#blackcatxmagic (ocean)

[veilxstars]

Marisol paused, feeling the weight of Ocean's admission. She could sense the turmoil swirling beneath his surface, a current of unspoken fears and regrets that pulled at her heart. She felt like she understood - not the reason why he was like this - that she didn't know, but she had grown up with Lorraine, and Lorraine had been a demanding teacher, her high standards often leaving Marisol feeling like she could never measure up. Each chemical burn etched into her left hand told a story��a testament to the long nights spent perfecting her craft and the punishments as a result of her failures. She had faced her challenges head-on, but the scars remained. In Ocean's eyes, she recognized a similar battle, one fought in silence... and she wasn't sure if he was winning.

“What’s on your mind?” she asked, her tone gentle but insistent. “What’s weighing you down?”

She gave him space to answer - if he wanted. She wouldn't pry. Marisol's gaze wandered around the patch, where the odd shapes of the gourds seemed to pulse with life under the evening light. Some magic had a smell to it. Others had a feeling. A sound. Her magic always carried the soft sound of bells. It was the sort of noise that could easily be ignored - overlooked, as though the wind through the trees were simply carrying a sound -- but Marisol knew her magic best, and she took comfort in the tinkling sound of bells.

“You’re drawn to that pumpkin for a reason. Just look at it. It’s a little misshapen, maybe overlooked, but that doesn’t diminish its value. We all have scars - things we want to hide, change, ignore -- but someone is going to see us and decide that - for whatever reason - they want us.”

Marisol knelt beside the misshapen pumpkin, her fingers grazing its rough exterior, feeling the energy thrumming beneath her touch. “This one deserves a home too. Everyone should feel like they belong, imperfections and all.” She met Ocean's gaze, her expression gentle. For all the rumors that she was the Dragon Lady - the one who chased children out of her garden, the lady in red, the femme fatale out to steal husbands (wives)...she was also trying to be a better person for others than what she had been given in her life. “Reaching out for connection can be tricky. Sometimes we find it, and sometimes we don’t, but that can't stop us from trying. We all crave that bond, and it’s okay to want it—even when we’ve been hurt before. That longing is a part of being human.”

She leaned closer to the pumpkin, closing her eyes for a moment as she sensed its energy, almost like a pulse beneath the surface. “If you want it, take it. It might have something for you. Make a pie out of it, eat a slice at midnight - maybe you'll find something in this pumpkin you gravitated towards.”

As Ocean listened to Marisol talk about her past, he felt a surge of sadness for her. It didn't seem like she had had the easiest time in life, yet here she was being kind and pleasant and happy. Meanwhile, Ocean had had a by all accounts joyous upbringing, and he was sad nearly all of the time. This just hammered home the fact that the problem here was him, that he as a person was the reason for the blackness inside him, not what had happened to him. But Ocean didn't share this with Marisol because he knew that she would disagree, that she would tell him that it wasn't true, and Ocean didn't want to disappoint her either. So he just said, "I'm really sorry that happened to you, Marisol. And I'm sorry people try to just use you so much. It's not fair. And...I'm kind of doing the same thing right now, aren't I?" The realization hit Ocean like a ton of bricks, and he stopped abruptly. "Oh my God, I'm just as bad as everyone else in your life." The realization was startling, and Ocean hated himself for being another person who used Marisol. He hadn't meant to do it, but that's what was happening now, and Ocean couldn't take it back.

But Ocean was already here, and he didn't want to be rude when Marisol had gone through all of this trouble. So he just walked with her through the patch, listening to her talk. "I loved someone once too," Ocean told Marisol. "He wasn't beautiful though. He was...like a disease, but I kept trying to please him. And he's still a disease even though he's gone. He won't ever really be gone though." Aaron would always be a part of him, for better or for worse.

