jonahxrivas

[jonahxrivas]

"Oh, hmm, yeah, I suppose not then. A change of pace is still nice though. I think that's just you being lucky," he said with a smile, "Do you enjoy it then? Running the Daily Drip over bartending?" When the question was posed, Jonah nodded, "Yeah, it's a career aspiration, but also a childhood wish. Always dreamt of finding something new, honestly doesn't even have to be a fish at this stage, I'll take a new plankton as an achievement," he laughed. "No, not as inland as Paris, but I've been to France before during trips to parts of the Mediterranean coast. That sea is one of my favourites on the planet." A dreamy sigh escaped as he thought to its waters, and allowed it to fill him with a sense of longing for a beat before he faced Leyla. "I shouldn't have a favourite though, all bodies of water hold my love."

He only laughed when she denied his claim, he still saw it that way though, both of them were similar in certain aspects. "They're both good people though, don't get me wrong on that." Confused yet still amused, he followed her statement with more a confession and a question, "I think I have a yellow raincoat actually... so does that make me a scooby doo villain? Cartoons might be the only premise where I can scare people. Maybe but Nico did an excellent job with his role, I was completely hooked."

"Good. Then neither of you have anything to worry about," She reasoned, still not about to take back her bread threat. "I guess? Though, I still don't really see it as a goal? I never set out to own the Daily Drip. I just felt like I needed a change of pace from bartending and when I was walking down the street one day I saw the for sale sign and it felt like a sliver of good luck had fallen into my lap? Though, you want to discover a new species of fish?" She asked curiously. "I have, yeah. I always liked Paris. But, what about you? Have you ever been?"

"Suresh is nothing like Ken," She told him adamantly and, if he said so again, she'd ask for him to take back such a horrible thing to say. "No it's not. It's a lighthouse keeper like all of those lighthouse keepers in horror movies. The one in the yellow raincoat. Or from Scooby Doo? And oh. Yeah, he was and you were. They probably should have been, shouldn't they have, huh?"

[jonahxrivas]

"Yeah, yeah! You're onto something there professor! Soberness is overrated. Gonna have another one till I feel something real, thank you!" Maybe the wasn't the conclusion he was supposed to reach from what Ben said, but saying something could be felt with the help of alcohol only drew one conclusion in his head. "Sure sure, not denying we're family and love each other, but I should be better. I'm gonna so found to those things, it's just.... terrible every time. Or if I do, then I'll just get something non vampire, life that Bob Ross toaster, you still using it?" he asked, switching topics away from the mess they'd been through. What should've been a fun thing turned into something ugly and complete opposite of his intention. "Yeah, but hangover juice is future Jonah's problem, not mine!" He grinned and finished the drink in quick gulps. "Our pots and pans turned invisible but other than that we're doing good."

"What's the saying?" Ben asked, tapping his chin before he grinned. "Fake it 'til you make it? I imagine with a bit more faking it will make it seem a bit real. With some help." He held up the drink again. He couldn't help but frown, though. "Jonah, you don't just make her cry. You're her family. She loves you dearly." He sighed. "What happened at the gift exchange wasn't your fault. Really, it wasn't anyone's, but those kinds of things tend to bring out more than a little bit of tension. I wonder if we should even have large events anymore. They always seem to devolve into anarchy in one way or another." He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "I've... never heard it called happy juice. I don't want to spoil your fun, but you might want to slow down, just a tad. Otherwise, it won't be happy juice. It will be straight into a hangover juice." He gave Jonah a grin at the pout, shaking his head. "I'm making it just fine. How are you? How are things with Rohan?"

[jonahxrivas]

Morning stretched to noon at a slow rate but it hardly felt like it dragged on endlessly, many things needed to be done despite the low foot traffic. Humming a tune he didn't know where he picked it up from, Jonah moved about the space as comfortably as ever, feeling at ease much like how he would at home, and in a way this had become something like a second home.

With a stretch of his arms upwards to a satisfying click, Jonah headed for a break before afternoon's activities occupied him. To see Ingancio approach was a welcome change, Jonah waved after brushing off crumbs left from his sandwich as the other sat down, getting right into it and drawing his attention to the screen. "¿Sí? Necesitaba algún material de lectura nuevo. Gracias." Yeah? I did need some new reading material, thank you. It was instantly fascinating to hear it had be engineered to be beneficial. "More often than not cyanobacteria causes issues, this is good! If there's a way to harness it to be sustainable, I'm thrilled to see what the future holds." Curiosity spiked to levels that had him smiling as he read, breaking only as Ignacio continued, "No worries, no worries, you give us a lot, we appreciate it all. It's lovely, we're finally all settled. How are the hives? I hope frost wasn't too harsh on them from the blizzard."

