joyyyfullll

[joyyyfullll]

If there was anyone she trusted to know whether her crush had a secret girlfriend or not, it was definitely his brother, who claimed that this wasn't the case. It was with a sigh of relief that Joy dramatically accepted the information, wiping imaginary sweat from her brow. "Thank goodness. That's so cute, though, that you guys are so close, even though he was away for a while." Meanwhile, Joy had no secrets she hadn't told her housemates, though it remained to be seen whether they had things they kept from her. She liked to think they were close enough that there wouldn't be anything the other girls wouldn't tell her, just like she wouldn't keep anything from them, either.

Joy's jaw all but dropped to the table as Michael revealed he'd been seeing someone, and how it'd ended so tragically for him. Of course she wished she could've been there to cheer him up in the moment, but she didn't take any offense that he hadn't told her--it must've crushed her when it happened. "Oh, my god, what? Michael, I'm so sorry," she gushed, reaching to give one of his hands a comforting squeeze. "It sounds like you both deserve so much better. I would say he deserves you, but I don't even know if that's true, because you should have someone who would put you above anyone else, especially a terrible girlfriend of theirs. How long ago was this? You know, if you ever need someone to come out with you in search of a new guy to crush on, or to take your mind off of it, I'm here."

Tilting his head a bit at the same time that he raised his shoulder in a shrug, Michael couldn’t deny that she was right. It certainly was far easier for him to talk to the boy because they were related. If it weren’t for the shared blood that coursed through their systems, he was pretty sure neither of his siblings would really want anything to do with him. He was so different from both John and Wendy, that it was clear the biggest and strongest thing that bonded them together was the simple fact that they were family. Without that tie… well, he wasn’t sure how he’d fit in with them both. “Super secret girlfriend doesn’t really seem like John’s speed,” he agrees at least with that point. “We kind of tell each other everything, there aren’t really any secrets between the three of us.” Or at least, that was what he truly believed to be the truth at this exact moment in time.

For a moment he debates just brushing it off, lying and saying that he was fine and just perpetually single and lonely. That he was ready to simply accept his fate of being whatever the boy version of an old maid was. But that was only partially the truth - it left out a huge chunk of why exactly he felt like such complete and utter shit when it came to the romance department. And he was, in all honesty, just getting tired of lying and holding back the entire truth. “I mean, not anymore it’s not. I… I thought I was seeing this guy a while back ago - but it wasn’t actually anything like I thought it was at all. And now he has a girlfriend. Who’s horrible and treats him like shit and is constantly dumping him for the stupidest of reasons. And it’s just… it’s been a bit of a shitty year for me, romantically, I guess.” It was a very simplified version of what had happened between the two boys, but Michael felt better finally getting at least something off his chest. Maybe it would help, talking about this to someone other than just his siblings.

[joyyyfullll]

~timeskip to the deville halloween party~

Though Joy didn't frequent that many parties, this one in particular did feel like it held a certain extra weight to it, considering who she knew was going to be there. Not only was it being thrown by Michael's sister's boyfriend--which, to some, would seem like a convoluted connection, but Joy did happen to like Michael's sister, and wanted to meet this insanely tall boyfriend of hers--but his brother would be there, too. It meant that Joy needed to show up looking her best, hit just the right level of liquid confidence to get her to talk to John in public, and actually find the nerve to do it all. A tall task, but one that Joy had been talking herself into for about a month now.

As the elder Darling boy emerged from the kitchen and into the living room, Joy took a sip of her drink, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath before physically shaking the nerves out of her body. This was her chance: she had no idea when he was going to be scooped up by another partygoer, or when he would be heading home. So, she made a beeline for him, approaching the boy with a bright smile. "John! I thought you might be here. Actually, I was hoping you would be. I wanted to see my favorite librarian in the wild for once. Are you having fun? I got here kind of early, to keep Michael company, but I think I lost him somewhere between your sister and the rest of your friends."

The routine chat between a frequenter at the library gave John's schedule a nice pause to the workday. He didn't mind it as the conversations usually consisted of small talk. John had grabbed the book from her hand, ready to scan the barcode on the back. "It's got a controversial ending, some people loved it and some people hated it. The ending really makes it for me, but everyone is entitled to their own opinions at the end of the day. No matter how wrong they are," he added with a slight chuckle to follow his joke. He'd though that was the last of the conversation but Joy had stuck around. That usually meant that he had to think of another book recommendation on the spot, of which he had dozens to suggest, but today the conversation had turned to something he wasn't expecting.