There was something that felt so magical about being out in the patch tonight, and it wasn't just the fact that there was actual magic at play right now. It just felt special. Looking around at the pumpkins, Ocean saw one that caught his eyes, one that was kind of misshapen, probably overlooked by the people earlier. Immediately Ocean was drawn to it, could empathize with it, an actual pumpkin, and he walked toward it and sat down in the patch next to it. "This one reminds me of me," Ocean said softly. All the other pumpkins around it were gone, and he said, "I don't want it to be lonely. Can I take this one please?"

[theartdoctor]

For: @blackcatxmagic Ocean

Location: Ocean's House / Pumpkin Palooza

Matteo leaned against his car, which was thankfully finally working after he begrudgingly went to Romano's auto.The cool autumn air swirled around him, the sun shining just slightly from the horizon. He adjusted his scarf, one that he had taken off and put on a million times in the mirror before he decided to wear it. He was very accustomed to aesthetics, but tonight was about more than art. It was about finally taking Ocean on a date; and that made the usually easy task of finding something to wear much more difficult. He glanced down to his watch, wondering if two minutes was too early to knock. He looked back up to his door, and decided that it was probably just fine and he was far too excited to see the younger boy. He just couldn't wait to do fun fall things with Ocean, it was something he had never imagined he would be excited for. The past five years, he usually made a brief appearance at the Palooza before dipping into a way too packed bar to drink until he couldn't think anymore, or until the chill couldn't quite reach his bones. Hayrides, tastings, and pumpkin picking with Ocean seemed much more enticing and much less depressing.

Leaves crunched underfoot, the ground painted in hues of amber and crimson. His favorite part about living in the Pacific Northwest. Matteo stood at the door, one hand tucked into the pocket of his coat. He took a deep breath, trying to steady the flutter of his stomach as the crisp air tickled at his cheeks. He felt almost as nervous as he did when he had asked Ocean to go to the Pumpkin Palooza with him. "Like a date." Matteo had sheepishly added, the thought of it bringing a smile to his lips. It was just a date, a simple outing, but to him -- it felt monumental.

Matteo finally reached forward and knocked at the door gentle but firm, a smile plastered onto his lips and a small bouquet of chrysanthemums clutched in the hand that wasn't fidgeting in his pocket.

[veilxstars]

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Active Thread: For Character: Ocean Player URL: blackcatxmagic

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Active Thread: We Meet Again For Character: Tabitha Player URL: tabithaelicot

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[veilxstars]

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Active Thread: The Pumpkin Patch

For Character: Ocean Player URL: Blackcatxmagic

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For Character: Evangeline Player URL: Innocentcurse

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[innocentcurse]

While Evangeline adored the golden sun that shone down upon her, it certainly hindered her ability to see just who was standing in front of her. It wasn't until Ocean had finished stepping towards her and spoke that Evangeline realised who it was - even before he spoke, reintroducing himself. He hardly had the time to finish his sentence before Evangeline burst up from her chair, hopping around her table to find herself eye to eye with her old friend. "Ocean!"

While the thought of his disappointment in thinking that she hadn't remembered him would have saddened her if she had realised, she was too blinded by her excitement to fully process his reaction. "Of course I remember you! Oh my goodness!" She reached out to take his hands, wanting to absolutely engulf him in a hug but stopping herself to avoid overwhelming him. "I can't believe that it's really you!"

When he'd seen Evangeline, Ocean had thought he was imagining things. This couldn't be his friend, could it? Even though they'd only been together for a few years on the commune, Ocean had become very close with Evangeline and her sister, the three of them always together, and it had been a sad thing indeed when her family had moved on. Their arrangement had always been temporary, the commune welcoming the family while Evangeline's dad researched the commune; they always welcomed any way to prove that they weren't some weird cult. And that's what Evangeline's dad had helped show, so when the time had come for the family to leave, Ocean wasn't the only one sad to see them go. Ocean remembered that day clearly; he'd cried for an hour in his bedroom after they had left, though he had kept that to himself.