Closed starter for @jonahxrivas Location: Yellow Submarine

Ignacio found the aquarium calming, especially during the week when the halls were quieter, barring the occasional school field trip. And while he was no expert in sea life, he knew, of course, that all habitats had to work in harmony to keep the planet spinning. He enjoyed learning about it. This particular day, he had arrived in-time to see Jonah about to take his lunch. The pixie sat across from him now in the cafeteria, flipping through screens on his cellphone.

"Recomiendo leer este articulo," he said, placing the device on the table and gently sliding it over for the other man to see. "There was a study in Sustainable Agriculture last year. They say that engineered blue-green algae protected bees from pathogens and strengthened their immune systems. I'm quite lucky when it comes to mites, but...for worldwide beekeeping, it's a sustainable and scalable possibility to imagine. I'm interested to see what comes next. Ah! I didn't expect to run into you today. I would have brought something for you and Rohan. How is the new house?"

[jonahxrivas]

"Oh, right, the catalyst." Jonah pieced together who Suresh was taking about. "That's good. No waste." While he want entirely confident the other operated on a no waste policy, Jonah couldn't judge nor was he able to. Having nice things for yourself wasn't a bad thing. On the tail end of a chuckle, a shake of his head was held back to let Suresh imagine whatever he wanted to on the origins of his sweater, it was a surprise tohim to hear Gucci had shark sweaters but he did not make a mental note to look that up lest the price shocked him. "Pretend away."

Jonah simply shrugged, "I don't know what to tell you... I work in a aquarium and dive a lot in the tanks my hair specifically is always in some state of wet." Running a hand through said hair, Jonah smiled, "It's dry now though, that's a win." In some capacity, yes, he did know what he looked like, but he hardly paid attention to his appearance ever, which resulted in easy dismissals. "Yeah, fortunate is the word I'd use for this too..." he muttered, shuffling on his feet at what seemed to be happening, "Are you sure? I'm certain you have better things to do, right?" Not enough protest could be made when Suresh messed with his glasses, "Is that a compliment or an insult?"

Watching him walk off, Jonah hesitated briefly before catching up to him, "So wait, if good looking people are taken seriously, then... have you done anything to help out?" An idea brewed that he was sure would get shot down but attempt had to be made, "Uh, no we don't sell corndogs, what aquariums did you go to that do?" Avoiding further tangents, Jonah continued, "If what you say is true, am I just believing you since you look good? I have a proposition, if I'm gonna try on things, whether you're successful in getting me in Armani or whatever is a different matter... how about you also join me in conservation efforts? We'll save the oceans... that should in a way be beneficial to you as well, right?"

Suresh narrowed his eyes. "No! Impulsive makes it sound as though I'm wasteful. I have money. I have plenty of money. That goddamn Lauren or Laurentia or whatever the hell her name was took a nice bloody chunk of it, but I simply don't have to fret about repercussions for having nice things." Suresh groaned at that. Living in the moment. He had never lived anywhere except the goddamn past, but Jonah did not need to know that.

He met the other man's gaze. "Is it a Gucci Winter 2018 red shark jumper? Don't answer that. I'm going to pretend it is." Suresh gave a low huff, offering a dismissive shake of his head. "Average? Average? Mate. Have you seen yourself? Fine, you're rough around the edges. Sort of...grungy. And it's odd how I'm the siren, and yet you're the one who's always sort of...damp. That said, you must know what you look like, mate." He groaned, throwing back his head. "You can be whatever you want. You are so...fortunate you have me to guide you now. I don't have to do this, but I am. It's what makes me so nice."

Suresh clicked his tongue. "Let's just not make any jokes. We'll save it for the deleted scenes," he grumbled. "And, personally, I think you should wear contacts all the time now, and...may I?" He brought up his hands without really asking Jonah's permission to slide his glasses gently down his nose. "Hmm. Keep them on, mate."

Starting off down the sidewalk, then, Suresh rolled his eyes. "Maybe I'm fetching you a bloody robe, hm? No. No! The store. The store. An actual store. Not...wherever you shop now. The Farmers' Market? We'll try some things on, and if I like something, I'll buy it. And if I like something on you...we'll see." He wrinkled ups his nose. "Of course they are. Everyone likes beautiful people. They take you more seriously. They believe what you say. I wager I'll put you in Armani, and you'll never wear a poly-blend again. You do what...? Sell corndogs at the aquarium? How would you like to be...personally responsible for saving all the whales? Clothes and hair can do that. Look at me. I'm bloody gorgeous."

[jonahxrivas]

"Not even theoretically would that be a possibility," Jonah stated on the issue, "Rohan wouldn’t ignore me." It was one of the few things he could say with a thousand percent surety, but Ken's attention on the other hand, he couldn't say much.

"Uhhh, yes and no? Sure, goals can be something work related but I'm more talking about personal goals? Like opening up Daily Drip, that's one even if it's on a whim. I still have discover a new species on my list... holding out hope that one day I'll get to do it!" He chuckled. "That's really cool power, just to just dream up places like that and be there too. I would've said yeah of course anyone can do that if we met at any other time, but now that I know about the existence of magic, those details fill me with much wonder still. It's great. I take it that you've actually been to Paris, then?"