"Oh, you know Michael? That's a funny coincidence. How did you two meet?" John asked before plugging information onto the library's computer system. His eyes focused more on the screen in front of him but he was genuinely intrigued by the question he posed considering he didn't know Joy and his brother knew each other at all. Awaiting the machine to print out her receipt, his attention turned back to the blonde, "Thank you, it's good to be back. I missed it a lot more than I thought I did. Of course, it's different since I'd last been but change can be exciting in its own right, wouldn't you agree?"

[joyyyfullll]

It was a relief to get the expressed permission from her friend that it was perfectly okay to go after his brother: it had been a great point of stress for the five minutes since she'd found out the two were related. Joy didn't have much anxiety, but the thought of disappointing a friend was up there at the top of the list of potential stressors. Trying to impress someone she liked was probably next. "Okay, now you're just saying that because you're related to him," she argued. "But, at least I know he has no one to really compare me to. Unless, of course, he had some sort of super-secret girlfriend when he was off the island." Which, though possible, was highly unlikely, given that Michael obviously hadn't heard of her, and John didn't give her the impression of someone who would keep secrets like that.

Joy narrowed her eyes at her friend, the definitive swearing off of any romantic potential raising some flags for her. Someone who was that certain about their chances had to have their heart at least a little bit fractured. "No, no, no. We are not talking like that, not at this table. Is something going on?" she asked, only a tiny bit concerned by his statement. Michael had never really mentioned any boys he'd been interested in specifically, only in the general sense. But, Joy could feel something was off, it was practically radiating off of him, and the overwhelming need to help him cheer up had begun to take over.

It may be true that Michael knew his brother better than most others might, but that hardly meant he was actually qualified for giving advice on how to talk to the older boy. It was easy to talk to him purely because of the fact that they were related. John had no choice but to listen and like him, even when they had very little in common anymore. “Just talk to him like a normal person. They way you talk to me,” he suggested, even though he knew that may not be the best way to catch the boy’s attention. But it felt wrong, telling Joy to pretend to be someone she’s not just for the sake of a potential date. Especially not all for John, of all people. “He’s really not that special, and I say this as someone who loves him dearly. But if you want to go for him, of course that’s okay with me. He’s never really dated anyone before, so he’s probably just as clueless as we are.”

Though he had only briefly met her roommates in the past, everything she said about both Davina and Vanessa sounded pretty damn accurate from what he thought of them. Avery he had yet to actually meet, but he’d take Joy’s opinion on her to be a fair one. The blonde always seemed to know exactly how to read people, far better than he ever could, so he tended to just go along with any impressions she got from new folks. “No. No boys for me. In fact, I might be done with boys forever. So no need to learn flirting for me.” It was a dramatic statement for someone as young as him to make, but it was how he felt over the past year. Though that could be largely due to the fact that he hadn’t taken any real active steps to try getting over Sam and whatever it was that they had between them.

[joyyyfullll]

@disgustdavina

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY

Career Day Part 1 (3x01)

[joyyyfullll]

"Well, then, that's exactly what you need to give me advice on," she pointed out, "how to talk to him. He's your brother, you must know him better than anyone!" At least, that was how Joy assumed sibling relationships work, not that she had any to compare to from her point of view. Though, if she and her roommates were anything like siblings, she had a good idea of exactly how each of them operated. "But, you're sure that it's okay that I talk to him, right? Like, in a hoping he catches on and asks me out kind of way? If it's weird, I promise, I can drop it. I care way more about staying friends with you than a boy--no offense to John," Joy said sincerely, making herself crystal clear before upsetting Michael in any way.

He was right: Davina was probably the perfect person to ask about something like this. She knew exactly how to make her look and feel cool, while also making it seem like she wasn't trying too hard, either. "Davina, yes. Vanessa ... would probably tell me heartbreak is inevitable or something and that I shouldn't even try. And, we have a new roommate, but I have a feeling Avery might be too nervous to talk to anyone she likes. So, I'll have to do with my one in-house expert," she reasoned. "Why, is there a boy you do like that you need help flirting with?" Joy teased, leaning across the table to tap his pen with hers. "I can pass on my Davina-approved tips and tricks."

