#with riley

[kieranwhitt]

“ me vendría bien algo de compañía. ” ( @rivlcy )

" ¿algo de compañía o mi compañía en particular? " porque narcisismo no puede quedar en segundo plano, y realidad es que tenía ganas de volver a verla después de momento compartido en la fiesta del té. " lo siento, no puedo evitarlo " palabras salen de su boca antes de que pueda pensarlas, pero rara vez se arrepiente. " ¿estás bien? "

[kwcnhbins]

closed starter for @rillister!!

         𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 a long night in new york city. haebin would never tell, but his homesickness was starting to overtake his excitement to be in the city of bright lights and dreams. it wasn’t that he wasn’t grateful, no, haebin knew how privileged he was to be partying, performing, and living in america —  it wasn’t an offer you get every day. but as the weeks flew by and the months began to age, haebin’s yearning for his family and childhood friends back in seoul and busan only grew. the friends he brought with him and the ones he made during his stay were more than his happy pill, they were mainly the reason why he was living and thriving, if living and thriving at all.

         basking in the sunlight peeking through translucent curtains, haebin let his head fall backwards against the back of the couch. he scrolled through his phone, signing into his private instagram and mindlessly liking posts. wait, no — you’re not supposed to do that. that’s the one thing they said you can’t do! eyes widening as he sat up in realization of his mistake, he frantically unliked every single picture he went through. sighing in relief and hoping he didn’t get caught, he collapsed back onto the coach. the sound of scuffling coming from across the hallway prompted him to lean forward to see who was wandering around at this hour. “hey, who’s there?” he called, unable to identify who was in the corridor. 

[lucayahuckleberries]

currently making a gmw au to a drake song

[truculentcampyman-blog]

HIGHBLOOD: =As he had come to do often Ghb seated himself in the cargobay, his shifting around of the boxes and addition of some worn and weary blankets and cloth from the forgotten supplie crates made a decent enough seat for him to lounge against. Propped there against a wall a large, but actually fitting compared to himself, instrument rests against his belly. Black and oblong with silver keys tacked down the long neck, his fingers mash them while he blows into it, filling the cargo bay with the deep, smooth notes that flowed and jumped from one to the other.=

RILEY: -she's managed to get herself out of her room for the sheer purpose of taking a walk, and while she doesn't have a destination in mind, that quickly changes upon hearing the tune ring through the halls. curious, she follows the noise, and it leads her to the cargo bay. trying the door, it seems to be accessible, so she enters carefully-

HIGHBLOOD: =The tune comes in and fades like the sea, rolling high then sinking deep. Fluttering playfully over notes like ripples in the water, the crash of water against rocks then the settle as it draws back again. All of a sudden it dips and becomes more cheery sounding, comical even. Floating on a mirth but the music sounded tense in how it wavered notes. It told jumps, tenses, steadies and steps slowly drawing out once, then twice and maybe a third time before taking a dive down. Almost like a slide whistle from cartoons when someone falls=

RILEY: -she peeks in, not noticing where the noise is coming from, even if she SHOULD, she doesn't see him at first until she finally does. Wow huge troll- ...okay. this is cool.

HIGHBLOOD: =Him lorge. The big oboe in his hands making a curled up questioning tune, then several chitters of "conversation" as he looks at the small human lady.= :o?

RILEY: nope. this isn't weird at all. uh. hey?

HIGHBLOOD: =Shakes his head and blows a low note, nahhhhhhhh. But he removes the reed and lifts his head= why you all gawkin at a motherfuckers contrabass?

RILEY: is this gawking? i mean, is this normal for this place? the cargo bay concerts?

HIGHBLOOD: =Without hesitation= yeah.

HIGHBLOOD: i'm the only one playin most of the time but that be the nature of this space more oft than nah

RILEY: huh. okay. so is this like, your job or whatever?

HIGHBLOOD: hell no, don't gotta be paid for it and even then don't need that mucha currency none

HIGHBLOOD: =leans up then forward at her, tilting his head and all that heavy hair falls over one shoulder with his lean= you some kinda guard sis miss?

RILEY:  -man, these are the kinds of trolls Jodie likes to hang out with? she's got the creeps. She's kind of impresses that he thinks she's a guard, so she stands up a little straighter- could be. but nah. i'm a...volunteer counselor? i think that's what it's called.

HIGHBLOOD: hm =Leans on back then= ain't no motherfuckers up in here to counsel sis

HIGHBLOOD: less you wanna grab tail end on my merry jouvilanceries and read up the panwaves on my blow most expressive

RILEY: well, i mean, they're desperate enough to ask a completely untrained person to learn the job.

RILEY: and whatever it is you just said doesn't seem like anything humanly possible.

HIGHBLOOD: good thing i ain't human then huh? ;o)

HIGHBLOOD: it's all about them metaphoricals though, no need to reach out and grab up on that melody marinated and delicious

RILEY: ...

RILEY: -she has no idea what he said- exactly.

HIGHBLOOD: =He's used to it so he just grins=

HIGHBLOOD: well then you gonna seat your ass my mysterious volunteerin motherfuck?

RILEY: what a name. i'm changing my name to that. -attempts to sit on some...smaller crates since the bigger ones are TOO tall-

HIGHBLOOD: =they're not too tall ur just too smol= less of a name and a fond jokey moniker, unless you really wanna change your name :o0

RILEY: hey, it COULD be a name.

HIGHBLOOD: could be, makes a good acronym sister mvm =smiles=

RILEY: mvm sounds like a wrestling event.

RILEY: or like...-snaps her fingers- you know the guy with the fins that hangs out with my... -what the fuck does she call him?- with derek strider? the one that says vwords like that? it sounds like something he would say about something he digs.

HIGHBLOOD: =makes a grumbling noise as he thinks= lots of motherfuckers with fins... you mean the one with which two scars on him face, the lil shit spy, or the capey one?

RILEY: uh... the one with the hair like -gestures- kinda looks like a greaser.

HIGHBLOOD: oh! yeah that's shit spy sis!

RILEY: oh damn, no idea he was a spy. but you know what i mean? -imitates voice- mvvvvvvmmmmmmm.

HIGHBLOOD: hahahahahaha! he ain't! =Not a good one anyway, her imitation of him makes Ghb laugh more=

HIGHBLOOD: yeah, yeah like a motherfucker all revvin up him engine bein all solo focused that he am on his own imaginary hot shit =he hasn't spoken to him in a while but he remembers how he acts=

RILEY: yeah! haven't hung out with him at all, really, if you don't count taking my...derek to the infirmary together.

HIGHBLOOD: =shrugs and gently places down his oboe= takin someone to the infirm ain't really hangin =makes an X with his arms= don't count

RILEY: yeah, see? so probably negative time spent with that guy.

