jo-banks

[jo-banks]

[jo-banks]

Location: Seafood fest, carnival rides

Status: Closed event starter for @therosemaryrhodes​

Johanna’s features immediately lightened up as their blue eyes peer, in a see of people, a familiar face making sure everything was going smoothly. With a quick step, the music producer approached the young woman, tapping her in the shoulder from behind. “Excuse me, would you be so kind to point me to the Finest Catch competition?” then, a smile. “No listen. I have a plan. We get in together, one of us sabotages the rest and the other wins, we give Mal the greatest father’s gift of all times!” the music producer enthused, reaching over to hug Rosemary. “You got some time to catch up with an old friend that hasn’t seen you in over a week and missed you? We can get in some of the rides— to test them but also, have some fun.”

[jo-banks]

𝖵 𝖠 𝖫  𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗔​:

Valeria set down the food and began sorting it while Jo went on. She liked getting Jo riled up sometimes so she let them ramble on. “I didn’t exactly have access to all the classics while I was living out of my car either.” Not that she’d minded, Valeria preferred exploring the world to movies. Jo was swaying her a bit though. Music on the other hand was something she couldn’t live without. “Okay. Bojack Horseman is a work of art. Even I cried at that one. That stays between us.” She couldn’t have her tough reputation soiled by people knowing she cried at cartoons. “No no, please go back to the bear hugging a burrito.” She had to know now. Sitting down, she smirked at her comment. “Oh you know it, I’m big into that sort of thing. Choking and handcuffs really me off.” She laughed, sitting on her feet as she stared to eat more. “Now that you know one of my dark secrets, tell me one of yours.” She smiled darkly, her eyes full of curiosity. “She’s not, unfortunately. She’s got work like a big gown up girl. Depressing huh? How do you think I feel?” She sighed. “She’ll be home soon. For now you gotta settle for me. Life’s been rather mundane, I started fooling around with Tyler to feel something, ya know? I think I need a change. Are you hiring? Maybe I could work for you?”

Jo’s blue eyes shot their friend a look, touché motherfucker. “Well you do now and you happen to have a friend who sometimes gets high and watches cartoons because life gets too fucking complicated, you’re more than welcome to join, we can do it sober too” the brunette shrugged, keeping Eli in mind at all times. Then, they grinned as Val spoke about one of their favorite shows. “I won’t tell anyone you cried to Bojack, a man I can relate to, if you don’t tell anyone I cried to a children’s cartoon about three fucking bears” they offered, arching a brow, a gesture that only enhanced as their friend admitted her secret, lips curling up briefly. “Okay, I see you. I love that for you, next step is hot wax so I know what I’m getting you for your birthday” they teased. Then, a pause. “I can’t ever go back to the MoMA because they kicked me out for public indecency. She really couldn’t stay quiet” Jo shrugged, giving the other a playful look. The music producer took a seat then, hearing Val talk about her daughter with a small grin on their face. “Man, it feels like she was a kid when I met her she’s growing up so fast, I can’t even think what you feel looking at her” pride, Jo assumed, Eli was every bit as amazing as her mom after all. They listened to their friend speak about her life, eyes glued on the other with curiosity. “Tyler? Is there something there?” they inquired, raising a brow at Val’s direction. “If you’re serious, there will always be a place for you in whatever the hell I’m doing. Our manager moved to New York to try to be hip and shit, I could always use a right hand and it’s better if I actually trust whoever gets in.”

[jo-banks]

𝖩 𝖠 𝖬 𝖤 𝖸  𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗡​:

Hearing her say she saw his outfit, Jamey immediately grinned widely and slow nodded at Jo. “Hell yeah, I knew you couldn’t resist seeing me shirtless.” The male jokingly told them. “You’re more than welcome to post those, just be sure to tag a brother, alright. And I definitely deserve some profits as well for being the model.” Jamey explained quickly, returning her smirk and wink. “Just be sure I’m wearing a white shirt when you do it. And someone’s recording, y’know.” He pointed out with a grin. “Fun in the sky.” Jamey answered, knowing the other would understand his high reference. “I don’t know if it was just girls, but I get what ya saying.” He winked, starting to walk towards the parking lot of the event. He figured it would be the best place to hide out and smoke a joint. “How are you enjoying our wonderful seafood festival, Jojo?”