So when Ocean saw Evangeline now, his first reaction was to be overjoyed. It blew his mind that they were meeting here of all places, and he rushed over to her. But then she started talking to him like she didn't know him, and Ocean froze. Oh, he thought. She doesn't remember you. His stomach dropped, and Ocean felt incredibly stupid. That was when that other voice inside him started whisper terrible things, saying, Why would she remember you? You were nothing to her, and she never thought about after she left. That was something Ocean couldn't be sure of yet always feared, but that cruel voice inside him was sure of it. "Sorry," Ocean said softly, though he didn't quite know what he was apologizing for; it just always felt like there was something. "I guess you don't remember me," he went on. "I'm Ocean, from the commune." His face was burning, and suddenly he felt like an idiot, which had become a very familiar feeling.

[veilxstars]

Aris tightened his hold on Ocean as they exited the haunted house. He was serious about taking the side exit, as he went to the next scare actor who was trying (and failing) to scare Aris. "We're done, man. Just let us out." Maybe it was the man's voice from the Drag Queen, or Aris' height -- but they were let outside. Once they were outside, he set Ocean down carefully before brushing off his dress and grinning at the few onlookers who did a double-take at the towering, Elvira. He put a hand on Ocean’s shoulder, steering him to a bench so that Ocean didn't have to look up at him.

“First of all,” he began, “you’re not a loser. Not even close.” He gave Ocean’s shoulder a light squeeze, then gestured to the scare actors still lurking by the entrance. “Some people love these things, but they’re not for everyone, and that’s fine. They’re not ‘cool’—they’re just… haunted houses.”

“Honestly, I was just waiting for an excuse to carry you out, anyway,” he admitted. “Gave me a chance to do my knight-in-shining… heels bit. Besides, I’ve got a little experience in the being-carried-out department myself.”

He leaned in closer, eyes sparkling with mischief. “See, usually when I’m getting carried out of a place, it’s in handcuffs.” Aris laughed, one of those laughs that was part mischief and part pure joy, as if the memories themselves were a little too fun to keep to himself. “Let’s just say I was a bit of a handful back in high school ... and in undergrad. If there was a Halloween bar crawl or a questionable costume party, you could bet I was the one being dragged out, sometimes by security, sometimes by friends... and sometimes, okay, by a very unimpressed bouncer. Usually something to do with my choice of... accessories, and once, a debate over a fire-eater’s hat.” He shrugged, as if to say, Who doesn’t get a little carried away on Halloween?

He straightened, striking a pose like an unapologetic diva. “So if I looked too comfortable carrying you out, that’s why. I know all the cool carries since I've been on the receiving end." He gave Ocean’s shoulder a gentle nudge, his smile warm and encouraging. “It’s all part of the Halloween experience."

He took a moment to scan the area, as if looking and making sure none of the scare actors thought to try to scare them outside of the haunted house. “Now, let’s do something we’ll both enjoy. And don’t worry about trying to impress me. You're only going to trip yourself up and make yourself feel like shit.” He held out his hand, a reassuring smile on his face. “C’mon, let’s go grab something to eat and find a less intense spot to hang out. Sound good?”

( Aris loved food and if there was a chance to eat, he would. )

Ocean tried to tell himself that he was enjoying this, that he was the good kind of scared, but there came an eventual point when he couldn't tell himself that anymore. It was like he was suddenly aware of the fact that he was running through a haunted house, that he had actually screamed instead of just yelled in surprise. Yes, Ocean was afraid, and now he was embarrassed to. What was wrong with him? Why did he always do this to himself. Why did you think this was a good idea, you idiot, he thought once he reached the end of the hall, bent over with his hands on his thighs, panting as he tried to catch his breath. Aris was going to think he was such a loser.