While that plan seemed a bit convoluted to him, when Joy could perfectly well just go up and speak to his brother like a normal person, Michael really wasn’t one to judge. He’d lucked out that his first real crush and person he’d caught feelings for had already been a part of his friend group, so no awkward attempts at introductions or trying to get to know him. Then again, though, it did leave things awfully awkward once things ended between them and they still had to see each other on the regular. So maybe he would have been better off finding someone outside of his normal social circle - like Joy seemed to be doing.

“I still think there’s easier ways to talk to him, but yeah. I’d never say no to more library visits with you,” he answers simply, not quite understanding that the bigger question she was asking at hand was whether or not it was okay to pursue his brother in general. And the rest of the questions she poses regarding how to flirt and what to say to the boy to make it obvious she likes him… well, Michael doesn’t really have much of an answer for. “Okay, so no judgment cause… I don’t really know how either. I’ve never really… flirted with anyone before.” Or maybe he has, with Sam, but he doesn’t want to use that failed attempt at a relationship as an example for his friend. “Can’t you, like, ask your roommates or something? I bet Davina has a whole stack of magazines that could help you.” And even if not, she would certainly be better at giving advice on the subject that he was.

[joyyyfullll]

Considering how Davina felt about most people, it was practically a glowing review. Indifference was much better than feelings of extreme annoyance or hatred, so, Joy had to count it as a win for their new roommate. Though, after how much she'd talked Avery's ear off, she wasn't sure the two had had the kind of lengthy, meaningful conversation Joy would've hoped to hear about from two people who were about to live together. Regardless, she would accept the small win as a victory, at least for now, until she could plan some sort of bonding night. "Okay, that's good! Nice and neutral, exactly what I like to hear from you," she commented optimistically, trying to keep the patronizing applauding to a minimum in front of Davina.

"The bunny is so cute!" Joy argued, almost instantly forgetting any other worry she'd had in favor of their new furry resident. "Come on, how could you be mad at someone so innocent and fluffy? It's not like he can help where he goes to the bathroom. And, you know that's completely unethical." Not that Joy would ever expect Davina to follow through on her word, but she had to cover her bases, just in case. "I'll just remind Avery that's entirely their slice of the chore chart, though, just to make sure the boundary is nice and firm, just the way we like it."

It wasn’t often that anyone ever asked her for her complete open and honest opinion, as Joy had stated as much, and normally she would jump on the opportunity to freely speak her mind on any and every topic that she could… but this time, truth be told, Davina genuinely didn’t really have much to say beyond what she’d already commented. “She’s weird as hell, but like not the weirdest I’ve ever come across,” she repeated the sentiment with a shrug. “Her nerves were obvious, but like I guess I understand that. It was too quick of an interaction for me to really take away anything else.” Which was actually not that bad of a thing, better an average first impression be made than a horrible one.

“The place looked fine, yeah. Stop stressing over it,” she instructs the blonde, even though she knows it’ll take more than just some halfhearted reassurance to get Joy to fully believe their new roommates' first day hadn’t gone horribly. “I’m sure she liked you just fine. And honestly, I’m hardly even worried about her. It’s that rabbit that’s ringing alarms. If it shits in any of the common areas, I’m turning it into a fur coat.” An empty threat and they both knew it, but there was some truth behind her worry over the little creature.

[joyyyfullll]

who: joy & @johnmdarling where: echo isle public library

Now that she had some context behind the cute boy who sat behind the library desk, Joy was trying to be brave about actually speaking to him about something other than a book. She'd previously thought it odd to simply ask him about himself, but, now that she knew they had his brother in common, it was the perfect gateway into actually getting to know the librarian. She'd waited until after the line at the desk had cleared, giving her hair a once-over in the bathroom mirror and a silent pep-talk in the mirror before deciding it was about a good of a time as ever to both return her nearly overdue book, and to actually speak to John.