The brunette hummed in response, mirroring Jamey’s nod. “I have no idea how I can keep my hands to myself right now, I may just be that strong” they mustered in the most serious tone they could, lips curling upwards to his direction, playfully. “You know, I like the way you think. We can divide our profits 70-30 since I am the the mastermind who came up wit the plan, make a business and get your face on some tshirts” they wiggled their brows at him, shoving their hands on their pockets and continuing to walk next to Jamey, grinning as he rectified what type of fun he was speaking of. “Oh I have the perfect playlist for this and no, this time is not the Muppets theme song playing over and over for two hours” they mentioned, getting their phone out of their pocket . Then, came a hum. “Can’t complain my friend, I get to dress like a crab for the parade and that’s always a perk in my book. I was going to dress up as a middle finger but I think I’ll save that one for when the littles are not around” they also pulled out a lighter from their pocket, handing it to the other. “What about you? Made any new friends dressed as a merman? Ready to get Larry the Lobster into smoking a joint with us?”

[jo-banks]

𝖳 𝖠 𝖡 𝖨 𝖳 𝖧 𝖠  𝗗𝗬𝗘𝗥​:

Having come from a toxic household, Tabitha ran from that the moment she turned eighteen and never looked back. She found freedom she never had before and she came to realize that she should always stay true to herself. Who gave a shit what anyone else thought? She was on this planet to make herself happy. “Maybe, that’s happened to me before. I know how I died in one of my past lives, so that’s fun, isn’t it?” Tabitha was always interested in those sorts of things. She believed they affected the life you had now. In response to Jo’s words, Tabitha couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks, I appreciate that. Luckily, a lot of people know not to mess with me. The whole witch reputation kind of helps with that.” She found it more funny than anything. Putting her notepad in her pocked, she looked up at Jo. “You will. I’ll be right back.” Tabitha left for a while and then came back with a plate of pumpkin spice french toast. “New for the fall menu. I’ve been eating it every day,” she said, putting the plate down in front of Jo before sitting down across from them. “So what else is new with you?” 

The youngest rose a brow at Tabitha’s response, a pleased grin plastered on their features. “Do you now? That’s so cool. I wish I could be so in sync with myself to know know about how I died in others lives or how cool I was. I feel like I’m just— stuck in this one” they conclude with a shrug and, feeling that they may be going into dangerously personal and revealing waters, they decide to shift the attention. “How do you do it? I mean, I know you have a gift but maybe I can learn from you” they smiled. If only more people were like Tabitha, as comfortable with themselves, the world could be a better place. Then, another chuckle. “People are the worst” it was only a half true, but it felt good to say out loud in the current context.

Johanna waited patiently for the other to return, their eyes widening at the sight of the treat the other had prepared for them once Tabitha came into view again. “Shit, that looks amazing!” they exclaimed, inhaling the dish’s scent before grinning at the other. “Well, I was just given what looks like the embodiment of gluttony so I couldn’t be better, the rest of the world including problems can get fucked for now. What about you, Tab? Are you willing to share this delicacy with a sinner?”

[jo-banks]

𝖮 𝖫 𝖨 𝖵 𝖨 𝖠 𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗦​:

“Speaking of sugar mommy, has anyone caught your eye lately?” Liv asked, raising a brow at her best friend. She couldn’t help but be curious. In Liv’s eyes, Jo deserved the world and she hoped they would find someone who would give that to them. “Seriously though, we always appreciate the gifts.” Despite coming from well-off parents, she always lived a humble life. Mal and Leanne were two of the most normal people ever, and Liv was thankful for that. “Perfect, I’m counting on you. They’re going to be cultured about the world of music, and will always have you to name drop. They won’t care that their mom was a ballet dancer,” she laughed. “He really likes Linkin Park, he listens to them all the time when he’s working out.” She couldn’t help but smile when she spoke about Enzo, which was a big difference from how she had been with her ex. “Professional simp is a good way to describe him. He’s so good to me. I told you he asked me to marry him, right?” She hated that she told him no. She loved him and they were about to have children together but she wanted to listen to her brain for once. When Leanne’s surgery was mentioned, Liv went quiet. “Yeah, after the surgery….I just want her to be okay again. It has to go well,” she said, sadness in her voice. Thankfully, the subject changed and she was relieved. “Maybe he just liked coats, but okay, yeah I see why you thought he was stealing. I probably would have thought the same thing.” 