But even as he thought this, Ocean knew it wasn't fair to Aris. The man had done nothing to make Ocean think that. In fact, he'd done nothing but be kind to Ocean, and he deserved the benefit of the doubt. So he tried not to get upset as Aris approached, though that was easier said than done. Before he could say anything though, Ocean felt himself being scooped up into the man's arms, and he shouted, "Hey! What are you doing?" However, Ocean knew what Aris was doing: he was going to carry him out of here. "Aris, I'm okay. Really, you don't need to do this." But Ocean was not okay, and Aris wasn't going to be dissuaded. So Ocean wrapped his arms around his friend and let him carry him out, hiding his face against the man's shoulder.

Several minutes later, they were outside the haunted house, Ocean trying not to feel stupid by the fact that his friend had to carry him or that they had to get the scare actors to let them out of the haunted house early, like he was a kid. You're as immature as one, that voice told him, and Ocean felt like such an idiot. "I'm sorry," Ocean apologized. "I wanted you to think I was cool or like...brave or something. I didn't want to pick something for us to do that...a loser would. I guess it turned out that it's not the activity that makes the loser, it's the person."

[innocentcurse]

For their entire exchange, Corey and Ocean had been talking about and thinking about just how strangely similar they were to each other, and so even while it was old news to Corey by now, he still just couldn't believe it, and his thoughts consisted of him being blown away by the fact. It was truly sad, to hear of Ocean's experiences with Aaron, but Corey couldn't say that he didn't understand. His own experiences were between himself and a person with a very different dynamic than the dynamic and relationship between Ocean and Aaron, but even still, Corey knew just how easily one person could destroy you for the rest of your life, even when you were out of their harmful grasp in a physical sense. "I'm really sorry that he did that to you, Ocean," Corey's voice was filled with understanding, even while he didn't explicitly say so.

Corey was about to continue the cycle and circle the blame back to himself, but just before he did so, he realised that they would never find a conclusion if they both kept talking in that way. A smile stretched across Corey's face as he found amusement in their similarities, something that felt so nice. "Sorry," he apologised for the large smile on his face, sure that he looked a little crazy given the topic of conversation. "I just- we'll never be able to end the conversation, huh?" He asked, an amused chuckle leaving him. "So I think we should just agree to leave it there, no matter how badly we both blame ourselves. It's not like we can really do anything about the past anyway," he shrugged and still smiled. If only those words could be put to better use, if only Corey could rid himself of all of those problems by thinking them over and over.

"It should be the easiest thing in the world," Corey nodded his head in agreement. "If only it was that simple," he sighed, wishing he had a way to solve Ocean's issues. It was strange, how objectively he could look at everything in the context of the other man; perhaps if Corey could see himself in the same way that he saw Ocean, he'd have been able to figure his shit out much sooner. "But hey, we're both still young, right? We were different when we were younger," he assumed, from the little he knew about Ocean, "so maybe we'll be able to change again, and maybe this time for the better." It wasn't like Corey to be very hopeful or positive, in fact, it was quite a stark contrast to how he was usually, but Corey would have done just about anything to help Ocean feel a little better.

"I don't," Corey's heart skipped a beat as he realised just how honest and open he had been with Ocean. It wasn't like him, but for some reason, the words about his past had just come out so easily. A part of Corey felt like he should be paying Ocean for just how much he was helping him to unpack. "Hey," Corey hated the way that Ocean put himself down, but he could in no way blame the man, both because he knew that it wasn't his fault, and also because he knew it would have been hypocritical to do so. "You've seen me completely fail at my job; I'm sure you're better than what you think," he shook his head, as if unable to believe Ocean. At Ocean's next words, he laughed. "I know right? I was thinking the same thing," it felt like there was nothing that Corey could do, nothing else but laugh and enjoy finally feeling at least somewhat understood.

They were so alike, and Ocean felt his heart break a little when he thought about how Corey felt about himself. Was this how other people felt about him? Was this how he made the people who loved him - Forest, his parents, his sisters, and so on - feel on a regular basis? If that were the case, well...Ocean had another reason to hate himself now. You can't even hate yourself properly, that voice in his head told him. It's bad enough that you can't do anything else right, but now you're making other people feel bad. Why couldn't he keep his secret thoughts to himself? Why couldn't he mask the way he really felt? This was just one more thing to weigh on him, and Ocean knew that it would; the broken feelings inside him always did.