HIGHBLOOD: =waves his hand= yknow i met that motherfucker on lotam

HIGHBLOOD: was reviewin some tricks for this sweeps big ass carnavelation celebrationaries, =frowns=

HIGHBLOOD: he ain't even give the performer not all that much attention and they was good too :o/

RILEY: aww. i'm sure the performer was used to that stuff by then.

HIGHBLOOD: maybe so but that's hells of rude, you got a motherfucker out down in that circular light bearin themselves and they abilities for them up in the stands

HIGHBLOOD: when you down there you completely surrounded, brothers and sisters on all sides in seats up to the ceiling and you gotta show out for 'em

HIGHBLOOD: i don't get not givin em the respect of attention if they good

RILEY: when i first started performing it was tough not to notice the people who were...distracted. or just not into what i was doing at all. but with all the people that liked what i did, i eventually learned how to tune them out.

HIGHBLOOD: =oh! He sits up again, wearing a big smile that stretches his distorted face paint= you perform sis?

HIGHBLOOD: why ain't you said nothin! what's your bizz

RILEY: -she grins and shrugs.- i do music. guitar and singing and shit.

HIGHBLOOD: yeah? that's good sis why ain't you playin in the cargbobay concert hall?

RILEY: that's a good question. -uncapchalogues her guitar and starts to tune it- looks like you got an act to join you.

RILEY: oh yeah, what's your name?

HIGHBLOOD: call me ty :o) =picks up his oboe=

HIGHBLOOD: might stick to callin you mvm myself if i'm bein honest sis

RILEY: cool with me. i also go by riley, robyn saint, but you can call me whatever. -finishes tuning and starts to strum-

HIGHBLOOD: aight sis whatever nice to get our acquaintanceship on =puts the reed between his lips and blows an easy lil note to go with her strumming, his back leaning against the fabric once more=

RILEY: -she starts off by singing a little- if you're having girl problems, i feel bad for you, son.

RILEY: i got 99 problems and a bitch ain't one.

RILEY: -GUITAR PLUCKING https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmy113gMds0 -

HIGHBLOOD: =He can get down with this and plays along, oboes before hos=

HIGHBLOOD: =also considers if she could play on lotam hmmm=

RILEY: tip my hat to the sun in the west, feel the beat right in my chest.

RILEY: at the crossroads at a second time, make the devil change his mind.

RILEY: it's a pound of flesh but it's really a ton. ninety-nine problems and a bitch ain't one.

HIGHBLOOD: =taps his foot and gets all jazzy on her, watch him go. And the acoustics in here are really good for jams=

RILEY: -she looks up to grin at him for a moment before continuing on and doing some more plucking and strumming- if you're having girl problems, i feel bad for you son.

RILEY: i got 99 problems and a bitch ain't one.

RILEY: ninety-nine...problems...

RILEY: but a bitch ain't one!

RILEY: -she picks up the pace a little, also tapping her foot- like broken glass under my feet,

RILEY: could lose my mind in this heat.

RILEY: looking for the prize, but i don't want blood.

RILEY: i order one drink, then i drink the flood.

RILEY: well, you can come inside, but your friends can't come.

RILEY: ninety-nine problems and a bitch ain't one.

RILEY: if you're having girl problems, i feel bad for you, son.

RILEY: i got ninety-nine problems, but a bitch ain't one!

RILEY: -laughs a little but keeps going- ninety-nine, ninety-nine, ninety-nine...

RILEY: ninety-nine...problems...

RILEY: but a bitch ain't one!

RILEY: ninety-nine, ninety-nine problems.

RILEY: ...but a bitch ain't one. -and now she's just laughing about the whole thing, now that the song's over.- shit!

HIGHBLOOD: =It's hard to play and grin without making an ugly tune but he can't help it especially as they go faster. His fingers pressing over the silver, increasing the Jazz ™ and but when she's laughing there goes that ugly note when he starts laughing. Loud and intermingled with honks as it bounces around the cargobay=

HIGHBLOOD: hell yeah that's what i calls a motherfuckin JAM SIS =highfive him with ur tiny hand riley=

RILEY: -she actually laughs so much she SNORTS, but it's worth it. she high fives him back with her hand that's WAY smaller than his, but whatever- i know, right? never thought of pairing a guitar and an oboe, but it looks like we just found a pair of instrumental soulmates.

HIGHBLOOD: strings and winds always make a goodass pair sis, it dont hurt my contrabass be bringin that depth! :oD

HIGHBLOOD: =after high fiving he lifts his hand making it look like he threw something in the air. Which he did, a solitary bicycle horn is rotating slowly as it goes up and up and up to the ceiling and wheezes a honk once it reaches=

RILEY: -watches it go up- damn! you just keep those on hand?

HIGHBLOOD: and these =When she looks back down she'll see that she is about to get pied in the face= honk!

RILEY: -yells in surprise and freezes- oh my god!

RILEY: oh my god. why.

HIGHBLOOD: =GET DUNKED NEW FRIEND= HAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!

RILEY: -starts laughing again, attempting to wipe the pie off of her face and licking it off her hands-

HIGHBLOOD: =It's lemon meringue, and goddamn delicious may he add=

HIGHBLOOD: =When his laughter dies down to giggles then chuckles Ghb sits up and brushes his hair back= yeah

HIGHBLOOD: =exhales and relaxes back again= shit sis you good people

RILEY: -wipes off the rest of her face- entertaining is the word you're looking for.

RILEY: -she smiles- it's what i do.

HIGHBLOOD: =grins= same thing ain't it?

RILEY: debatable. -tilts her head a little- damn, can't believe i didn't hear you playing the oboe down here sooner.

HIGHBLOOD: not always oboe, i play many manners of horns and windy things

HIGHBLOOD: that's all my deal right there

RILEY: you down here all the time?

HIGHBLOOD: most of the times i'm playin yeah :o0

HIGHBLOOD: lately been took to my block also or just nappin my ass in all this space =shrugs=

RILEY: good to know.

RILEY: gotta remember that.

HIGHBLOOD: you gonna come for more jam pies mvm? :oP

RILEY: it'll be nice to have a jam buddy.

RILEY: -laughs- maybe less of the pies in my face, but more music making, sure!

HIGHBLOOD: =winks= maybe next one you could avoid yeah

RILEY: gotta get better at dodging, or something. -capchalogues her guitar- i gotta get going, but i guarantee you're gonna see me soon.

[technologicgodot]

Dave has a complex relationship with doors, considering how much time he spends standing outside of one instead of interacting with them. It’s not like he doesn’t know what lies behind this one; he’s well aware. He knows the person inside enough, and still he finds himself considering a regretful walk back to his room. It’s Bro’s words that ring in his head and keep him there, and those same words that make him knock on the door.