A full-on laugh escaped Jo’s lips at Liv’s query or rather, the phrasing chosen by their friend. “I’m not sure if you’re asking me if I have a sugar mommy or if you think I could be a sugar mommy and that only means two things: you either think I look young or rich and I’ll take both as a compliment” they grinned proudly before taking a small breath. “You and Leanne are way more invested in my love life than me—which I’ll also take as a compliment by the way” a pause “Even if there was someone, I couldn’t bring them into this mess” they shrugged, pointing at herself. Their features then softened as Liv thanked them for the gifts, a hand coming to rest on their best friend’s shoulder. “No need to thank me, I told you already I plan to be the cool aunt that brings gifts every time she comes over, so” the brunette promised. Jo rolled their eyes. “Their mom kicked ass as Odette in the NYCB. Trust me Liv, they will be more impressed about that than the failure that quit producing” they assured, taking out their phone to write down Enzo’s choice. “He had to have a flaw” they jested about his music taste before giving their best friend a look upon hearing about the proposal. “Bitch, I thought you were joking or something— did you really say no to the proposal?” Jo inquired, no ounce of judgement in their voice, only a pang of confusion. If anyone knew the hell Liv had gone through in her previous marriage, that was Jo. They still had a bounty on their friend’s ex; had imagined multiple occasions how they would make him pay. As a cynic, they could understand Liv saying no to Enzo, but as someone who knew her from birth, Jo knew the ballerina deserved only the greater happiness the world had to give. Jo pursed their lips upon hearing her friend talk about Leanne’s surgery, taking her friend’s hand in theirs. “It will, I know so. Leanne is one of the strongest people I know and she promised she’d wake up right after. That woman is equal parts will and talent” they tried to reassure the other, gulping the lump on their throat that had formed. A breathe later, the conversation and energy shifted again, making them relax the muscles of their shoulders. “He was acting so fishy too, looking around like he was looking for a camera. I still felt really bad chasing after him, he looked terrified for a second.” 

[jo-banks]

𝖬 𝖠 𝖫 𝖢 𝖮 𝖫 𝖬 𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗦​:

Mal released a belly laugh at her comment and shook his head. “I always knew your head wasn’t right, Noodle, but I know the feeling.” He said, wiping at his eyes from the laughing. Mal returned her hug and resisted the urge to mess with their hair like he did when Jo was little. “Well, hey, I didn’t know I was your favorite, but I’ll gladly take it.” Mal said, smiling wide at them. “I’ve got a tool belt, but I hate wearing the thing, Jo. Damn thing cuts into my tummy.” He grumbled, shaking his head. “Yeah, I guess I could lose some weight but Mama likes this melon you know.” He said, shooting Jo a wink. “I mean, speaking of this melon, hell yeah, I’m game for lunch. What are you in the mood for?”

Johanna’s grin only grew bigger at Mal’s reaction, tilting their head to the side slightly in response. “Yeah well, sanity is overrated anyways” they jested. If anyone had had to handle Jo at their worst and had managed to do so with grace, understanding and love, that had to be the Rhodes; how the lot could still manage to want them in their life after seeing the darkest parts of them the brunette didn’t understand, but was extremely grateful they did. Then, they gave Malcolm a look, trying to look overly offended over his gesture with their hair. “You didn’t know you were my favorite? Really? Come on, tell me when have I ever been genuinely nice to a man that isn’t you” Jo challenged. It wasn’t like the music producer didn’t have male friends, but they only let few truly get a deep look into their heart and Malcolm happened to be the only male to ever get in that list. Another chuckle escaped their lips as Malcolm refused the belt, nose scrunched up at his reaction. “What if I get you a really cool one that actually fits you? Or one you can just throw on your shoulder so you don’t have to worry about carrying the damn thing. Make the thing work for you, not you work for it; you don’t need to lose anything” the brunette then gently nudged him. Jo then proceeded to gather their phone and keys of the store, eyeing Malcolm “Hmm, we could do some Messdeck if you want. Our options are limited in Lymemouth, diner food is always good and I love you too much to make you eat anything made by me.”

[jo-banks]

𝖢 𝖮 𝖫 𝖳 𝖮 𝖭 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗦:

“I mean I am  semi-familiar with Hannah Montana, it’s a bit heard to not have at least heard of that show.” Colton replied as he felt that most people at least knew about it. It was a bit hard not to when nearly every store was filled with merchandise for a few years. “I just can’t say I’ve seen the movie, but sure I guess I’ll give it a go. It’s can’t be that awful.” He told them, but he wasn’t entirely sure he believed his own words. Colton however trusted Jo, and liked spending time with the other musician. “You honestly had me at beer though.” He said as he never turned down a chance to relax and have a couple of drinks.  Colton was a simple man, he was pretty easy to please. 

Colton nodded his head before he began to play through the piece again. He felt that it wasn’t perfect, but there was a real solid start to it. He just wasn’t sure where to go from here when it came to it. In a way, he was working backwards from how he usually did. The man tended to come up with lyrics first, and then go from there. “You are right, it probably wouldn’t hurt to record it.” 