But it seemed like Corey understood, and Ocean felt like he could be more vulnerable with the man because of it, though that was still scary for him. Generally Ocean tried to keep his head down and talk as little as possible, but sometimes someone brought him just a little bit out of his shell. "You know, I didn't always used to be like this," he told Corey quietly. "I used to be normal. I used to not be so critical of myself, used to be able to see the good things about me. But then somewhere along the way, something changed, or..." Ocean trailed off, not sure if he wanted to voice what he was thinking. But he decided he'd come this far, and already he could tell that Corey was worthy of his trust. "Someone changed me, I think," Ocean admitted. "I was dating this guy for awhile, and I...I guess I never really knew all the bad things about me. Maybe it was because I grew up surrounded by people so focused on the positive, but Aaron - that's the guy - he started pointing out all of my shortcomings, and...he was right. They were things I never saw before, but now that I have, I can't un-see them, you know?" There was a part of Ocean that knew he shouldn't listen to Aaron, but the majority of his heart had been marred by the way Aaron had made him feel. Now Ocean didn't know if he could ever come back from that.

Corey was being so kind to him, and even though Ocean found it difficult to believe the man, he smiled nonetheless. "I don't ever want anyone to feel bad," Ocean told Corey when the man said he was kind. "You didn't mean to drop the jar, and what happened next was my fault anyway because I'm the one who cut my hand on the glass. And if I hadn't distracted you, then you wouldn't have dropped it to begin with." Distantly Ocean was aware of the fact that they were going in circles blaming themselves for what had happened, and if he could see things more objectively, he'd probably laugh. If only they could take the way they saw each other and see themselves that way too. But as he spoke to Corey and saw the ways he could relate, Ocean resolved to do everything he could to make the man feel better about himself. It felt vitally important to him, and Ocean made it his mission in this moment.

"it was just hard being there I think," Ocean elaborated, "because everyone there knew me before. And because of that, they kept trying to make me feel better, and that was nice, but then I started feeling bad that I didn't believe them. Love is important, but it's not always easy," Ocean went on. "I don't know when it got so hard to receive love. It should be the easiest thing in the world." It wasn't though, and that was...well, very sad. As they spoke to each other, working hard to reassure the other while being hard on themselves, Ocean felt a sudden surge of affection for this man he had just met. He reached out and rested his hand on Corey's forearm, giving it a little reassuring squeeze, and Ocean hoped desperately that he could help Corey feel better about himself, in time at least.

Examining where the cut used to be, Ocean paused when he heard Corey's response for why he had gotten so good at healing magic. Did that mean what he thought it did? If so, that probably had a lot to do with why Corey seemed so sad to him, and Ocean suddenly felt angry at anyone who might have hurt him. "I hope you don't still have to do that," Ocean said quietly, his voice just above a whisper, as if saying this too loudly would open the floodgates of bad memories for his new friend. Suddenly it was difficult for Ocean to keep his anger under control, though he managed, but he kept thinking about how he already hated anyone who had hurt Corey, whether physically or otherwise. Maybe this was how his family felt about Aaron.

Even though Corey was working hard to reassure him, Ocean wouldn't be persuaded. The fact of the matter was his family could do things he could never do, and nothing Corey said would change that. Ocean was less, and not just because he wasn't a witch; there were so many ways he was less. But Ocean wouldn't let Corey talk down about himself, and he said, "All I'm doing is working in a nursery, and I'm not even good at it," Ocean responded. "I don't know why I thought that was the job for me. Farming and gardening were never my strong suit on the commune, so I'm like the worst employee there." Ocean smiled somberly, and he acknowledged, "It's so easy for us to tell each other all the good things we see. Why can't we feel that way about ourselves? And why can't we believe each other?"