She’s probably lonely and shit.

But it’s not just Bro he’s here for. Despite the tumultuous conversation with his brother the night before, Dirk’s input sticks in his mind no matter how much he wants to get it out.

But if you tell her how you feel, then she can explain how he was feeling.

Even Jade has brought him here with her insight.

I don’t think that you will ever get a chance to feel close to her until you do have that conversation.

He’s not sure why he’s so fidgety, why he’s drumming his fingers against his leg as he waits. The conversation he plans to have has him second-guessing himself, but his feet are glued to the ground beneath him. Maybe she’s not there. Of course she’s there; where else would she go? They’re in space, dumbass.

The door opens and there she is, standing in what he assumes she wears to bed, considering he’s never seen her in anything like this before. Hair askew, she looks like she’s drowning in an oversized t-shirt coupled with a pair of yoga pants. More telling is the familiar look on her face that he’s seen on someone else before. The exhaustion rings a bell in his mind, the way the room feels strikes something within him that he can’t quite describe.

“Hey, Dave,” she says with a smile that appears forced, stepping aside for him to come in. “Decided to visit your mom, huh?”

He nods, walking slowly inside and taking in the empty room. It is definitely a spare, given there are only the basics inside. He takes notice of the guitar against the wall, but the longer he looks, the more he notices the thin layer of dust coating the wood. What does she even do in here by herself? The possibility that the answer is nothing unsettles him.

How long has it been since she had company?

“I wanted to show you some stuff,” he says outright. “Not ‘cause it's awesome or anything like that, but it seems like we got a shared interest in music and making it even if I don't have all the cool shit you do at the ready to make it like legit high quality. I mean in comparison, mine kinda sucks but like I've been working on this for a while and I'm hoping that maybe it's not like the worst ‘cause that would be really fucking embarrassing--”

He ceases suddenly when he notices her smiling in amusement at him and yet listening intently. Forgetting to breathe when he is on one of his tangents is far too easy, and he pays for it now as he forces a deep breath and sifts through his sylladex for his computer.

“Guess I should ask you if it's okay first instead of going all gung ho.”

Riley laughs and takes a seat on a small couch, patting the seat next to her.

“Show me. I want to hear it.”

Dave hurriedly sits down next to her, getting out his laptop and fumbling around. He’s stalling, and he knows it. Stalling is easier than starting the conversation he needs to have. As he pushes play on his most recent track, he can’t focus on it. He can’t focus on her reaction, her approval, or any of it, because all he can think about is his conversation with Dirk, the things they said, and the truth it all held. It feels wrong, sitting next to her and pretending as if their relationship is as normal as it could be.

Riley listens intently, resting her mouth against folded hands and closing her eyes, soaking in every detail of the music. He’s never had anyone listen with such focus before, and it stirs up a hoard of conflicted feelings that swarm in his mind.

Suddenly, he can’t take it anymore.

“Why is Dirk better than me?”

Her eyes blink open and she glances at him in surprise, completely caught off guard.

“Like, I get he’s prodigal son status here, gone missing and coming back like some kind of a goddamn miracle nobody asked for this late but here he is on some random delivery back in your life. Like a pizza you ordered two weeks ago except you figure you can eat more even though it’s way too late. But you didn’t even need to order out because I was there, too. Sure, I was a weird-ass albino pizza, but I was still there. Fuck, maybe I could have been a decent son if you just gave me a chance, but you didn’t. You didn’t give me a chance at all, you just...you just left me with him. You had to know what he was like because you fucking married him so you had to have a clue that some of this stuff was gonna go down.”

He can’t look at her as he’s talking, because if he does, he may take it all back and leave crucial thoughts unsaid.

“And like, fuck, losing Dirk had to be the most horrible thing to ever happen to you guys. I can’t imagine what it would be like if Dove was suddenly gone like that.” He swallows, trying to hold himself together. “But why didn’t you take me with you? I would have been okay to have around, I think. Yeah, sometimes it’s hard to get me to shut up, but that’s something I could have worked on. I could have been the king of motherfucking brevity if you wanted. Shit, I was just a baby when you left, so I could have been literally anything you wanted or needed me to be if you just took me with you. But you didn’t. And you know you didn’t, and you and Dirk have this tight thing going on and it’s weird with us because you could have come back at any time for me, and you didn’t. But Dirk’s here and suddenly you’re around. I don’t even think you came here for me at all. And there ain’t anything I can do to change that, like, that’s your thing. I guess I just want to know why. Like what was so wrong with me besides the whole skin defect thing because that didn’t play that big of a role, did it?”

His eyelashes moisten and he raises a sleeve to wipe the wetness away as discreetly as possible.

Riley’s silent, and the silence taunts him as he stares at the ground, not daring to look up. He feels stupid, ashamed, like a child--so much that he can’t face her.

Her voice breaks through the air between them, soft and quiet.

“Dave.”

He doesn’t respond.

“Can you just look at me for a few seconds?”

It takes him a moment, but eventually he averts his gaze in her direction. He sees the pain in her eyes, the way they’re both wide with concern, and he can’t look at her any more than that.

He hears her sigh, slowly.

“I can’t even begin to make this up to you. I’m...so sorry. But I know that doesn’t even begin to cover any of it. There’s no good enough excuse for leaving you, because you were and are just so fucking amazing. I regretted it every day, Dave. I missed you and your dad so much that I tried to come back to both of you but you were already long gone. I couldn’t find you, and I tried. Knowing that I lost my chance haunted me for years.” She pauses, wiping her eyes. “I love both you and Dirk so much. And I know I’m not great at expressing it, especially with the limited time I have with y’all.”

Dave hears her and attempts to process this information, piecing parts together that contradicted his beliefs prior to this. Despite the explanation, a question still weighs heavily on his mind, one that he almost feels guilty for asking. Nevertheless, it’s one that needs to be answered.

“Why’d you leave in the first place?”

She looks away as they broach more sensitive territory. Dave remembers some of what she’s told him in the past, but he hasn’t heard the reasoning straight from her. It makes him anxious to ask and wait for her response, but he knows it’s necessary. It’s necessary if he wants to move forward.

