, sounding slightly more shrill with each second. It didn’t have to be put into words; despite the fact that he’d had a crush on Raye before Emmy really came into his life, he was basically cheating on her. That realization had him scampering off James’s hospital bed and on his feet immediately. “I...I’m literally the worst person alive, oh my God.” He was full-on panicking at this point, pacing back and forth. “I’m...I’m a cheater, James! Oh my God!” He stopped, gripping onto the ledge of the window as he felt hot tears spring to his eyes. “What do I do? Shit, I’m so screwed. Shit, shit, shit!”