With a smile, Joy approached the desk, book in hand. "Returning this," she announced quietly, handing it over. "It was good, but not my favorite of the ones I've read lately. I can see why you liked it, though!" He probably expected that to be it, just a quick chat about the book he'd recommended for her, as that was usually the extent of these conversations. But, before he could tell her to have a good day, Joy had to drop the name of their mutual connection. "You know, I had no idea you were Michael's brother. He's one of my best friends, actually. He was just saying how you'd gotten a job here recently, and I was, like, oh, my goodness, I know that guy! Crazy, right? Welcome back to the island, by the way."

[joyyyfullll]

Joy nodded at the revelation, understanding now how and why she hadn't met his brother before. How was she to know about the family history of her crush, whose nametag at the front desk had simply said John? It was a fairly common name, too, one that hadn't raised any red flags when she'd decided she would pursue him. "So, he works here now? I need to start coming with you more often, so you can say hi to him, and he'll start to recognize me." Her eyes narrowed in the direction of the desk as she pondered on her plan. "If you're okay with that, of course. I don't want to make things weird. I had no idea, truly, when I said that that he was your brother," she added, placing the importance on her friendship with Michael first and foremost.

This was one of the first crushes she'd ever had, leaving Joy poorly versed in the realm of flirting. She had no idea how to sound cool, or nonchalant around John. Instead, she'd simply found her own excuses to talk to him, which had served her well enough so far, but she was running out of ideas beyond demanding book recommendations. "Okay, don't judge, but I don't really know how," she admitted, her voice lowering to an appropriate, library level. "How would he know I like him if I'm just talking to him like I do normally? And, how am I supposed to be normal when my heart races the entire time? At least, if I'm talking about a book, then I have a topic set--I don't have to come up with something to talk about, y'know?"

At her loud and bubbly laugh, Michael was quick to join in the stranger that had hushed her, reaching over to smack Joy’s arm lightly and shaking his head. Not that he usually really cared about following library rules or worried about being too loud - but the last thing this conversation needed was for John to come over and interrupt it with a speech on library etiquette. “Yeah, he’s my brother,” he repeats, fighting back the smile that was trying to make its way on face at her reaction to this seemingly shocking information.

“Yeah, he left for school a few years ago. But when the borders opened up, he decided to come back,” he explained, nose scrunching up at the mention of John being a super dreamy library boy that Joy seemed to be going through such hoops to be noticed by. He got it, to some degree, wanting to do just about anything to impress the guy you liked, but it was hard to really understand when that guy in question this time was his older brother. “That seems like overkill when you could just go up and talk to him like a normal person. But hey, if that’s how you like to flirt, who am I to stop you?”

[joyyyfullll]

Joy didn't know what more she was expecting out of her roommate, knowing just what the reaction was going to be before she'd even asked the question. At the very least, she was happy to hear that it had gone fine from Davina herself, though she wasn't the one who Joy worried about most when it came to Avery's introductions. To know Davina's actual opinion on their new housemate was more so what Joy had come in search of, despite the common courtesy of having to ask whether it had gone well or not.

With a few nods of her head, Joy ingested the information, just happy that it had gone well between the two. "Okay, okay, but what did you think of her?" she asked, needing to cut straight to the point. "Raw, honest opinion. I know I don't ask for that much, but I really don't think she liked me, and now I'm the bundle of nerves." Though she wasn't anxious very often, Joy struggled with the idea of someone not liking her: the whole point of her presence was to vibrate positivity, something she hoped everyone would appreciate. "I mean, the decorations were good, right? Were they too much? I thought it was the perfect, happy medium, but then she came early and I was not prepared for that."

From the moment she had her first conversation with the new housemate, she had known that she would be hearing from Joy sooner rather than later about how it might have gone. So it’s not a surprise when she spots the blonde happily entering the kitchen, nor is it a shock when she plops herself down into the seat right beside Davina. And though he knew exactly what the other girl wanted, she continued scrolling and acting as if she had barely even registered anyone else was there. It’s not until Joy’s face covers her screen that she finally gives in and acknowledges her. Sighing heavily and dramatically, she sets the phone down on the table and simply raises an eyebrow in the blonde’s direction until she finally cracks and continues on the little speech Davina knew had been just waiting under the surface.