Sweater vest was added to the mental shopping list when Leyla assured Todd would like it. "Oh hmm, not awful no. Sometimes his compliments are a little bit backhanded but he's not a bad person. Just a bit grumpy... kinda like Ken." He laughed a little at her description of lighthouse keepers, "That sounds more pirate like... which I also wanted to be," he added with a sheepish smile but shook his head, "I think Nico was the old man if memory serves me, I was the nurse that kept failing to be a nurse. Our roles should've been reversed actually since he actually a paramedic but it was just fun game so hardly matters for real world accuracy."

"I know. You don't need to try to convince me that Rohan loves you. We all can see it. But, that doesn't mean that he won't be hit by bread if he has his eyes glued on my future husband instead of you. Sorry not sorry," She mumbled under her breath as she snuck Jonah a small smile of her own.

"Yes, and?" She blinked over at Jonah confused as to where the problem was with that. "Aren't goals just things managers tell you to bs, so they can monitor your progress? I mean I guess I've never really had any goals except maybe to open the Daily Drip, but that sort of kinda happened on a whim too?" She admitted, chewing slightly on her bottom lip as she mulled over the thought. The only goals she could remember having where more targets or objects to swipe and acquire, though even then, she was never really the person who picked the target. Just researched them extensively and got in and got out without getting caught sort of thing. "Oh I mean I love dreaming! But, that's because when I fall to asleep I can be anywhere I want? Fantasies can be reality. Dragons can exist. You can be in Paris with the love of your life with the snap of a finger and, for me, I can actually be there, with the actual person. Just in their head rather than mine," She explained with a small shrug. "

"They seem very expensive," She admitted, not that she was planning on purchasing one herself. "I'm sure he would! He'll probably wear it nearly all year round, knowing him. Is he? He seems kinda awful to me. Of course you did. And nothing is wrong with lighthouse keepers as long as you don't have a peg for a leg, a long white beard and may or may not be missing an eye as you leave people with really ominous warnings about how they're going to die. Actually now that I think about it, were you the lighthouse keeper at Bri's murder mystery party a few years back?"

[jonahxrivas]

A laugh rang out as he stared at Ralph, "You're like a walking, talking, disco ball! I thought I was seeing things, or was super drunk." It was comforting to realise he hadn't lost his mind in an alcohol induced haze, yet to be completely at ease in current company was a different story. While he held no hard feelings, Jonah subconsciously shifted on his feet as he continued to rattle away, "Oh oh! You're Edward Cullen! Fitting since you're also, you know..." he made impression of fangs with his index fingers jutting out as more laughter echoed.

At the request, Jonah grabbed some paper towels off a nearby table and essentially blotted at Ralph's face, "You got scammed this isn't glitter... shit it's not coming off," he shook his head, "You think you're being smitted? ...smote? For having a good time? Are you not having fun at my cousin's birthday funeral? Cheer up, Edward, someone's gotta put the fun funeral, could be you! It's a party! You want a drink?" And was quick to unnecessarily clarify, "Not me by the way! I meant like a bar drink."

Open Starter @lunarcovestarters Location: The Death of Bri

"Is there...Is there somethin' on my face...?" There was. Having never quite been one for learning his lesson about asking before sampling, Ralphie had plucked a sparkling potion shot from a passing tray and downed it without a second thought, mistaking the concoction perhaps for some kind of strange cocktail. He was now glittering in the party lights and looking like a properly alluring young vampire of an entirely different kind.

"Shit. What's that? Did I rub up against someone?" He looked down at his hand, rolling and unrolling his fingers a few times and furrowing up his brow as his skin glittered. "Shit. I think I'm losin' it. I'm bein smited. Smitten? Hell. You ain't supposed to have fun in church. That's what they taught me in Sunday School. You're a'posed to be in a bad mood all the time," he murmured distantly. Looking up, he met a passerby's eye. "You got, like...like a hankie?"

[jonahxrivas]

"Jumping into cold water is actually really fun," he confirmed with a laugh, "But yeah, exactly, similar concept here, dive right in." While, more often than not, Jonah did take the slow and steady approach with things, there were things he will admit which needed the opposite, and this he felt was a prime example of one otherwise it'd give rise to hesitation. But on the other hand, starting slow was never an issue. He didn't rush her, or push her to go faster or quicker, simply watched as she steeled her nerves and stepped into the ice, "You're doing great," he said following suit and sliding onto the rink, "Try to relax, it'll make things easier. Oh, and bend your knees a little, that helps too apparently."