Jo nodded. “Understandable. Do you know nothing about any Disney classics? Like, have you not experienced the thrill that is watching Zac Efron sing and jog through his feelings not only in one but two different High School Musical movies? Or— the trials and tribulations of tricking to rich assholes into thinking your mom is rich and not the chef of the camp for rich assholes you are going? Just checking how many movies I have to add to our list” they smirked, teasingly. Then, they gave the other a look. “You know you can just call me and I’ll appear whenever I have some free time to give you beer, right? I’m like the tooth fairy but I bring beer and snacks.”

The music producer listened in silence, letting the melody lull them into a sense of calmness, in sync with the mood set by the musician. “Do you have intention with the music? Like, did you write it with anything specific in mind or having a specific meaning behind it, or did it come naturally?” maybe learning the meaning of the song, they could provide the other some aid figuring where to go from there. “I have almost everything you need at home and even if you add to it or change it, we can record it as many times as you want. Plus, gives us a new perspective” they shrugged. “You can actually hear it without actively playing it; can’t hurt.”

[jo-banks]

Sext

[jo-banks]

[jo-banks]

Glossy lips curled up into a half smirk at the presence of Jamey, a gesture that only deepened at his usual suave words and mannerisms. “Not only was I watching from afar and fawning over your wonderful costume” they began as they eyed their friend up and down in a mocking manner, taking out their phone out of the pocket of their jeans. “I took some pictures I may use as blackmail later in life. Or sell them on the internet for a quick buck if the store ever falls down, whatever is needed first” Jo gave a wink back, teasingly. It was, for the most part, all bluff but Jamey didn’t have to know that ahead of time. “Wish I could’ve dunked you there myself to be honest, but there will be another opportunities. One day I may just throw a bucket of water at you and see what happens” the brunette shrugged maliciously. Then, blue eyes looked at the other as they tried to decipher his statement. “Fun as in ‘PG kind of fun or?” they paused, arching a brow with a smirk. “Any time is fun with you, nerd. But I’m in, lead the way while you tell me how fun it is to have girls want to dunk you and eat you at the same time.”  

WHERE: Seafood Festival grounds, near the dunk booth WHO: @jo-banks​

Jamey finished the shift he volunteered for at the dunking booth and figured it was best to change out of the fish-like scale-y leggings made for males (or meggings as Jamey called them) he had on. After drying off, he put on some faded jeans and a grey Larry the Lobster shirt. Even though he smoked before coming, the few hours he worked at the dunk booth quickly ended that high. Luckily, the male had packed some backup for another high. When he was walking from the dunk booth, Jamey saw Jo and gave her a big grin. “Jo, baby, you missed the action. I already put my shirt back on and took the meggings off…. Unless you’ve been eyeing me from afar.” He shot her a wink and ran a hand through his still wet locks of hair. “How you doing? Whatcha up to? Look, you tryna have some fun orrrr?”

[jo-banks]

Location: Seafood fest, by the face paint booth.

Status: Closed event starter for @veritysinclair​

To say Johanna’s family was a royal mess was an understatement. The music producer had cut ties with over 07% of the people they were related to by blood; any relationship to other parts of their political family equally non-existent. Verity happened to be one of the very few people in their family Jo not only liked but respected and. above all, was happy to have in Bridgeport, a reminder of not only who they were and came from, but how long they’d gone to be the person they were now. Alas, every opportunity the record shop owner had to spend some time with their cousin, they tended to take it with open arms. Seeing Verity in the face paint booth, made the brunette grin as they approached the other with two plates of boiled crawfish and a drink for each. “Can I get a Shrek on my cheek in exchange of this?” they jested, handing the other the food with a smirk. “Wanna have lunch with me and talk shit about Larry and Shelia?” came an offer with their usual shit-eating grin. “I heard he gave her crabs.”

[jo-banks]

𝖫 𝖤 𝖠 𝖭 𝖭 𝖤  𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗦​:

Leanne honestly couldn’t say anything. Jo was right. She was the world’s worst about worrying for those she loved. Letting others fuss over her, a different story. Contrary to popular belief, she didn’t enjoy being the center of attention. She’d always been a terrible patient. Performing with fevers and injuries ankles. She never liked slowing down, so finding out she was seriously sick a few months back was tough for her. She wanted to carry on as normal even though her body and family liked to remind her she needed to slow down and rest. “Okay. You got me there..” She finally mumbled, sitting up to face her god child. “It’s different when I worry about you kids though, your my babies. I don’t want to disrupt your lives with this.. you should be out enjoying yourselves, not taking care of me.” She had Malcolm for that. “Actually, I was going to suggest using glow in the dark dental damns.” She teased, laughed as she sat pulled off her gloves. “I do recommend using anal beads for optimum pleasure. I’ve got an extra set you can have. Their purple and glittery”. She added excitedly, knowing she’d get a rise. “In all seriousness, I simply wanted to know if their was a someone?” Jo deserved to have a partner who loved and appreciated them,She was incredibly proud of Jo for knowing exactly who they were. Leanne was disgusted with the way her friends treated thier child. She loved Jo unconditionally, always telling them to be proud of who they were and that they had nothing to be ashamed of. They weren’t broken. Being normal was vastly over rated anyway. If thier parented wanted to lose out on this wonderful human, Leanne would gladly take Jo as her own. Honestly, apart from not coming out of her Jo was a Rhodes in every sense. She wanted to protect them from the world that was so cruel to them. Many nights she laid away too worried something would happen to Jo because of how thier parents treated them.

“As wonderful as I’m sure Richard was, I asked you because I know you can do it.” She stressed, knowing Jo sometimes needed extra reassurance. Seeing them light up after a moment Leanne nodded and smiled. “Positive. No one arranges music like you. I think you’ll work well with Alex too. He’s great, a real sweetheart and boy can he sing. I think he’s still got a chance to make in New York.” His career was just starting. “I don’t know much yet. I’m having lunch with him this dinner to find out more. He’s been very hush hush. As for being a muse.. I think I’ve been his gay Icon since he was a child. He’s a big fan of my work, which is flattering.. I just wish he’d relax around me. I’m just a person. I’m worried I’ll let him down when he sees I’m not that wonderful,” She laughed humbly. She was extremely down to earth. “Jesus. That kid needs some culture if he’s taking life advice from glee.” She crinkled her nose in disgust. “Your father is in festival mode.. which means no one’s going to see him for the next week unless you go visit him at his fishing spot. He’s determined to win the best catch trophy.” Leanne rolled her eyes. She wasn’t unhappy about it, but he always got a little crazy around this time. “I’d love to rail him, but he’s focused on fishing, we did get in a Quickie the other night. I’ll be happy to report no hips were broken, the kitchen counter is another story…” She laughed heartily. Leanne had no shame when it came to her and her husbands active sex life. “Fuck this garden. Let’s go inside. It’s hot out. Help me up, huh? My knees don’t work like they used too.” She said, telling Jo in her own way she was feeling weak. “I found out my sister is a match, so if all goes well I’ll have the surgery in a few weeks and be right as rain.” She forced a smile. “To be honest, I’m a little scared Jo. I act tough but I’m really not.” She sighed, finally being honest with her. “it’s okay if you are too. It’s okay for you to talk to me.. I want to know how your feeling about all this. I’m here for you, baby.”

A party of Joey could understand what Leanne was talking about. Although the music producer wasn’t a mother herself, she could relate to their godmother about not wanting to disrupt others. It had been something Johanna had struggled with before, keeping quiet about important things to keep those around them from worrying. And even though they could understand, the brunette couldn’t help but roll their eyes, fondly. “Yeah well, that’s family. We disrupt eachother either we like it or not” and that, she had learned thanks to the Rhodes. Then came a knowing look at the eldest woman’s direction. “We’ll always care for you. It doesn’t stop us from living our lives. I know you’re fuckin’ Wonder Woman but you deserved to be taken care of. And I know Papa Bear does a great job at that” a snicker. “But you gotta let your kids help too. There’s literally nothing else I would rather do” Jo mused with sincerity. Partying, dates, work— when it came to their family, everything else always came second. At the jab about dental dams and anal beads however, a full-on laugh escaped Johanna, eyes closed as they shook their head. “Okay first and foremost, I still have some of the flavored dental dams you gave me the last time so thank you for that. I had to explain to a girl why the box had a note from my mom last time” they mused, covering their face with shame. “And second, I love you and dad. I would kill and die for both of you without a second thought and you know I am all up for sex talk with any of you at any given moment, sex positivity is our thing. But I have to draw the line at borrowed anal beads” they complained, blue eyes looking at a matching pair. The next question, the sincerity of Leanne’s voice caught Jo out of guard making them shrug lightly. “Define ‘someone’” they smirked.