“So, we were a pretty solid little family. Your dad, Dirk, you, me. Up until he died, or was taken, I guess. Things just...weren’t the same. When we got back home, I couldn’t even get myself to function let alone take care of you. You needed me, your dad needed me, but I just...I couldn’t. Do anything.” She shrugs, and Dave can see her eyes watering. “I couldn’t think straight. Every time I looked at you, I saw Dirk. Your dad was hurting and I couldn’t support him, and we fought all the time. It was awful. It was awful for you to have to experience so young, and when it didn’t get better, I thought I could fix it by taking myself out of the picture. Obviously, it was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done, and I hated myself for it. Look, I can’t take it back even though I wish I could, and I can’t replace all of those years I spent away from both of you. And I really fucking can’t explain how sorry I am if I wanted to. It’s not going to be enough. But I love you and Dirk, no matter how much I didn’t get to see you. If I act any different, I guess I’m just...I feel ashamed. But you’re so great, Dave. You’re talented, you’re an amazing dad. And I’m just really fucking sorry.”

Dave sits there for a few moments, silent, and he can tell she’s starting to cry. He does the only thing he can do after hearing all that: he hugs her, putting his arms around her and holding on tightly.

“It’s okay, Mom.”

With tears escaping his own eyes, he means it.

[technologicgodot]

-- technologicGodot [TG] began pestering tenebrousThorns [TT] at 19:44 --

TG: hey

TG: what are you doing

TT: Gift-wrapping.  

TT: What's going on?

TG: you should come over

TG: i wanna show you something

TT: Is it important?  We're kind of running out of time, here.  I'm not even sure I can finish by the eve thereof.

TG: only as important as breathing

TG: and eating

TG: and hydration but you know you can skip out on it if you want

TT: You really can't do that.

TT: But fine.

TT: Your room?

TG: yeah my room

TT: Okay.  I'll be right there.

-- tenebrousThorns [TT] ceased pestering technologicGodot [TG] at 19:56 --

ROSE: -She doesn't know what she's expecting here as she makes her way through the hall.  She's found herself getting chillier a lot more often, so she's wearing a heavy sweater when she approaches his room, knocking at the door politely.-

DAVE: -the door slides open and he stands in the doorway- hey

DAVE: (be cool ok)

ROSE: (Do not remind me of that.)

DAVE: -takes a step to the side-

RILEY: -She's sitting on the floor, playing with Dove, when she looks up to see who's here-

DAVE: mom this is rose

DAVE: rose this is my mom

ROSE: -oh.-

ROSE: -SO THAT'S WHAT "BE COOL" MEANS.-

ROSE: (...You definitely could have warned me over the chat.)

ROSE: (Just saying.)

RILEY: hi, rose. -she smiles at her from the floor-

DAVE: yeah shes in shock about me not telling her she was meeting you

RILEY: the goal is not to shock her, dave.

ROSE: I... yes.

ROSE: Well.

ROSE: I suppose he gets his sense of tact from Derek.

ROSE: -She isn't going to just loom in the doorway, but she's also not sure what to do with herself as she enters, walking towards Riley and Dove.-

ROSE: I guess you do know who I am.

ROSE: It's...

ROSE: Nice to formally meet you.

ROSE: I've heard about you.

RILEY: nice to meet you too, rose. -she stands because that's the polite thing to do in this situation.- and yeah? can't imagine it was all good.

DAVE: well uh -he just stops there-

ROSE: Well.

ROSE: You are a musician, right?

ROSE: I have heard some of your work."

RILEY: really? hopefully, it didn't make you cringe too much.

DAVE: yeah i showed her

DAVE: i found some of your stuff and before i met you i think is when i showed her

ROSE: About then.

ROSE: I suppose I never really expected to meet you.

ROSE: I mean, doubly so, considering our present situation.

ROSE: It is generally easier to think of someone else as a distant abstraction in situations like this.

DAVE: -he's just standing here and letting them talk because this is important to him and he doesn't want to make that super obvious-

RILEY: oh, of course. i didn't expect to meet them, either. but what do you know? they found me anyway. the chances of that still blows my mind, but i'm grateful somehow we made the cut.

ROSE: -She glances at Dave, if only because she happens to feel a little bit awkward just standing there like that-- what does she do with her hands?  Should she bow or something?  No, that's kind of ludicrous.-

ROSE: ...I, ah.

ROSE: We were friends over the internet.  For a while.

ROSE: I suppose you might know about that already, though.  Depending on what he told you.

DAVE: -takes a seat in his desk chair-

RILEY: -takes that hint and just slowly eases herself down on the ground to dove-level again  and gestures for Rose to join her- he told me that part. said you were one of his best friends. like a sister.

DAVE: no what i didnt say that -yes he did-

ROSE: I am sure he did, yes.

ROSE: Like a beleaguered elder sibling, doing her very best to make sure an idiot toddler does not shove a shitty Buster Sword into a light socket.

ROSE: -She sinks down to the ground, folding her legs and silently thankful.  It's easier so long as she's talking, that's for sure.-

RILEY: -she snorts at that, laughing- i couldn't ask for anyone better to fill that role.

DAVE: -spins in his chair-

ROSE: I will endeavor not to disappoint you, then.

ROSE: Dave, what are you doing.

DAVE: nothin

RILEY: entertaining himself, i think.

ROSE: ...Ah.  Right.

ROSE: -She gives him a LOOK over her shoulder.  She's pretty sure he's just radiating anxiety over this, but shakes her head as she turns back to Riley.-

ROSE: Where have you been staying, though?

ROSE: In your life as a civilian?

ROSE: I presume that you're not going to be staying with us, on the run from the law.

ROSE: As deeply satisfying to some sophomoric fantasies it tends to be.

RILEY: at first, in dave's dad's room while he stayed with his girlfriend. but after the whole getting arrested thing happened, with dirk.

RILEY: and as long as i can figure out some way to prove myself trustworthy, i'll be able to get off the ship. if not, i guess i'm stranded.

DAVE: -rose knows him too well-

ROSE: Oh my god.

ROSE: You were arrested?

ROSE: I am...

ROSE: Very sorry.

RILEY: yeah. -glances over at dave- me, dave, and dirk. all taken in because the security protocol wasn't followed or whatever.

DAVE: -just glances away-

ROSE: Jesus.

ROSE: Okay, so.

ROSE: I suppose that's probably not the best welcome.

ROSE: Sorry again.

RILEY: not your fault, sweetheart.

RILEY: i keep saying it was just an opportunity for quality time with dave and dirk. sure, not a great setting to be in, but thankfully it was only for a night.

ROSE: I suppose it's well enough, that you continue to take it in stride.

ROSE: That is a pun, David.  

ROSE: ...Do you still go by Strider?

RILEY: -she grins at rose's comment to dave-

DAVE: yeah i fuckin know its a pun shut up

RILEY: up until a few months ago, i did. not anymore, though.

ROSE: I trust "Riley" isn't too familiar for me to use, instead?

RILEY: oh, yes. please call me riley. sorry, definitely forgot to actually give you my name.

ROSE: It's fine.

ROSE: I am, formally, Rose Lalonde.