“It went fine,” she answers simply, not really sure what all more needed to be said. It was a basic introduction, really, had barely lasted more than five minutes before Davina had to leave for work - so there truly wasn’t much that she really could give to Joy other than that. “She was like practically vibrating with nerves, but she didn’t seem like a complete weirdo. So I guess that’s the best we can really ask for, right? Let’s just hope she actually keeps up with rent - that’s all we really need her for anyway. Oh, and taking out the trash. We could totally just toss that entire chore off on her, I bet.” It might sound a bit harsh, but actually coming from her it was almost a glowing review.

[joyyyfullll]

Joy looked from aforementioned librarian, back to Michael, and between the two once more before letting out a laugh so loud that someone at the table behind them immediately gave her an aggressive hush for. With her hand flying to cup her mouth, Joy continued to chuckle silently, the idea that she had developed a crush on one of her closest friend's brothers too hilarious for her to fathom. But, if she remembered correctly, this brother of his was supposed to be off the island. So, she could hardly feel bad that this was the first mention of their relation amidst the development of her massive crush on him.

"He's your brother?" she repeated, just to be sure she was hearing him correctly. Because, unfortunately this did change things. Joy couldn't simply go after this very cute librarian of hers without her friend's explicit permission--that was just one of the basic rules of friendship. "No, I didn't know that, wasn't he, like, abroad, or something? You have a brother, I know that, but no, I did not know it was super dreamy library boy whom I frequently visit for book recommendations, then go home and find the summaries online so I can come back and have another excuse to speak to him." That behavior had only occurred a handful of times now, but it might have needed to immediately stop, depending on Michael's response.

The sound of a bag thudding to the ground and Joy’s voice was a welcome escape from the singular paragraph on microcell biology that he had been not so successfully attempting to read for the past at least ten minutes. Looking up at his friend, a bright smile grows on his lips as he eagerly closes the textbook, not even bothering to pretend like he was going to continue with his studies. “Usual spot was taken,” he explained with the raise of a shoulder in a shrug. He lets her go on about her dilemma with this spin class she has to take over, already pretty sure exactly what advice he plans to give her before she even finishes, but her next comment has him doing a bit of a double take and already forgetting all about the explicit music she seems so against.

Glancing back over at the checkout desk the said librarian was sitting at, it takes Michael a moment to truly understand what exactly is happening. “You mean John?” he asks, pointing a finger over at the boy, needing absolute clarity that it is indeed him that Joy is talking about. “You do know he’s my brother, right?” Though how she was supposed to know that, he actually isn’t sure, but it still just feels so weird to have someone actually calling John cute. Not that he thinks his brother to be ugly or anything - he’s just never had a friend try hitting on or flirting with either of his siblings before. Unless you counted whatever it was Peter used to try doing with Wendy, but he doesn’t like to think of that anymore.

[joyyyfullll]

who: joy & @michaelndarling where: echo isle public library

It had been in the university library that Joy had met one of her now closest friends, a boy who had been studying alone a few too many days for her liking. After insisting they become study buddies, Joy and Michael Darling had formed a friendship that lasted beyond graduation, for which she was thankful. It was nice to have someone outside of her roommates to hang out with, even if she did have to venture back to the library every so often just to spend time with him. Joy didn't mind the quiet ambience: it was nice to simply stroll through the stacks sometimes in search of a book for pleasure, or a self-help one that would give her some good quotes to use during one of her speeches.

"You're not in your usual spot," Joy pointed out in a whisper as she found her friend at a table, dropping her bag a touch too loud on the seat beside her. "I need to program this spin class that I'm taking over tomorrow. This girl is sick, and she usually has music way more explicit than I usually use, so that's what her riders are going to expect, so, I have no idea what to do," she complained as she slid out her laptop. "Also, have you seen the new librarian? He must be someone who just graduated, or something. The guy with the glasses. So cute, right?"