[veilxstars]

Aris laughed, shaking his head at Ocean’s self-deprecating humor. “No way am I mixing you up with someone else. You’ve got your own vibe going on, even if it comes with a side of tripping,” he replied. “And hey, if falling over is your superpower, at least you’re keeping things interesting.”

Ocean’s words filled Aris with warmth. “Am I always this nice? Well, no - definitely not. I've gotten nicer in my encroaching old age but I wouldn't say I'm kind - you've just got me in a good mood,” he teased, a grin spreading across his face. As they strolled through Pumpkin Palooza, Aris nudged Ocean playfully. “Frida? She’s gonna be the boss of us.” He gave Frida a gentle scratch behind the ears as they walked.

“Veggie burgers, huh?” he said, raising an eyebrow with interest. “I’m totally down to give one a try. They can be surprisingly good if you find the right place - not sure if Cardinal Hill is the right place but we can try."

Aris chuckled again, the air light with laughter. He didn't dwell on negative things for too long, and he followed the conversation easily, never getting bogged down. “But if we end up with that reputation, we’ll just have to own it. ‘Those two? They’re the quirky ones who love cats and veggie burgers and one of them will chase us down the street screaming about how cool the other guy is!’

As they continued walking, Aris appreciated Ocean’s curiosity. “I’m from Maine, actually. Well, kind of. Maine by way of Cardinal Hill. I came to Cardinal Hill because I missed my little brother—and my mom is from here.” Which meant that when Ocean asked about who was judging him, Aris paused, considering his words carefully. “Honestly? I always thought my life with my mom was all sunshine and pumpkins, - get it? Pumpkins? Pumpkin palooza?" All right, that was a bad attempt at humor. "She did a lot of things around town that made people -- not like her, I guess. And when they didn’t like her, I’d get angry. Which led me down the path of being a miscreant, an absolute asshole. I broke things or stole things. I figure the old folks will remember that.”

He shrugged, a wry smile on his face. “I guess that’s part of why I love my job now—appraising things that tell a story rather than taking them. I want to find value in what people have, not just in material things but in their experiences too.” It was a weird way to explain it, but he was used to feeling the emotions from items owned by others, it was simply part of who he was. “But enough of that deep shit. Let’s go find those veggie burgers.”

Ocean was fairly certain that Aristotle was talking about someone else. There was no way he could be talking about Ocean, right? Did he have him mixed up with someone? The last thing that could be said about Ocean was that he was adorable. Awkward, sure, but not adorable. Still, his new friend's words made him smile, blushing a little, but this time not in the embarrassed way. "My super power is like...I don't know, tripping or just randomly falling over or whatever," Ocean said, and though he was kind of joking, he also kind of wasn't. Still, Aristotle's words were cheering him up some, and Ocean thought about how kind the man was. "Are you always so nice?" he asked his friend. "You're one of the nicest people I've ever met. Or is it just my adorable awkwardness?" Ocean grinned, barely able to believe that he had just made a joke.

Frida really was incredibly sweet, and Ocean was hooked on her. And it seemed like he wasn't the only one. Smirking at Aristotle, Ocean teased, "She's got you wrapped around her little paw, doesn't she? That's okay, I get it. It's a very cute paw." He leaned down, kissing Frida's paw as if to prove its cuteness. "Your second boss?" Ocean asked incredulously. "I think she's going to be the first." Something caught his attention though, and Ocean asked, "Appraiser? Is that what you do?" He realized the two of them had never talked about their jobs.

Truthfully Aristotle had a point. "There...probably is such a thing as too much pumpkin," Ocean admitted. "But it just feels so appropriate for the season, you know? And I think it helps people get into the Halloween and Autumn spirit, you know?" It wasn't like it was all pumpkin all year long, and it made this time of year feel special, at least for Ocean. "Suddenly a veggie burger sounds so good though," Ocean said, partially to make Aristotle feel better about not wanting pumpkin ravioli but mostly because it really did sound good. "Have you ever had one?" he asked Aristotle. "A veggie burger I mean? Sometimes people don't want to give it a try, but I really like them."