RILEY: i love that name.

RILEY: speaks volumes about you. elegant.

ROSE: -She blinks, momentarily off-guard by the compliment.-

ROSE: Thank you.

ROSE: I suppose it's best I started with that.

ROSE: My full name is actually Rose Human Test Number 04122610 Lalonde.

ROSE: Dare I suggest, manifolds more elegant.

ROSE: It would seem like I'm trying too hrd were that the case.

RILEY: your full name obviously takes the cake. length is key, here.

ROSE: I suppose I could have added a few more syllables to the surname, too.

RILEY: i'm sure you could.

RILEY: so what's your role on the ship, rose?

DAVE: -keeps spinning-

ROSE: I am employed as a therapist.

ROSE: I should warn that I have no actual qualifications, however.

RILEY: how'd you score that one?

ROSE: Fraud, by and large.

RILEY: respectable.

ROSE: Thank you.

RILEY: sure. -she grins and picks up dove- i'm sure you've gotten to watch this one grow, too.

ROSE: It's been interesting.  

ROSE: We certainly weren't expecting her.

ROSE: And she did everything in her power to make sure she was a complete surprise.

RILEY: that's what i heard. but you know she wouldn't be a strider otherwise. dirk and dave? both surprises. major ones.

ROSE: Don't tell me they popped out early, too.

RILEY: no, they were pretty much on time. just unplanned.

ROSE: Well, she did not want to wait another two months.

ROSE: Places to be, I suppose.

ROSE: It was kind of a clusterfuck, as I recall.

RILEY: must have had her mind set on being with all y'all.

RILEY: can't say i blame her. got a good bunch over here.

ROSE: We threw you in a prison cell.  You are remarkably forgiving.

RILEY: it's a security thing. i get it.

ROSE: -She reaches over for BABBY, wiggling her fingers at her in an attempt to entertain.-  

ROSE: A bit overzealous, in all likelihood, but yes.

ROSE: Most of the people here are pretty good.

ROSE: We're stuck with each other one way or another, though.

ROSE: So it's all proper that we learn to play nice.

RILEY: might as well if you're stuck.

DOVE: -smiles at rose-

ROSE: With children.

ROSE: Did you meet any of the others?

RILEY: besides citrin? no, actually.

ROSE: Citrin is one.  He tends to escape and run about in the atrium.

RILEY: sounds like a strider. again.

ROSE: Yeah.  

ROSE: I am taking care of one.  He is in pupation, though.

RILEY: that means he pulls a caterpillar, right?

ROSE: Indeed.

ROSE: The critical point prior to which he would become a beautiful butterfly.

RILEY: aka grow legs?

ROSE: Yeah.  

ROSE: Well.

ROSE: Technically, I guess, lose a bunch of them.

RILEY: makes sense to me.

RILEY: is he supposed to come out soon?

DAVE: you really dont know

DAVE: its random

DAVE: some trolls take forever while some bust out right away like citrin

ROSE: Yeah.

ROSE: He took a while in the first place.  He doesn't like eating.

ROSE: I was kind of on-edge about it, for a while.

RILEY: guess it's kind of hard when you don't know what to compare his growth to. if it's sporadic like that.

ROSE: We're honestly just guessing a lot of the time.

ROSE: They're supposed to be raised by actual animals.

RILEY: from a human standpoint, it's kind of difficult to imagine how something like that works.

RILEY: since for a human to be raised by an animal is just...legend. or mythical.

RILEY: guess y'all are dealing with a whole different kind of ballpark here.

ROSE: A little.

ROSE: I suppose talking to someone who actually did some mothering helps, though.

RILEY: for the first two years, anyway. -she looks over at dave- i can tell you about babies and early toddlers all you want.

ROSE: -She nods, looking away.-  I'm not going to hold that against you or anything.

ROSE: I'm aware of how things are, sometimes.

ROSE: But yeah.  That actually would help.

RILEY: plus, i can tell some stories about dave, too. since i haven't been able to fulfill the embarrassing mom role yet.

DAVE: no embarrassing stories about me

DAVE: i was an angel probably

ROSE: Yes please.

ROSE: Pictures too, if you have them.

RILEY: i have some. some that i was supposed to get rid of but kept anyway. want to see them now?

DAVE: wait what

ROSE: I would love that more than anything.

RILEY: okay, one second. -she gets out her communicator and opens up an album with a few baby pictures of dirk and dave and she hands it on over-

ROSE: Oh.

ROSE: My god.

ROSE: -She scrolls through them, mouth hanging open.-

ROSE: Can I keep these.

RILEY: -there are pictures of just dave, some of just dirk, both adorable tiny things. some pictures they have together, like one of dave asleep on dirk's shoulder while dirk is entranced by something on tv.- sure. i don't have a problem with it. as long as we can come up with a way that won't breach the whole security thing.

ROSE: I'll save them to a loval drive or something.  It doesn't matter.  I must find a way.

DAVE: wait whats she showing you

ROSE: You have the pudgiest baby cheeks.

ROSE: Just look at them.

RILEY: i know, right? you could just squish them. definition of a baby face right there.

DAVE: i still got an irresistible baby face

ROSE: Don't even compare, you.

DAVE: wow rude

RILEY: dirk's cheeks weren't so squishy but still adorable.

ROSE: This is a Christmas miracle.

RILEY: so was them being born on the same day exactly one year apart.

RILEY: dirk spent his entire first birthday at the hospital in the waiting room with derek because dave had to make an appearance.

Paint: ROSE: Poor Dirk.

ROSE: You know, it took him a while to actually admit they could possibly be related.

RILEY: the last names didn't give it away? or the shades? they pretty much have the exact same mouth. should've been really obvious.

ROSE: Mmm-hmmmmm.

ROSE: Denial is a powerful force.

DAVE: yeah well its kinda jarring when you think youre an only child and then bam suddenly brother youve never heard of

RILEY: denial can take you far in the wrong direction. i'm just glad they got over it.

ROSE: Yeah.  It's weird.  We've come a long way.

RILEY: i'm glad, though. it would suck if the denial won.

ROSE: Oh, yeah.

ROSE: Me too.

ROSE: As if it hadn't, I wouldn't have these incriminating baby photos right about now.

[1/1/2016 9:44:54 PM] alicia: RILEY: that's reason enough to be grateful.

DAVE: youre not even gonna do anything with them

ROSE: Is that a dare, Dave?

DAVE: no

ROSE: It sounded like it was.

DAVE: its not

RILEY: it really did sound like it, rose. you're right.

ROSE: I guess I really should.  I wouldn't want to be a coward.

DAVE: no dont do it

DAVE: whatever youre thinking just dont do it

ROSE: :)

DAVE: no stop

ROSE: Can't, won't.