[joyyyfullll]

If it were up to her, Joy would've physically pulled her roommate out of her bed and gotten her downstairs to greet their new addition. But, as she'd learned over blood, sweat, tears, and time, things weren't entirely her decision in their house. If Vanessa wanted to stay upstairs and be a sourpuss to herself, so be it. "No, no, I promise, it will be good! They'd be happy to meet you," Joy insisted, trying her best to sway her roommate from spiraling downward like she'd seen countless times before. "Also, so true, actually. But, now that we have one pet, do you think she'd be open to a second? Like, how much more mess could one other animal cause? I've always wanted a cat--like, a true kitten, and maybe now she could be convinced," she wondered aloud. She already knew what kind of answer Vanessa was going to give: one that was noncommittal and less than enthusiastic, but Joy was used to it by now. Regardless, trying to get her on her side for a second pet in the house hadn't been the primary reason Joy had ventured up to her roommate's secluded corner of the house. "Anyway, you should totally come meet her, if you're feeling up to it. Or, at least, in the morning, if you had a long day. Did you have a bad session?"

"Oh, they're here..." It wasn't an unwelcome change in her life, Vanessa knew very well that there was going to be a new roommate, she had agreed to the arrangement and everything. In fact she hoped a new friend could be made. Still, change was change and it was going to be different having someone new around. There was so much suddenly having to acclimate to, she had to keep her glooming abilities to a minimum as to not disturb Avery so soon that they would even consider leaving and think of only herself to blame. And even by the very fact that she had to keep herself from going down a shame spiral, there was a lot of pressure that she couldn't exactly be herself. This thought process alone was something she could tell Joy wouldn't enjoy, nor would she probably indulge in so she tried to refocus her thoughts onto making sure neither Joy or Avery would have to endure. "Well first, I think the lack of pets thing until now might've been because Davina refused to clean up after animals. And second," she sighed, knowing she was about to disappoint the blonde. "I dunno, I've had a long day and I'm not exactly sure interacting would be good."

[joyyyfullll]

who: joy & @disgustdavina where: their house

The most opinionated person Joy knew just so happened to be one who she lived with, and though there were times Davina's opinion wasn't one she particularly wanted to hear, she was eager to hear now just what she thought of their new housemate. Unlike her check-in with Vanessa, in which she had to check whether she'd actually left her room to meet Avery, Joy knew Davina would've gone out of her way to meet them and get a first impression. It was at dinner that night that she finally got to see her, as Davina sat at the kitchen table scrolling through her phone, not even flinching as Joy took a seat beside her at the table.

"Soooo," she cooed, ducking her head in the sightline of Davina's phone. "I thought I heard you talking to our new arrival, and I just wanted to make sure it went well!" Joy leaned back patiently, resting her chin on folded hands while she waited for a response. That was, until impatience had gotten the best of her, and Joy couldn't help herself, "I hope she likes us. I mean, I know not everyone's accustomed to my level of decor, but I don't think it was too much, right? Like, you've seen me go way harder for an occasion, and this was a big one."

[joyyyfullll]

Her new roommate had a strange aura about them--it wasn't the same energy that Vanessa had, or Davina either, but a more tightly-wound demeanor that Joy simply wanted them to feel like they could unravel. She knew it was overwhelming, stepping into a new space, but Avery seemed more reluctant than Joy had been expecting, especially when she'd done so much to get the place ready. "No, it's okay! I like your punctuality." With a grin, she gave her roommate a nod of her head, glad she could tell who she was just from her first impression. "That's me, and then we have Vanessa and Davina, who are. ... around here somewhere. They were too busy to help me with decorations, but I typically tend to have more enthusiasm around celebrations, anyway, so, I'm used to it. I have a whole questionnaire for each of them, and me, I made them fill out ready in your room, with their basic likes and dislikes, y'know, just for fun! And, if you wouldn't mind filling out one of your own so we can get to know you, too, that would be amazing, but, obviously whenever you get the time," Joy babbled. She peered behind Avery's shoulder, seeing the full car on the street. "Do you need help unloading anything? I'm all yours for the afternoon, whatever you need. As long as you don't mind that the decorations will be finished later!"