After a moment, Bex took in a deep breath and said, "No. No, let's-- let's do it. I can do this. Let's just-- get it over with. Like jumping in cold water, right?" She looked back at Jonah, hopeful and a little pleading, knowing she could trust him at his word and wishing she could make herself feel that way. She shook her hands out and patted her legs, as if to warm herself back up, before letting out a quick breath. "Let's do this." Slowly, so slowly, painfully slow, really, she reached her first skate out onto the ice, glancing once more back at Jonah, before letting it sit flat on the rink. When that one felt sturdy enough, she moved herself forward, clinging desperately to the railing as she let her other skate slide onto the ice as well. She slipped momentarily, her grip on the rail keeping her from face planting completely, before she managed to pull herself up on shaky legs. "Wow that's-- slippery," she muttered.

[jonahxrivas]

"Same boat," he nodded with a lopsided grin, attempts to be fun and celebrate were being made just to not be such a buzzkill, but the success of it was yet to be determined. "Surely if I can fake it, eventually it'll start to feel like this is good right?" It was more honest than he was aiming to be but with a chuckle that burst through, Jonah raised a finger to his lips, "Don't tell, Bri, I don't want to keep ruining things for her, okay? I'm glad she's got you, honestly, you - you're - yeah, you're much better. All I seem to do is make her cry." He pushed down that feeling, and added another shot, that he picked up from a server that happened to walking by, to truly drown it out, "That one makes..." he laughed, "I've lost count! It's all good though, it's fine. They call it the happy juice, right? I wanna be happy!" With a pout at the answer, Jonah shook his head, "No worries, we'll still celebrate, it'll be a new year soon. How are you doing, anyway?"

It was, in Ben's opinion, a little morbid to be attending the birthday funeral of his still alive girlfriend (albeit unalive, at this point), but he supposed that was the point. The second point, perhaps. The first was that he wanted Bri to have fun. He'd tried to do a more lowkey birthday up to the surprise, and, if she wanted to dip out of the party early, or if she'd rather do something different tomorrow, then he was game for whatever she might feel like doing. "Jonah," he said, offering the man a smile. "I'm attempting to be celebratory in a way that this mock-solemn occasion calls for." Even if it was a bit odd. It was strange, how he'd grown to know Bri better after her death than he had before. Selfishly, he didn't think that a funeral was right for this occasion. He wanted to celebrate her life. But, perhaps, it was important that she mourn what she'd lost. He took the drink from Jonah, an eyebrow raised. "How many have you had?" he asked, taking the drink. How much had Jonah had, and was it a safe bet to cut him off? "My birthday's in November, I'm afraid. It's already passed.

[jonahxrivas]

"You came back too. That's still significant." If it weren't for a gnawing feeling in the back of his head that caused him on act on his return, Lunar Cove would've remained a hazy point of his life. "I have to deal with it, there's not much choice? If I didn't accept it and take it as is, I would, frankly, spiral." More than he had already. "It's not on purpose you're avoiding Jas, right? What's overwhelming you the most right now?" he asked, "You do make it easier. Remember when I first got here? You're one of first few that made me feel like I had a place here, I wasn't broken then but you helped me out anyway." And that had been before he knew Nico was the Alpha, after that it only increased. "You're more than what you can fix. You're a good person that cares about everyone. Is there anything I can do to make things easier for you? I'm here for you, man, whatever you need."

At the analogy, Jonah couldn't help but chuckle, which continued to a shake of his head when Nico flopped into the water. Waiting a full two seconds, he paddled closer and dipped under the waves to roll his friend over to the right side up so Nico floated on his back, "I would tell that blobfish to let himself breathe for a moment, things will be okay even if they don't seem like it." Adjusted to the cold already, getting back on the board was ditched to float on the water, "I feel you put extra pressure on yourself on top of already existing responsibilities."

·✥·

He considered, seeing Jonah's confusion, and then amended, "Well, relatively speaking, I guess." He paddled a little closer on his board. "You ran away, sure. But you came back, and not ten years later, like some of us. And you know," he tilted his head. "Getting the hell out of dodge isn't the most irrational move, given what we've all been through. Mostly I just mean you do deal with it. You probably wouldn't avoid someone you live with for a whole week, would you?" Looking over at his friend, he added. "You and Rohan are pretty incredible, the way you look out for each other. I wish I could make things easier on Jas—and on a lot of other people too. But the only things I know how to actually take care of are like, broken bones and severed arteries." He flopped back on his board again. "I'd take fixing a collapsed lung over feelings, any day." Tilting his head he asked wistfully, "What if I'm a blobfish stuck in a fish tank? Marry a beautiful starfish? Find one of those little castles and hide in it? Get a snail as a pet to distract myself? Head up a small blobfish gang and just act like I have my shit together? Fuck." Feeling dramatic, he rolled off his board and went limp in the icy waves, face down.

