#*posted w beta editor

[survibers]

Location: Food Court

Tagging: @ofsyzygies

"Okay how would you rate today's show on a scale of like 1 to uh..23? I wasn't sure about mixing in those Whitney Houston bits but I was sort of feeling like the vibe needed some power vocals. I mean I love a good guitar but I can only take white dudes whisper screaming into a mic for so long, you know?" Dhruv had missed their debriefs with Noa and it was a part of getting back to their show that made it worth it. Of course Noa had been understanding when Dhruv was going through the worst of it and they had been grateful for the ways they were still able to connect outside of the mall. And even more grateful for the grace of still being there even when Dhruv was a bit lost in himself and distant for some time. "My mom gave me extra to give you today," Dhruv mentioned as they pulled out their lunch and slid a few cookies over to Noa. It was known that if someone was Dhruv's friend then by extension they were loved and cared for by the Acharya's and Dhruv's mother made it her business to know as many people as possible in Dhruv's life and in Shrike Heights in general. Her being the high school's nurse just meant that she knew more people than even he did. "What's your day been like so far? Highlights? Lowlights? List of people we can jointly glare at?"

[survibers]

"Deep breathes, Dhruv, deep breathes." It felt silly to be so nervous for a date with someone you had been seeing for months. Especially someone who was so clearly in love with you. But there was a nervous excitement coursing through them as they waited outside of Desi's house, a large bouquet of flowers in their arms. They couldn't even remember the last time they went on a real date, but it didn't really matter since this felt like the only date that ever mattered. Dhruv had spent the week putting this date together, getting a haircut, cleaning up their facial hair, put his sisters through all the wardrobe options. They had just really wanted to have a beautiful night. Something where they could be out together and be at ease. It seemed almost impossible these days in Shrike Heights but Dhruv was determined.

They had told Desi they would be there right at 7pm and to open the front door when he was ready. Dhruv could feel the butterflies in thier stomach as they watched the front door slowly open as they started to walk up the path to the door. "Mr. Calderon, you have to be the most handsome man in Shrike. In all of the world, really," they told him gently, holding out the flowers before leaning in for a soft kiss. "Are you ready for me to rock your world?" They laughed softly, kissing him again before letting him take the flowers inside. "Your chariot awaits," they told him finally and held out their arm for Desi to take. @urdamage

[survibers]

"You know I'd recognize those broad shoulders and haircut anywhere," Zeke said loudly as he spotted Copper while he was out for his morning run. "I know I'm sweaty but we're gonna have to deal!!" He opened up his arms and gave Copper no choice as he pulled in for a big bear hug. "My man, Copper, how you been, dude? Look at you, handsome as ever. Just moseying around, if I would've known I would've treat you to my exclusive welcome back committee. Which includes a lot of food, booze and all the trips down memory lane," he added, his smile wide as he took in his old friend. "You busy right now, I was gonna end this run with a coffee or smoothie or something. Your choice. Sorry if I'm stinky." @copperxxgalileo

[hector-reyes]

Location: The Blue Sparrow

Tagging: @harperbaumann

"So...that coaching gig you got? What kind of like hiring process did you have to go through for that?” Hector was trying not to come off too eager in his questioning but ever since his conversation with Noah he had been thinking a lot about his future. He was always a bit reserved when hanging out with Harper these days if only because he felt a little vulnerable in knowing that he was different from the last time they had seen each other. The Hector she knew back in Texas had been on top of the world and well now...it was no secret he thought of himself as pretty pathetic. Even with all of his usual charm and delusional confidence. “I’ve just been thinking about some stuff, thinking about some more constructive ways to spend time. I mean I don’t know if anyone is looking for a baseball coach but you know, I like to think I’m pretty qualified. Can’t move like I used to but I can still move pretty well,” he added, rubbing his knee for a moment before he focused back on his coffee and took some long sips. "Anyway, how's your weekend going?"