∗∗ 🌪️ ∗∗

When she entered Avery was hit with the all too familiar overwhelming sensation. Everything was prepared for her when she'd only just worked up the courage to walk in after practicing her greeting at the door. Still, they forced out a smile in the hopes that their new roommate couldn't see the chaos that raged behind their eyes. Melman was there which provided someone for Avery to cling to amongst their new home of strangers. The first encounter had already proved to be someone who was all too excited to welcome her when they'd only just mustered up the first greeting. "Wow, this is, wow," was all they were able to get out at first, bringing Melman closer to their chest. "Sorry, yeah, I'm early. I don't like being late to things." That was the tip of the iceberg when the truth was she arrived everywhere far too early in case there was trouble parking or fear of being late. That proved to be a problem when she'd be sitting in her car for an hour waiting for Envy to arrive. "He's the best, you will get to know him. He makes his daily rounds," she said feeling a more comfortable smile overtake the other once the topic switched to that of her furry companion. That was something she could talk about all day if anyone actually let her. However, with her new roommate, they were beginning to think it would be difficult to get a word in, unsure of how to jump social rope with someone so chatty. "Thanks, I shouldn't have too much," Avery started to glance back at her car which was stuffed fill before she was engulfed in a hug. After a second of standing there awkwardly not knowing what to do with her hands, she readjusted Melman to give the girl a gentle hug in return. "You must be... Joy, right?" At least if her name matched her personality.

[joyyyfullll]

who: joy & @cryingnessa where: their house

Joy didn't at all mind spearheading the Avery move-in efforts, which didn't really have to include much beyond a simple clean up, but she really did want to go above and beyond for their new roommate. That part wasn't hard, not at all--Joy would take any excuse to decorate the house she could get. Getting her other existing roommates, though, to participate in her level of excitement was the real challenge. It was fine when Avery hadn't arrived yet for Davina to think her decorations were kind of lame and for Vanessa to be presumably holed up in her room, but now that their new arrival was finally in the house, Joy took it upon herself to give Vanessa's door a light knock. "Hey," she greeted in a soft, singsong voice, "just me, checking in." Joy cracked the door to pop her head in, hoping she wasn't interrupting a therapy session or something important. "Avery's here, I don't know if you got a chance to say hello yet, but, let me tell you, her rabbit is probably the cutest thing I've ever seen. Like, why have we never had a pet before now? Anyway, if you haven't, maybe you'd just wanna make a quick little appearance downstairs?" Joy suggested, raising a hopeful brow.

[joyyyfullll]

Joy had been cautiously optimistic about welcoming someone new into their home. The group hadn't had any sort of shift in its makeup in practically a decade, and though Joy hadn't really wanted anything to change, here they were. It was always better to embrace change than to fear it, so she'd prepared the house as best as she could for their new roommate, hoping they'd like it. Joy hadn't meant to go overboard, but the dozen balloons she'd picked up, table strewn with confetti, and banner in the kitchen suggested she'd lost sight of her original plan. "Oh! Oh, my goodness, you're early!" she exclaimed, dropping the last streamer from her grasp in surprise as she had attempted to put the finishing touches on the living room. "So sorry I didn't get to finish before you got here, I wasn't expecting you for another hour! But, totally okay. It's lovely to meet you, and--Melman? He's even cuter than the photos! We're so excited to have you both here. At least, I am. The other two are ... somewhere, around here, I think. But, let me help you with your bags, it's the least I can do. I'll give you the grand tour on the way to your room!" Joy promised excitedly, hardly able to contain herself as she threw herself forward into a hug.

who: @joyyyfullll where: their house

This was the big day they had been waiting for: move-in day. Their bags were cautiously being packed for the last week and now was time for them to be cracked open. Avery had gone over a list of ice-breakers before driving over to her new residence, not wanting to come off as awkward right away even if it might've been true. They wanted to make a good first impression with their new roommates and part of that included being able to hold a normal conversation. She'd come in with a smile on and her most prized possession in her arms, ready to face whatever was behind that door as long as she had Melman. "Alright here we go, it's gonna be fine, we got this. Don't be nervous Mel, they're going to love you," she assured her rabbit who hadn't made a peep inside his carrier. It was never uncommon for her to project her feelings onto her furry friend, finding him to be an extension of herself. They put their key into the lock for the first time and pushed open the door to find their first encounter front and center in the living room. "Hi there, sorry to barge in but ha, guess I shouldn't be when I live here now." A joke that didn't land quite as well as she wanted but offered up a smile instead. "I'm Avery and this is Melman, we're jazzed to be here."

[joyyyfullll]

#Anxiety is me

INSIDE OUT 2 (2024)