[jonahxrivas]

The space, though far too small, didn't matter all that much when she pulled him in. Door opening was a relief and her letting him in was an even greater one. Proof that she didn't completely hate him and in some capacity at least still wanted to speak to him. "Drink?" he held up the bottle, an offer in return. "We'll split? I would say I can go get another one, but I don't want to leave."

Listening, he nodded, "I don't blame him for thinking that. Even though I knew you weren't, there was a moment after seeing that invite where it...took me back to when...you..." he couldn't finish and felt like he didn't need to for her to understand. "Stupid I know, but..." he shrugged, "But yeah, given things here too. I'm glad it's not really the case either. I wouldn't know what to do." Once was enough, and that had been a reality for a long while until he came here, for it to be real again...mind was already frayed he didn't want to know how worse it could really get.

"Hmm?" he snapped out of his thoughts, "Oh.. I- yeah- for the most part, yeah." It wasn't a complete lie. "You doing okay? I know this..." he pointed around, "means you're not but is there anything I can do? I'm sorry...I know I sorta messed things up for you."

"Hi," She whispered. Her voice no more than a hush murmur behind the door. It was only after a prolonged beat that she opened the door open a crack. Reaching out, she grabbed onto Jonah's hand and pulled her cousin into the confessional after her, securing the door in place behind them before anyone else could spot her.

"Cupcake?" She offered up, holding her one lonely cupcake out toward him as she slide back down against the far bench in the tiny little room. "Tú y yo, ambos. Al parecer, Todd pensó que yo realmente había muerto," She admitted quietly as she pulled her legs back up to her chest. You and I both. Apparently Todd thought I had died for real. "Aunque no sería tan sorprendente teniendo en cuenta todo lo ocurrido en este lugar." Although it wouldn't be that surprising given everything that has happened in this place.

"You okay?" She asked after a prolonged beat, though she had a feeling she already knew the answer.

[jonahxrivas]

"No, no, this is fine, really!" And to prove it, Jonah made himself get up and go change. "See, it looks good." Catching his reflection, Jonah tugged at the suit, "How do people wear these on a constant basis... it's so restrictive..." Adjusting the collar with a huff, gaze dropped to his scar, adding to the discomfort felt. Despite being okay with it now, melancholy stirred, "It's been a year..." he said quietly as thumb brushed across it, "Crazy how time flies..." Momentarily distracted, Jonah was slow to tune back to Rohan, "Hmm? No, no, it's fine. I'm just being... I don't know too emotional maybe." Expression softened considerably, "It's just a lot, but I'm fine. Don't worry."

At the suggestion, Jonah nodded, "That'd be good, yeah, something nice after the travesty of the Christmas party." But doubt began to creep into the corners of his mind, chewing on the inside of his cheek, would she want to do something though? With him? Them? "What if she has other plans? I only seem to ruin things for her, make her cry and just generally cause a mess..." Melting into the embrace, Rohan being the strong and comforting presence as ever eased his nerves with little effort. To give focus to such thoughts was stupid, he knew, all did it was create room for unwanted thoughts to fester. "You're right, you're right. We're all here at least." Letting himself lie there for bit, Jonah soon shook his head, "No, no, don't do that on my account. I'd hate for anyone to fault or blame you for something that was my doing. It's still for her birthday despite the theme, her day not mine, I'll deal with it, do what's required...it'll be okay." He truly wanted those words to sink in and feel real. "Just one favour," he added, "Don't let me drink too much? Otherwise you might have to literally carry me."

Rohan offered a weak nod, his features falling a bit in genuine concern at Jonah's demeanor. He knew his husband well enough that he could feel the emotions rolling off him, sense the utter unease. His heart ached. "I have others too. If you need them," he replied softly, voice low as he regarded the other, brow heavy. "I know. I know. That invitation was quite a...well. Someone should have asked you. You're right. To help. It would have been right. I mean, maybe you don't get a say, but you can say anything on your mind to me, you know." Rohan bit his lip.

"Do you want to maybe...after all this, we can do something small for Bri? Just family? You're allowed to feel however you want to feel, Jonah. I don't think that's selfish at all."

Wrapping strong arms around him, Rohan tugged him into a tight embrace and placed a gentle kiss to his forehead. "So don't. I won't let them make you if you don't want to," he whispered. "I know this all must be bringing up a lot of memories, love. But we're okay. All of us are okay. I promise. Talk to me." He stared up at the ceiling. And after a beat, Rohan buried his face in Jonah's hair. "We can be as fashionably late as you want. To be honest, we don't even have to go if you don't want to. You're my number one priority. Always. I'll call and tell them it's all my fault we can't make it. I just hate seeing you hurting. What can I do to help carry some of it?"