The music producer listened to what Leanne had to say about what she believed would be her next project, feeling touched about the fact that Jo’s name had been the one to cross her mind. After working with as many lyricists and musicians in the business with zillion of years of experience ahead of her, it was more than an honor to be asked to be a part of the project at all. Their flushed cheeks and indication of their feelings. “I’d be honored to work in anything you are involved with. And you know I don’t work well with men” Malcolm being one of the only exceptions “But if you trust him to write something for you and most importantly, you trust his talent— that’s enough for me. Maybe we’ll be the next Miranda and Lacamoire but gayer. And this time, he’ll know how to sing” they bit down a smirk before giving the other a quick look. “I think he should be even more flattering and vehement. Not only is he writing for a theatre legend, he is writing for the coolest person on earth so, he shouldn’t even be able to even look at you. But sure, whatever you say” another shared knowing look. Jo’s relationship with musical theatre was a complicated one; both love and hate reigned in their heart when it came to it. However, if Leanne was involved, love was always the winner. A snicker as Malcolm was brought to subject. “He actually came by to the store earlier this week because someone” they gave Leanne a look “Told him I needed help fixing the busted AC which he did, by the way. I’m not sweating my ass off and I managed to get him to have lunch with me so, thank you. When is he not in fishing mode though? When I came out to him he basically coerced me into going on a fishing trip with. It was cold as fuck and we forgot our snacks but he said ‘Worm, dating is like fishing’ and did some nerdy-ass pep talk about fishes and me being gay” they mused with a fond smile on their face that was quickly replaced by a laugh as Leanne spoke candidly about their sex life, as she always did. “Okay, now I feel like I have to gift you two a wireless butt plug so you guys can get your freak on even when you are far away. You just need an app and the thing. I’ll handle everything.” As Leanne suggested going back inside, Jo simply did as instructed in complete silence. After over thirty years knowing the woman who had dubbed herself her mother, the brunette knew the other enough to understand subtle hints about her health, each and every one of them sending an alert signal: not walking too much, beware salt and sugar when choosing food to order, no kneeling for a long period of time, notes to keep in mind. Once inside and as Leanne began to open up about the procedure and how she truly felt, Jo simply froze on the spot, listening carefully. She made a mental note to get Leanne’s sister a gift and to go see her before the surgery as the other spoke. A small hand came to rest on their godmother’s shoulder, briefly, as Leanne accepted she was, in fact, scared. “I’d be worried if you weren’t a little scared. You don’t have to act tough with me, you know that right? This trust thing? Is a two-way thing.”  

The list of people Johanna trusted blindly could be displayed with one hand— with fingers to spare. Most times, avoiding talking about feelings was their move, use comedy to deflect any display of human emotions to retain some level of sanity. Perhaps, that was the reason most of their relationships never lasted longer than a few weeks. However, Leanne had always been different. She had hold their hand throughout the roughest moments, had cured heartaches and had endured the mess that was Johanna Banks for over thirty years. Any barrier Joey could have built had already been crumbled to the ground when it came to the woman who had taught them more about family than their own family ever did. Deflecting or lying was nearly impossible when it came to Leanne; she knew Jo too well and the music producer didn’t have it in her to try and hide anything from the Broadway star. Alas, as Leanne questioned them about the surgery, the brunette cracked. For weeks, they had tried and be tough; knowing the last thing the Rhodes needed was someone to add to their anguish. They had to be strong for Olivia, the best friend they had ever had who worried too much about everyone in her life but not nearly enough about herself. They had to have Malcolm in mind, whom alongside Leanne had proved Johanna that true love truly existed, the adoration and devotion the two had for eachother had inspired a cynic skeptic to believe in romantic love after getting their heart broken in a million pieces. As far as they were aware, they had been able to fool everyone into thinking they were strong, helpful even, when it came to Leanne’s situation. Now, looking at the one motherly figure they ever had in the eyes whatsoever, they couldn’t deny the rapid palpitations nor the hole on their stomach that had been making them nauseous since the moment they heard the news. “When I learned my dad was sick— it felt like jumping off a cliff to a bottomless abyss. The uncertainty, knowing he was in pain and running out of time, knowing there was nothing I could do and mostly, that I knew nothing about him and probably never would fucked me up” they began, crossing their arms on their own stomach. “And I know he’s probably gonna hate me for what I’m about to say but that doesn’t come near to what it feels like knowing it’s you” Jo chocked out, a string of voice lingered in the air. “I know it’s not the same. I know you’re strong. Stronger than I’ll ever fucking be because I am fucking terrified. And so fucking angry” they continued, cleaning their throat. “This is the one time I can’t be myself and let my fucked up brain take over. Liv, Rosie and Mal need me. And you may be the strongest person I know but that doesn’t mean you don’t need your family too” they gave the other a knowing look, blue eyes glimmering with tears. “So I’m making myself useful, as useful as I can be. But terrified and fucking livid are emotions in my day-to-day now, I can’t lie to you” Jo reasoned, breathing in heavily. “Just promise me you’ll be back to us right after the surgery and I’ll pour whatever fucking emotions I’ve got into your score and make something you’ll be proud of when you wake up because I will be counting every fucking minute.”