Laughing (albeit a tiny bit sadly), Ocean stated, "You know, I don't think chasing people down is going to help with them thinking I'm creepy. If anything, they'll think we're both creepy, and then we'll be the town pariahs." Other than that though, Ocean really did like the image he now had in his head of the two of them in the future. "Maybe we'll be petting another little one while we remember Frida here," Ocean considered, but then suddenly he was sad; he didn't like to think about losing Frida despite how little they'd known each other. It already felt like she belonged with them. "Not for a very long time," he told the cat, kissing her head again. Cat head kisses were apparently addictive.

The thing about what Aristotle was saying was that Ocean could tell he genuinely believed these things, that he could really see this future, and that made Ocean feel a little more like it might actually come true some day. "Flannel better never go out of style," he said, hating the thought of that. "They're basically the best kind of shirt you could wear. I wore them all the time on the commune when it was cold." As he listened to Aristotle, Ocean had questions, realizing he didn't know a lot of about the man's life before. "Where are you from anyway?" Ocean asked him as they walked. "And why did you come? Did you come with your brother?" Sighing, Ocean apologized, "Sorry. You probably feel like you're being interviewed. I just don't know how else to get to know...new friends." He smiled shyly as he said that last part. Even though he wanted to stop asking questions, Ocean had one more he needed to ask: "Who's judging you for being here?" Ocean wondered. It didn't make any sense - Ocean felt like everyone should be happy to have Aris in their lives.

[veilxstars]

Marisol led Ocean into the heart of her magical pumpkin patch, a whimsical labyrinth where every twist and turn revealed an array of vibrant gourds. The pumpkins varied wildly in size and shape, each one a canvas designed by the townspeople. Some were beautifully carved, their intricate designs casting playful shadows in the dim light, while others were adorned with vivid paints, their colors glowing like embers against the twilight. A few remained plain, their humble forms blending seamlessly into the earth, and still others towered over the rest, their sheer size a testament to careful tending and care.

As they wandered deeper into the pumpkin patch, Ocean's comment about her being a fairy godmother lingered in the air, playful and light. Marisol chuckled softly. “Fairy godmother? You don't deserve me as a fairy godmother, you want someone with a bit more bippity boo.” she replied, shaking her head with a faint smile. “I don't grant wishes or sprinkle fairydust.”

She paused, glancing at a particularly striking pumpkin, its orange skin swirling with hints of green, before turning her gaze back to him. “I was found abandoned on the steps of a church as a child, raised by three witches raised me - loved me --, they were ... everything. My magic was… well, let’s say it made things complicated. I was uncontrollable, and eventually, they couldn’t manage me anymore. They dropped me off here in Cardinal Hill to be raised by Lorraine. Turns out, no one liked her, either.” Marisol’s expression shifted, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her features. “Everyone thought her house was haunted. I learned quickly that people don’t talk to me unless they want something from me—some spell, some favor. It’s a lonely existence.”

She continued walking, the soft crunch of leaves beneath their feet filling the silence. Marisol looked up at the glowing pumpkins around them, her smile returning, but it was tinged with a wistful longing. “I can create beauty with my magic, but it doesn’t make me a savior. Just someone who’s good at gardening and has a different spade.”

As they walked through the patch, Marisol quieted so she could listen intently, allowing Ocean the space to share his thoughts without interruption. She didn’t rush to comfort him or offer assurances. The air carried the scent of damp earth; and the distant hum of crickets followed them.