[jonahxrivas]

"Impulsive, then? I'm not judging, by the way! It's great you buy things whenever you want. Living in the moment and all that." Personally, he felt he needed a little of that mindset. "If it's just this specific one, then it's alright I suppose. I have others. Yesterday, I wore a shark one, is that more acceptable?" he grinned. It likely was all of his collection that Suresh hated but mood was light and a few grumbles wouldn't change that. "I guess? Dunno, I've always just sorta been average? Rohan does think otherwise, yeah, but," Jonah shrugged, "Fitting in, or even being funny, had never really been something I was capable of. Growing up at at least." Not despite attempts, but trying had ceased when he realised it was futile. "You don't strike me as a shy type though..." But noting the shift and what Suresh continued to say, Jonah gave him a nod, "He can definitely be whatever he wants."

Rather than apologising for it, brows furrowed, "Hmmph, is it just puns that are off the table because I have fish jokes...I don't actually want to be rude though, in case they are..." Another shrug bounced on his shoulders, "I do, sometimes, but glasses feel more comfortable." With a tilt of his head, Jonah stared at the other with mild confusion, "The Cathedral? What possibilities does a church have when it comes to clothes?" It did take a few seconds for things to click, tips of his ears turning red as embarrassment rose, "Ooohh, oh you mean that store...right sorry... are we going shopping? Wait! Do think that's possible? Are stylish people more approachable for donations? Coral reef research and restoration projects actually do need more funding."

Suresh allowed his lip to furl ever so slightly upward, his nostrils flaring. "Oh...the importance of being earnest. Planning is a constrictive word, bruv. I see something I like, I buy it. When I see it." He sighed very deeply, meeting Jonah's eye. "Hmm. Well. Candles I can give or take...it's all very trick r' treat. But no, I certainly don't hate jumpers. I dislike that jumper. May I wager a guess? You sort of...became good-looking late in life, did you, mate? Grew into yourself? It happens. A person gets it into his mind that he must be...quaint. At the very least funny." Suresh pursed his lips, eyes darting away for only a moment, a shift in his posture. But catching himself, he seemed to straighten back up. "But then, one day, he's strapping, and he doesn't have to be those things anymore. He can have whatever he wants." Suresh sniffed. "You are married, aren't you? Surely your husband tells you you're fit? Wait, what? No. No. No fish puns. It's in poor taste around sirens." He did not actually think it had anything to do with him, but he thought he could perhaps convince Jonah of genuine offense. Suresh sighed. "Well, thank goodness the pufferfish can tell where they're going. Bloody hell. Do you wear contact lenses? Hmm. I'm feeling very special today. Come on, bruv. To The Cathedral. Let me to show you what's possible. As a repayment for your focus grouping, hm? Maybe you can even use your newly acquired sense of style to...collect donations for coral reefs or something. Shite."

[jonahxrivas]

"Huh?" he turned to her with confusion and tripped over words to clarify, "No, no, Rohan is entirely differently than others! He's very attentive, caring and loving!" When that little fact had been shared Jonah had not in any capacity implied Rohan to be in the mix, he would never. "There's nothing but love, I assure you. Please don't hit my husband with bread."

Taking a moment for his thoughts to settle, he gave her a smile, "It was, yes, the most perfect day." He listened to her with slow nods, save his own idealistic thoughts about the future, Jonah did get her viewpoint, "I understand, but if you don't let yourself dream there might not be any goals to strive towards? It might not always be possible of course but some can be made tangible and real. But then again, who am I to talk? I sorta stopped dreaming, because you're right, without fanciful imaginations there is no rise to disappointment, and when things are good, it feels great. When survival becomes the main goal, dreaming about something different feels …" he trailed off realising he could fill in that blank with so many things, "I dunno, isn't priority? Things change." But with a shake of his head, he pulled himself out of that, "Not to say you should stop when you've just started though, it's good, I'm glad you've let yourself do that. Despite all the horrible things that happen, we have to look forward to something good, right?"

His bottom lip jutted out for a brief second, "She was, I swear!" Jonah chuckled not too long after at the name, "Cat the cat, it's kinda cute. Of course she would, I hope those aren't too expensive though, but I somehow have a feeling you spoil him." He wouldn't blame her if she did, he was guilty of spoiling all his pets. "Just a sweater vest, I'm afraid, yes, but they make fun ones so I'm sure Todd would appreciate it. I'm trying to figure out what Suresh likes to be honest, haven't made a lot of progress, he's a pretty cool guy. Hey! What's wrong with lighthouse keepers? I wanted to be one when I was a kid," he added with a laugh, "Not a bitter one, though."

"Excuse me? That's even worse, Jonah!" She exclaimed, giving his shoulder a light shove as she blinked over at him in disbelief. "I've been overlooked and underestimated my entire life too, but Ken's typically different and Rohan should be too. If you can't count on family to be the exception then who can you?" She reasoned. "The dinner rolls will be weaponized if they don't notice us and Rohan will be getting hit with an extra pumpernickel loaf if he doesn't pay attention to you too." She was not above tossing one at Rohan when his head was turned and then blaming it on some small child if she had to.