[jo-banks]

𝖵 𝖠 𝖫  𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗔​:

Valeria wasn’t used to having friends. Real, close friends. She generally tried to avoid getting close to people as a way to protect herself. Jo had wormed her way into Val’s heart by complete accident and now she couldn’t get rid of them. Worse, Valeria found herself excited to see them, finding Jo’s company a comfort. She was safe around them.. What really sealed the deal was that her kid loved them too. “Perfect timing. I just cleared off your spot on the coach for the occasion. ” Valeria held open the door, taking one of the bags from Jo as she welcomed her inside. “Damn. How much food did you get us? These weigh like ten pounds.” She pretended to struggle with it as she listened to them talk.. “Jo. We’ve been over this, I don’t do cartoons..” Val arched her eyebrow, it was gonna take some convincing for her to say yes. “Phoebe Bridgers? Okay, I’m listening..” She smirked, Finding an adorable that Jo was so excited about this film. She couldn’t exactly say no. She’d never admit it but usually ended up liking Jo’s movie suggestions . “Alright… I guess we can watch it. Mostly because I can’t wait to see you eat your sock..” She teased, pushing Jo’s arm playfully. “ Crying during movies has never really been my thing, but we’ll see. Maybe you’ll be the first to make me crack?”

Johanna’s features visibly lit up at the sight of their friend, a fact that they tried to hide by rolling their eyes at her. The music producer was lucky to say they had many people in town they were close with, people who made Bridgeport their home. Valeria, either the eldest liked it or not was a testament of that. Although they had met not long ago, the mother of one had quickly earned Jo’s trust, a person they could trust who Jo knew always had their back and vice versa; ‘got the body, get the shovel’ type of trust. “And I’ve been telling you, you are missing out on some classics, Val. Never in my life have I had a bigger identity crisis than watching a cartoon about a depressed horse. It sounds bad but fuck was it worth it. I also may’ve cried over a bear hugging a burrito but I won’t explain that” they smirked as they made their way inside Val’s home as if it was their own. “So it takes a chocking hazard for you to agree to something? That’s your kryptonite? Love learning new information about my friends; can feel the love right away. The thing ones does for love” they feigned a dramatic sigh before looking around. “The little one’s not around? I brought her her favorite. We can wait for her to be back to watch you cry to Phoebe Bridgers if you want while you catch me up on whatever the hell it’s new on your life.” 

[jo-banks]

𝖲 𝖧 𝖤 𝖫 𝖡 𝖸  𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗦𝗢𝗡​:

Shelby tossed the ball between her hands as waited to see if Jo would join her. She knew it wasn’t their thing, but honestly, Shelby wasn’t trying to torture them. It was more of an excuse to get Jo out of their comfort zone. “What can I say? It’s a talent.” She smirked, moving closer to Jo, passing them through ball. “Hey, if it gets you on the court, I’ll buy you as many drinks as you want.” She wiggled her brows, taking off her over sized shirt so that she was just in her sports bra and shorts. She didn’t like getting pit stains. “Ohhh. Talking smack. I hope you can back up, banks! I’m not gonna go easy on you either. I wanna see just how bad you want those drinks.” She challenged, serving them the ball. “Which mom are we talking about here?” If it was Leanne then Shelby might be in trouble.

Blue eyes followed every move Shelby made with interest, lips slightly curled up into a playful smirk to match their companion’s. A brow was raised at the other’s offer as a hum escaped their lips, teasingly. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re actively trying to get me drunk with some malicious intents” they quipped as they got rid of the sweatshirt they had on, being left with only a shirt. Then, a sigh as Shelby once again challenged them, amusement written all over their features. “Don’t worry about me, worry about your pockets when I win and you have to buy me lunch and drinks and maybe a tiara because I will be referred to as your excellence for the rest of the day” the music producer jested, walking closer to the other, only for the game to start; making her lose the ball. “Doesn’t count”. A grin appeared on their features as Shelby questioned their upbringing, shrugging lightly before walking to get the ball only to give it back to the other. “Reneé didn’t raise me but if you tell Leanne I called myself a dumbass she will probably smack me or hide the good cereal from me” if anything, Jo was glad to have moments like this with Shelby, where they could simply relax and let all the weight they were carrying on their shoulders vanish. “How’s your mom?”