RILEY: looks like it's already too late.

DAVE: aw shit

ROSE: I like her, Dave.

DAVE: of course you fuckin like her shes siding with you

RILEY: i'm not siding with anyone, dave. i wouldn't do that to you. i'm just all right with more than one person seeing how cute you were as a baby.

ROSE: I like her even more, Dave.

DAVE: ugh

RILEY: :)

ROSE: Here.  -She goes to pass it back over to Riley.-  Keep it safe, in case of sabotage.

RILEY: -she takes the communicator and keeps it, grinning.- you got it.

DAVE: i dont even know what the fuck is going on anymore

ROSE: As per usual.

RILEY: well, i have to get going back to dirk's room because i'm not so sure how long i can be here. but it was really nice meeting you, rose.

ROSE: I... appreciate the opportunity.

ROSE: I hope we can meet again.

ROSE: As difficult as it was to do this the first time.

RILEY: i hope we can, too. -she hands dove off over to rose before standing up.- i'm sure we will.

RILEY: thanks for having me over, dave.

ROSE: -OH!  IT BABY.-

ROSE: -She holds babby and nods towards Riley.-

DAVE: sure mom seeya

RILEY: -and she waves and leaves-

[technologicgodot]

DAVE: -when they reach the hotel his mother told him to meet her at, his hand is attached to jade's. his nerves are going haywire, so much so that he almost stepped in front of a speeding vehicle on the way here. he couldn't do this without jade, and it's important to him that she's a part of this. and when they reach the room, he doesn't even knock. he just stares at the door.-

DAVE: maybe shes not home

JADE: -She hadn't expected to be invited along to this. She had felt, mostly, like a bystander to everything that happened within his family, albeit an occasionally frustrated one. But that Dave wanted her in this -- needed her, even -- it felt nice. Immensely reassuring, in another way. Once they paused in front of the door, she looked between it and Dave.-

JADE: of course shes here

JADE: she wants to talk to you

DAVE: but what if shes in the bathroom and she cant hear me knock

JADE: then we can try again!

JADE: but she wont hear you knock if you dont knock at all

DAVE: -he lets out a deep breath and knocks lightly-

JADE: :)

RILEY: -almost immediately, the door opens. standing there is a relatively small woman in her forties with short blonde hair. She looks surprised when she sees jade at first, but that's quickly covered up with a smile- hi, dave. and...jade, right? come in. -and she opens the door for them-

JADE: -she smiles wide when she sees her, though she's a little surprised, too-- she remembers her from the pictures, but it's different seeing her in person, and already she's starting to pick out the little ways she reminds her of Dave. she pulls Dave along with her inside, nodding- hi! its-- nice to meet you!

DAVE: -he's definitely pulled along here, and for good reason, too.-yeah hey

RILEY: -she leads them inside. There's a bed and a chair and a couch in here.- sit wherever the hell you want. make yourselves at home.

DAVE: at home

JADE: -she smiles a little at Dave, brows knit, and then she moves for the couch. It seems like the best choice-

DAVE: -he follows her because he forgot how to sit all of a sudden, and when he does, he's jumping his leg like crazy.-

RILEY: -she takes a seat in the chair- do you want anything, like water?

DAVE: -shakes his head- nah im good im the homiest you can get right now

JADE: im okay! ... -she's keeping hold of his hand, and her other reaches over to stroke the back of it, too-

JADE: -there's a lot she wants to say right now, but... what happened between them before, that's something they need to breach, she knows-

RILEY: -she takes a deep breath, clearing her throat a little.- so i didn't know y'all were coming together. but i guess this just gives me an opportunity to be as transparent as i can be. and since i hear y'all are going to have a family together and tie the knot, well... you should be here. that's the truth of it all.

RILEY: -she takes a shaky breath- so i wanted to apologize about the other night. you boys got me good, sneaking up like that. i just wasn't prepared, but i shouldn't have ran out like that. -she glances at jade- i'm sure he told you.

DAVE: nah i totally get that it was like some kinda bomb we just threw in your face and exploded except we all survived god what am i saying

JADE: -Oh... she didn't know. She supposed she wasn't too surprised hearing that. She nods a little after Riley addresses her, and then she's squeezing Dave's hand after he speaks.- it must have been a shock

JADE: thats understandable

RILEY: -she nods at jade. what a pretty girl, and so cute pregnant, too. it's cute how she's holding onto dave's hand like that, and riley can't help but be a little sad she's missed so much. that she chose to miss so much.- dave, i know you must have a lot of questions. and i want to answer them.

DAVE: questions what questions

JADE: ... its been a long time

JADE: i dont think br-- um

JADE: his dad told him very much

RILEY: sounds like derek. sounds like both of us, actually. but i'm getting away from that, now.

DAVE: yeah he didnt tell me shit except your name and that you left and he just told me you left us like a couple of weeks ago

DAVE: cuz of dirk or whatever

JADE: -nods a little- it might help to know... what happened

RILEY: -when jade says that, she knows it's true, and she looks away from them both for a moment.- yeah, i can do that, uh. well, derek and i were doing pretty well. we had you boys, and he worked his ass off for an associate's in business on top of working. swear he got no sleep at all. i helped him with his company, and he wanted to expand so he got us all to go on ship. took a lot of convincing, but i didn't want to be away from him for that long. it wasn't like we really knew anybody that could watch y'all either. so we went on the ship. it got raided by trolls, and dirk got separated from us. -she's having a hard time telling the story already.- we tried to... fuck. sorry. -she covers her face for a second because she doesn't want to cry AGAIN over this.-

 DAVE: -he's listening to this story for the first time and seeing how much it's affecting her, and it's too real for him to completely process right now.-

JADE: -It has to be difficult to revisit. Surely, it's what she's been trying to get away from for about twenty years... and even though they're all alive, and together now, it doesn't erase all those years, either, or the effect they've had.-

JADE: its ok -she says, softly, because looking at Dave, at how he's having difficulty being totally present, she's not certain that he can-

RILEY: -it takes her a moment before she can continue.- he was taken by them and derek watched them take him and he grabbed...he grabbed derek's shades and that fucking puppet but he couldn't get ahold of derek. they forced the three of us onto an emergency shuttle and we watched as the commercial vessel we were on just...exploded. and we had to return home without him.