"Really," She gave him a nod in confirmation. "Oh, well, I'm happy you had that then. Was it everything you ever dreamed of? For me, I don't know. I've never really been all that good at being the center of attention? That was always more Dilan's thing than mine and I've never been all too good at fantasying about a future, I guess either? I suppose I always sort of felt like if you don't let yourself dream, then you can never be disappointed and will always be able to find the bright spot in any moment if it winds up better than the worst case scenario in your head? But, now, I don't know. I'm starting to maybe let myself dream a bit more I guess?"

"Debatable," She let out a low whistle as she snuck a peek back over at Jonah. "I do! His name is Cat. Cat the Cat. Ken named him, but it's very Breakfast at Tiffany's. Bri actually keeps telling me I should get a Tiffany collar for him too, believe it or not. Though, oh yeah. I think I've met Bustopher once or maybe I've just heard enough about him that I feel like I know him, but thank you! And they make those? On second thought, that's just a cropped sweater vest, isn't it? Does Suresh like anything? Like at all? He seems like the most bitter person I've ever met. And lonely too, but he also doesn't seem to have any want to change that either so... The grump can go become one of those bitter old lighthouse keepers in the movies for all I care and spend the rest of his eternity warning hooligans of the haunted campgrounds only for them to never listen."

[jonahxrivas]

New Year’s Eve — Jonah Persaud-Rivas

While Jonah arrived with a present and completely sober, wearing Rohan's suit even since black outfits were not too common in his own closet, he had not been felling the party vibe at all. He wanted to celebrate Bri's birthday but with his mood being down given everything that had happened at white elephant and realising it was an year since he nearly died... Jonah didn't want to put a damper on the party spirit. So! Spirits were the solution!

Party! Party! Shots! Shots!

The night took a sawn dive into multiple drinks and drowned in the bottom of a champagne bottle especially after giving his eulogy, which, yes, it was a rehash of the one he gave years ago, modified a little to add on some happy memories he had the privilege to share with her in Lunar Cove.

Happy Birthday Bri!

Rohan took him home who knows at what time, he certainly doesn't remember.

[jonahxrivas]

for: @readbentweenthelines location: confession, nye party/bri's birthday

"Beeeennn! Heyyyyyy!" Jonah slurred out the name and the greeting with a far too wide of a grin and too much fake cheer that what was necessary or genuine. "How are ya, man!" Jonah pushed a shot glass into his hand careful to not spill a drop, "Here, have a drink. They were just handing it out, isn't that crazy?" Misplaced laughter rang loud, echoing jarringly in his ears. He stopped keep a track of how many he had after it got too hard to count on one hand, but the number hardly mattered, they did the job of not making him think much, at all, really, and that was he really wanted today. With Bri hiding, and knowing his conversation with her didn't do much to improve her mood, alcohol masked all feeling which was a welcomed changed from over-thinking. "Drink with me! We're celebrating our favourite person!" Without waiting Jonah shot back the drink, scrunching up his face as it went down. "When's your birthday? We can add it on to this, more the merrier."

[jonahxrivas]

It was justified cowardice he felt, to be actively avoiding getting on that stage to give another damn eulogy for his cousin. Just the thought of it made something in Jonah's chest twist and tighten to painful levels, and listening to some of them...escaping his hurricane of thoughts became a priority in that moment and normally one that would care about what others thought, tonight aided by a bottle of champagne, Jonah hardly paid mind to countless eyes that felt like followed him as he drifted through the newly converted church, desperately seeking some type of refuge from people, thoughts, and the colour black.

With so much in his head it became a little difficult to prioritise on what to drown out first. Was it this entire thing in general? A funeral themed party that Bri herself had wanted for years, yet when it came down to it, he couldn't even find her among the crowd? He took a small sip from the bottle. Was it the forced eulogies they all had to give? Reminding him of the time where he actually had to give one. He took another sip. Or was it the whole debacle of the white elephant and realising in the aftermath that he had been the reason Bri cried? He took two sips. Or, he laughed at this thought, or was it this time last year where he himself had nearly died? He took a lengthy sip. It was everything.

Feeling a buzz starting to settle but nowhere near drowning any of this thoughts just yet, Jonah let out a heavy sigh and pulled one of the doors of the confessional booths open hoping for some time alone...only to stare at it with surprise when it shut right back. "Bri?" he blinked at the flash of a face, her voice registering and lifting some of the concern he felt when he couldn't spot her. English was abandoned without much effort when he spoke, and slipped easily into Spanish, "Hey, open up, it's just me..." he knocked softly on the door, leaning his head against the side frame, "Do you want me to confess? I'm hiding from Dilan...save me?"