[jo-banks]

𝖮𝖫𝖨𝖵𝖨𝖠 𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗦​:

“Okay, I’ll let it slide…it’s very kind of you, but you don’t have to bring gifts so often use your money for other things,” Liv said to them, making sure they knew that they didn’t have to bring gifts by all the time. Liv was the type that could always get by with very little, despite having grown up with parents who could afford to give her the world. She never took advantage of anyone, that wasn’t the type of person she was. “Between you and my mom showing these kids different sides of the music industry, I know they’ll grow up to not be impressed by a random musician at a college bar,” she said with a laugh. Liv did have some musical talents, but chose not to really let anyone outside of her family (including Jo of course) know that. Her piano skills and brief performance in Mamma Mia on Broadway when she was eighteen was where she stopped. Ballet had always been the love of her life. In response to Jo’s words, Liv let out a a laugh. “Of course you know a guy, you know everyone,” she pointed out. “They’re really cool, so I think I might actually find a place to display them. They’re too special to not.” She still needed decor for the house anyway. She and Enzo had only been in it for a few months. “I’m dead serious. You’re getting a cooking lesson from us, there’s hope for you, believe me when I say that.” Taking out her phone, Liv pulled up the taco place. “Let me know what you want, I’ll order it now but you’ll have to go to the door to get it, deal?” Then, she raised a brow. “What? Okay, tell me that story right now.” 

Jo smirked. “I have everything I need Liv, you know I hate spending money on me and I like pampering my family. You should be used to it by now. I’d be such a good sugar mommy” the brunette reasoned with a dramatic sigh following shortly after. Growing up with the type of parents who would rather throw money at them rather than sitting down to have a conversation with them, Jo had grew up to have a certain resentment when it came to money, a feeling they had cured by using it to show their appreciation to the people in their life instead. Their grin grew even wider as Liv spoke of her kids and the connection they could have with music thanks to Leanne and Jo. “If my music expertise can serve to save the kids a heartbreak from some stinky pesudo musician then I’ll take it as my call in life and die happily when my moment comes. If not,  I learned to fight in the streets of Queens so, whoever breaks their hearts better know what they have coming their way” they vowed. Another fond roll of eyes was the immediate response to their friends’ next set of words. “Okay nerd, I can get a framework big enough for them and if you tell me Enzo’s favorite artist I’ll get him one too I’ve been meaning to ask him but man’s busy being a family man and a professional simp” they teased. With a defeated sigh, Jo silently agreed on receiving cooking classes from the Rhodes. At least if it turned to be a disaster, they’d have a few laughs. “Fine, we’ll get it scheduled after surgery” the music producer said cautiously, taking a beat to let the words settle on her own brain that had, for the most part, been ignoring the situation with Leanne altogether. Finding a spot on the floor next to Liv and after telling her their order they brought their legs close to their chest. “Not my fault the man was acting fishy, he had a big coat on and it was in the middle of freaking summer. Of course I thought he was stealing.”

[jo-banks]

𝖢 𝖮 𝖫 𝖳 𝖮𝖭  𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗦​:

Colton didn’t noticed them approaching until they were almost right in front of him. At some point he’d managed to just got lost in his music, which wasn’t that unusual for him these days. Ever since he’d returned to town, he’d been finding himself inspired by the oddest of things. There was something about Bridgeport that made him feel more at ease than anywhere else ever had. He was producing far more music than he had when he’d been living in Tennessee for a few years.  He let out a small chuckle at their words. “I am not sure that is a reference that I fully understand.” Colton admitted as he hadn’t exactly been a fan of Hannah Montana or anything, but his sister had watched the show briefly so he at least knew that it was likely a Hannah Montana reference of some sort. “I am mostly just picking around at some stuff. I’ve got a melody stuck in my head that just won’t seem to leave me alone. The issue is, I don’t know what I want to do with it.”

Jo’s features turned dramatically serious at their collaborators’ words, a look set on their face as they assessed the situation. “Okay, we can fix this Colton. How about I teach you an old classic called Hannah Montana the Movie starring America’s sweetheart Margo Martindale and in return I will watch whatever 3-hour-long- film you want me to. We can make a day out of it, I’ll get you a hat and I’ll wear my blonde wig. Or the other way around, I don’t mind. We’ll get beer” they suggested, a smirk creeping into their lips. It was a long shot and the chances of him saying yes to the plan were slim, yet they persevered. Assessing the situation regarding the melody the other had been playing, they hummed in return. pointing at the guitar. “Play it again” Jo asked of him, waiting for him to start again to listen as they tried to think of an idea. “You wanna record the melody? I still have some of my toys from the music studio and you have unlimited access to them any time you want. If you wanna turn it into a full song later on, then you can do that. But at least the track will be saved for a rainy day, y’know?”