DAVE: -he's listening still, trying to let all of it sink in. but he knows she's not finished yet-

JADE: -god... imagining it all is hard enough, but seeing and knowing the very real effects is harder. Jade is forcing herself not to get emotional as she listens, though she very much wants to. at this point, maybe stroking Dave's hand is as much for her as it is for him.-

[5/22/2015 11:48:41 PM]  RILEY: things were different since then. i was upset and i blamed a lot of it on derek for getting us to go on that stupid trip. i was...i was hard on him. we fought a lot. -she takes another deep breath.- i...started getting really apathetic. really numb. probably a way of coping. i always dealt with that kind of thing, the depression. even before, i just. -she's fidgeting a little- i was used to feeling down when it happened not...just losing interest and motivation in everything. cried a lot and didn't know why. couldn't really...be a mom, to you, dave. -it's hard for her to say, and she's trying so hard not to cry about all this, but it's difficult because she remembers everything. she remembers saying goodbye to dave for the last time, and he was only a year old then.-

 DAVE: oh ok -is all he can think to say-

 RILEY: derek and i just...we couldn't figure our shit out. a lot of yelling and crying and arguing and blame. and i just...i just left.

[5/22/2015 11:55:41 PM]  JADE: -It's a lot to take in, even when it's not about her. She can only imagine how Dave must feel about it -- or, how he's not quite feeling yet. Right now, it's probably mostly words to him, she thinks. She looks over at him, a little expectantly, but it's difficult to ask anything much of him. She just knows that he deserves to be able to tell her how it was for him, how he felt. But for Dave, that's like pulling teeth.-

[5/23/2015 12:02:08 AM]  DAVE:-he's not sure what to do or say right now-  but why did you leave

 RILEY: -she sighs.- that's the best reason i got. and i know it's shitty and...god, i felt awful about it. i just couldn't get myself to go back.

 DAVE: -but what about him?-

[5/23/2015 12:07:49 AM]  JADE: -she just squeezes his hand. she feels like she can't help but know what he's thinking, even if he isn't acknowledging it himself -- that somehow, he wasn't enough. and he doesn't deserve to feel that way. she hates that it's ever come to a place that he has to. she wants him to be able to speak, to voice his thoughts to her. so she looks at him, encouraging, her voice soft.- dave maybe you should talk to her

JADE: about you... and bro

[5/23/2015 12:17:48 AM]  RILEY: -she looks between dave and jade.- bro? you mean dirk?

 DAVE: -he starts to feel incredibly tense.- no shes talkin about uh

 DAVE: derek

 DAVE: my dad

 RILEY: that's a fucking weird name to call him. did he have you call him that or is that your thing?

[5/23/2015 12:22:06 AM]  JADE: -she leans into Dave a little, and her other hand rises to his upper arm- it is... sort of complicated i think -with the way she's looking at Riley, she hopes her expression can convey that this is a difficult subject for Dave-

[5/23/2015 12:25:28 AM | Edited 12:26:26 AM]  DAVE: -he doesn't want to taint bro's name for his mother. he doesn't want to talk about this with her.- he uh had me call him that

 RILEY: then, yeah, that's really fucking dumb. wow. -she's starting to get a weird feeling with how jade and dave are acting about this.- why bro?

 DAVE: i dunno i dont think he wanted to be a dad i think he wanted to be a bro

 DAVE: thats what i figured anyway just like a cool peer that could kick my ass into shape if i needed it

[5/23/2015 12:29:52 AM]  JADE: -she's not sure what to add. she doesn't feel like she should add anything. it's Dave's subject to talk about, and she doesn't want to overstep anything because of her own feelings. from the looks of things, though, his mom is already starting to get an impression that things were not exactly normal in Dave's daily life growing up-

[5/23/2015 12:40:09 AM]  RILEY: -her eyebrows are furrowing a little- what do you mean, exactly?

 DAVE: i dunno just it was different

 RILEY: different how?

 DAVE: he just wanted to make me stronger i guess so he tested me a lot

 RILEY: but what kind of tests?

 DAVE: -he shifts uncomfortably- uh i dunno like fighting and stuff

 DAVE: games he thought would make me better

 DAVE: tried to scare me with puppets

 DAVE: make me think i was losing my mind over dumb shit like that

 DAVE: made me get into survival mode and learn how to hoard my own food

[5/23/2015 3:27:12 PM]  JADE: -she's heard bits and pieces of it from Dave over the years, seen the effects it all had on him, but hearing it all at once just makes it that much realer. she knows it's difficult to talk about, and now she's starting to worry it might be too much. maybe she shouldn't have brought it up-

[5/23/2015 3:48:58 PM]  RILEY: -she leans forward a little as he talks, a sick feeling growing in her stomach as she listens to Dave- ...when...when did he do that?

 DAVE: it wasnt a one time thing -his voice is getting quieter and he doesn't like the way she's looking at him right now- you gotta split it up into when each thing started cuz some stuff i cant really pin back to a specific moment

 DAVE: like he was teaching me how to fight as far back as i can remember

 DAVE: i mean he didnt start actually fighting me until i was like 8 so it wasnt that big of a deal

 DAVE: i cant remember when the games he would try to play started where i didnt know where he was and he would leave all these freaky as fuck pictures around or hints to test my reactions i guess it was dumb -now he's wringing his hands together absentmindedly- and he didnt start not restocking the fridge til i was like i dunno 13 and putting weapons every goddamn place

 DAVE: like he was a weirdo but i get he was trying to get me to be able to survive on my own so it wasnt a big deal

[5/23/2015 3:58:08 PM]  JADE: -he keeps saying "it wasn't a big deal," and she knows he's trying to avoid that feeling. that uncomfortable feeling of sympathy and pity from people that he doesn't know how to take, that he doesn't want to crowd around his own feelings that are already difficult enough to sort through. she's not certain how to help, but she feels responsible for this now, and she should have known it would end up like this- but you left later -she says to Dave, like she's offering him an opportunity to push the story past the tough parts-

[5/23/2015 4:09:40 PM]  DAVE: yeah i left at 18 when he stopped showing up completely and i went to skaia to train as an agent -he's grateful for the out but he's convinced that his mother is going to focus on what bro did  to him now-

 RILEY: -it's incredibly difficult for her to wrap her head around what Dave is saying to her. She notices how Dave wrings his hands together when he speaks, a telltale sign of nervousness for Derek and dirk both. It scares her, hearing this, and suddenly Derek's odd behavior the day before makes sense. His anger at her for leaving Dave with him makes sense, and she's horrified. But she, too, knows the pain in being seen as a victim, and seeing how he dismisses Derek's responsibility for his actions so frequently, she knows she can't let Dave see how horrified she is about this.- you went to skaia as an agent?