@lunarcovestarters

Bri winced, pulling her legs closer into her chest from where she hid in the confessional, as she tried her best to drown out the eulogies people gave as they entered the restaurant. 'She's one hell of a crazy bitch'. 'I don't really know her all that well. I'm just here for the free drinks'. 'Bri who?'. This was worse than the comments her so-called friends had left on her facebook after she had died the first time. While she might have wanted this birthday party three years ago, now she didn't want to be here. Though, maybe the theme was more fitting than she thought, because as her gaze fell down to the lone cupcake in her hand she found herself mourning her humanity all over again. Maybe her life as a human hadn't been as perfect as she had once thought, but back then, she had been blissfully ignorant. She had two parents who loved and adored her and, while they couldn't often make her performances, they always sent flowers and gifts. Maybe their secretaries were the ones who had picked them out, but she hadn't known that and she had been a broadway star. She had been popular and well liked. Majority if not all of her friendships might have been surface level, but they had always seemed nice even if she had learned, post dying, that it wasn't quite like that behind her back. As a human, she had been a bright and happy girl who floated by unscathed from the world. And in Death? Well, there was a reason she still found herself regretting having ever come back. Here Lies Brielle Rivas, She thought to herself as she blew out the candle. And maybe that's how things should have ended. Yet, here she was, hiding in essentially a closet counting down the days to another miserable year in this miserable town when all she had wanted to do for this birthday was celebrate her friends and her boyfriend instead of herself, who had gone through so much with her and were somehow, for whatever twisted and sick fate, still here.

She would have likely stayed tucked away there all night too, if someone hadn't ripped open the door the confessional. Blinking up at the person before her with wide eyes, Bri scrambled forward to shut the door to the confessional once more. "Sorry this closet is occupied. Please find another," She called out once door was firmly shut back into place, pressing her ear up to the screen in an attempt to hear if they were still there.

[jonahxrivas]

Another laugh rolled out with an amused expression as Leyla voiced her that threat, "I'm on board for the double date, that'd be nice but we can save the dinner roll, it's fine really. I've sorta been overlooked throughout my childhood by other kids and people so this isn't anything new to me? I don't even notice it much anymore." He accepted a long time ago that this is how it would be and lived accordingly.

"Really?" he questioned out of surprise as she explained her viewpoint, "I do get that, once you've found your person everything is just an embellishment. But I'm opposite I think. It could just be the idealistic and hopeless romantic in me talking but I've always wanted to be married, have that significance, the celebration, a wedding," he laughed, "I wanted a moment to look back on fondly and cherish with someone that I loved. I know one might say every day should be happy and be full of love, but dunno, it's hard to come by in this town and maybe it's a little silly, but getting married and having a day dedicated to it had always been a goal of mine." He wanted a love story like his mothers and by sheer miracle he achieved it. "Don't listen to what others, me included, tell you what to do by the way, that's something you and Ken should decide. Could be a full party or a dinner, there's nothing set on what it entails is whatever the couple decides. It's just a way for family and friends to share that happiness of the next step with you, which is also what a wedding pretty much is."

Eyes narrowed a touch before they softened with a chuckle, "It's okay, I know about the jailbreak. She was being well looked after if I may add!" A smile broke out at the mention of a cat, "Oh! You have a cat? Hey, so do we! Well... a magical one but Bustopher is the best. And yes, there's so many with cats on them, more than fish if I'm being honest, we'll have no trouble finding you one." Jonah paused in thought at what she said, "How about we just get him a sleeveless cropped one? Seems a waste if he's going to cut it up, might as well save him the trouble? I'm not even hypothetically trying to make Rohan jealous so yeah I'm sure, but you think he would? I was thinking of getting him a nice candle, Suresh hates those too."

"Oh. How does he forget-" She blinked over at Jonah in confusion. "That's it," She decided. "The four of us are going on a double date and if anyone tries to forget you're there then- then I'll throw a dinner roll at them." It was only at the mention of how he viewed marriage that Leyla's gaze softened. "Oh. I guess for me the ring or the certificate never really made a difference? I was planning to be with Ken forever anyhow and, honestly, I never really thought he'd want to? Do the whole tying the knot thing? I figured we'd just be roommates and boyfriend and girlfriend forever? So, marriage always just seemed like a smart decision financially and legally to do in case one of us got hurt, but not really necessary? Only now it's happening and I on't really know how to go about it? I was told there should be an engagement party, but you didn't do one and I don't really know anyone who did, so I'm not all too sure what that even entails? Is it like a fancy dinner or something or a full party?"

"Yay! Though oh um..." She mulled it over. "I liked dolphins until someone told me they're the nicest to people," She cringed slightly at the thought, but decided not to elaborate there. "So, maybe a turtle for when I helped jailbreak Shei- nevermind. Maybe a- do they make one with a cat on it? A little black one to be exact? I know its not a marine species but Cat deserves to be on a sweater and I think Todd would definitely wear one. Though, he might crop it or take off the sleeves. You sure? Even if you told him it would make Rohan jealous? I feel like the mean man might weirdly get off on that?"