[5/23/2015 4:15:42 PM]  JADE: he said he was going to business school -she adds, smiling a little -- it's more light-hearted, but equally as admiring-

[5/23/2015 4:23:37 PM]  DAVE: yeah cuz i mean i didnt want to get her all mixed up in the fact i was on the planet doin some possibly dangerous shit -he's preferring to stay on this topic- cuz she would have flipped

 DAVE: also we had been online friends for years before that and i was assigned to be her undercover body guard and i pretty much failed at that but what can you do

 DAVE: now i work for tumut on the uu as a security guard

 RILEY: -she's smiling as he talks about jade, and it's adorable how much they care about each other. Just knowing both of her sons are with people that make them so happy is with it to her. It's enough to get her mind off what happened to Dave for the duration of their stay- that's probably the cutest fucking love story i've ever heard. and y'all are engaged? i want to hear that story.

[5/23/2015 4:35:00 PM]  JADE: hehehe...! well my home is on skaia so... i wanted to go there and show him

JADE: it was the only place id really been before joining the tumut crew

JADE: but... yes... it felt right to go back there

JADE: so i introduced to him to--! um

JADE: well i dont know my parents and my grandpa isnt really alive anymore but i wanted him to meet... "him" so to speak -yeah shes not going into more detail than that-

JADE: but after that i showed him around my big crazy house and...!

JADE: i took him to the lab at the top

JADE: i set it up a few days before that so that one of the screens in there would... read something when he plugged it in -she's glancing at dave a little bashfully-

JADE: so i kind of tricked him saying i needed his help with it and i got him to plug it in and it said to turn around and he did and then i...! asked him

[5/23/2015 4:41:40 PM]  DAVE: -ok he's smiling the whole time jades telling the story without realizing it- and i said no

 DAVE: nah i couldnt say no shes literally the best even tho she tried like stuffing as much food in my mouth as possible beforehand

 DAVE: -he shows her the ring on his finger-

 RILEY: -Riley leans over and gasps at the ring.- i'm not sure how y'all got so adorable but you definitely did. -she glances at jade's stomach- now i wanna hear everything i can about the baby.

[5/23/2015 4:47:53 PM]  JADE: -she's getting so red and smiling- oh! haha well she... um kind of snuck up on us

JADE: even before that

JADE: -snickers- when i asked him he said "is this because im pregnant" like a smartass -shakes her head-

[5/23/2015 4:52:33 PM]  DAVE: -he can't help but snort a little at that- i mean its a valid question right

 DAVE: her name is dove and shes gonna be here in like four months right babe

 RILEY: -she laughs at the story, leaning her cheek into her palm as she rests her elbow against the arm rest- dirk and dave were both complete surprises. the cutest surprises ever, really. i was scared out of my mind the first time around.

[5/23/2015 4:57:52 PM]  JADE: heh it is a little... intimidating -mostly with the whole war thing that just happened, but you know, let's just not have any strider family repeats shall we-

JADE: but we have something of a plan!

[5/23/2015 4:59:11 PM]  RILEY: oh yeah? what's your plan?

[5/23/2015 4:59:35 PM]  DAVE: -that plan Dave has told no one about except for Rose-

[5/23/2015 5:03:16 PM]  JADE: were going to head back to skaia after the wedding

JADE: my grandpa was one of the founders of skaianet and i want to get involved in it full time not just with the tumut project

JADE: so...! well have a nice place

[5/23/2015 5:09:14 PM]  DAVE: yeah its huge like really fuckin massive

 RILEY: well, sounds like a pretty good spot to raise a family.

[5/23/2015 5:10:16 PM]  RILEY: i would really like to meet her when she's here, if that's a thing you're ok with.

 DAVE: -quickly- yeah

[5/23/2015 5:21:53 PM]  JADE: -well, if Dave's cool with it, she's cool with it- yes!! definitely

[5/23/2015 5:35:12 PM]  RILEY: -she smiles.- all right then, i'll have to make sure i come by. -she pauses.- but if you're interested i do have some pictures and videos of dirk and dave when they were babies.

 DAVE: ok lets see them -he's curious and it's nice to see more evidence that they all were a family-

 RILEY: -she pulls out her device and starts pushing some buttons, and sure enough, she starts them on pictures of Dave as a TINY NEWBORN BABY.- feel free to scroll through them. -she hands it to jade. There's a lot of selfies of them as a family, and even a video of a one year old Dave wobbly walking after a running two year old dirk. And baby Dave is laughing his head off. Following that video is a picture of the two of them asleep on the floor, cuddling in the same scene-

[5/23/2015 5:49:06 PM]  JADE: -oh no........ that's so......... yep Jade is tearing up a little- oh my god

JADE: theyre adorable

[5/23/2015 5:49:16 PM]  JADE: dave youre adorable

[5/23/2015 6:00:54 PM]  DAVE: -that's definitely dirk, without a doubt. And he's never seen much of himself as a baby so this is all new to him.  He notices jade tearing up and he laughs a little- is that why youre crying or

 RILEY: thought they were the cutest kids in the entire universe. i felt so lucky they were mine.

[5/23/2015 9:19:45 PM]  JADE: -nods at Dave's question, because it's just... incredible- they really are

JADE: theyre really great grown up too

JADE: i love both of them

[5/23/2015 9:23:38 PM]  RILEY: -her smile only widens hearing that. she's so proud of them, even if she wasn't able to be a part of it. even if she can't, by duty, be considered their mother. she looks at jade and then at dave.- i'm gathering that as i get to know them a little better.

 DAVE: -he kind of smiles a little hearing her say that, because it's NICE to know his mother doesn't hate him or want nothing to do with him.-

[6:30:02 PM]  JADE: -as she continues peering over the pictures, she can't herself but to take a little time to tell Riley more about the boys -- she knows neither of them would be able to describe themselves and do it justice. she tells her about Dirk, about how smart and good with machines he is, what a great boss, fun and funny and understanding and such a good friend. she's smiling and glancing at him when she describes Dave, knowing he's probably feeling bashful about it, but she tells about his musical prowess and his funny art and silly rambling and how she can't think of a time when he didn't end up making her smile at the end of the day.-

[6:39:17 PM]  RILEY: -she's so attentive to everything jade has to say about her boys, and it warms her heart. all that she missed, all that she couldn't be a part of, it didn't tear them apart. they were survivors, just like her. just like derek. and when they have to leave, she knows this will be the last time she sees them for a while. and so she hugs jade first, wishing her and the baby well. and then she looks at dave and asks if she can hug him.-

 DAVE: -he nods, and when his mom hugs him tightly, her arms surround her, and he feels just a portion of the love that he missed out on, the love that she still has for him. he's overwhelmed by the emotion, but he somehow holds it together,-

 RILEY: -she holds his face in her hands and tells him how proud she is of him, that he's going to be a fantastic father. and she promises to visit them both.-

 DAVE: -and when they're out the door, dave feels an incredible weight lifted from his chest, and he's silent, but not in a bad way.-