“Not all of these pumpkins hold magic,” she remarked, glancing sideways at him as they meandered through the rows. “The enchanted ones cannot be distinguished from the ordinary just by looking. It’s the intent behind their use that reveals their true nature.” Ocean’s voice carried a weight of contemplation, his thoughts tumbling out like scattered seeds. Marisol remained a silent presence, absorbing his words as they drifted through the labyrinth of pumpkins, the gentle glow of lit gourds illuminating their path.

She found a shared understanding that feelings could be complex and sometimes overwhelming. “The magic in these pumpkins reflects life,” she said softly, almost to herself. “What appears beautiful on the surface doesn’t always carry the same depth as something that seems ordinary. It's the essence within that truly counts. That's what I believe... I loved someone once - a human like yourself. There will never be someone as beautiful as they were."

As they ventured deeper, the flickering lights created an enchanting atmosphere, shadows dancing between the patches of brightness. Marisol allowed the silence to linger, knowing that sometimes, being present was the only comfort one could able offer.

Ocean was still surprised at himself for coming back here. Marisol had been nothing but welcoming, but he'd spent the rest of the evening overanalyzing their interaction and criticizing himself for it, so it was a surprise to him that he had returned. But he was glad he did because this whole experience with Marisol had been somewhat surreal, and Ocean was interested to see where it progressed. As he listened to the woman talk about the impossible things, he smiled; he wished he could look at the world the way she did. Unfortunately, Ocean didn't seem to be wired that way, not anymore at least. When she was finished, Ocean smiled, and he said, "You're...you're a little like a fairy godmother." Immediately he regretted this, sighing audibly. "That was stupid," he muttered, shaking his head. "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to make things weird." He wished he could erase the last ten seconds from his life. Trying to salvage this conversation, Ocean explained, "I just mean...we only met hours ago, and it sort of feels like you came out of nowhere to give me sage advice and tell me night things. I didn't mean it in a bad way." What if Marisol thought Ocean was making fun of her? He'd probably crawl under a rock and just wait to die if that were the case.

Ocean didn't know who Scout was, but he was happy that they had created a spell like this. He watched the shimmer in the air, smiling at the sight but also feeling a little somber. "I wish I could do magic," he said softly, realizing he sounded a little like a petulant child. But it did make him feel more at ease to experience whatever Marisol wanted to show him. "My siblings are all witches, and my mom too," Ocean told Marisol, "so I'd have known that was a spell even if you hadn't told me. I've been around magic my entire life. But I just...can't do it myself." It made Ocean feel so inadequate, but he didn't tell Marisol that as he'd probably already made it pretty clear how he felt about himself. Following her through the patch, Ocean looked around, wondering what she wanted to show him.

[veilxstars]

Marisol watched Ocean approach the patch, as he came back to her. She noticed the hesitant way he moved, a mix of uncertainty and resolve in his eyes that tugged at her heart. Oh, he reminded her of River... but then, she saw River's ghost in so many things. She reminded herself that Ocean was Ocean, and that it took courage to return, especially after the emotional weight of their last conversation.

"Hello, Ocean," she replied, her voice soothing, like the soft rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze. She gestured for him to sit on one of the benches nestled among the herbs and flowers, their vibrant colors contrasting beautifully against the softening evening light. “I’m glad you came back."

As they settled into the moment, Marisol considered his question, her expression thoughtful, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Ah, the three impossible things. It does sound a bit odd, doesn’t it? I was thinking about those three impossible things while I was preparing this.”

She stepped back slightly, the soft earth beneath her feet. “The first impossible thing I thought was the idea of a perfect moment—one that captures all the joy and magic in the world. What would that be like? And then I realized it's the light of the first dawn with the person you love or the sound of their laughter when you first make them laugh."

Marisol’s voice danced with excitement as she continued, her hands gesturing animatedly. “The second impossible thing? That’s the notion of unshakeable belief. We know faith can be unshakeable - but what about belief? I stumbled upon an old journal filled with stories of people who achieved the extraordinary against all odds. Belief isn’t always about certainty—it’s about courage.”

She leaned in closer. “And the third? Ah, that’s the mystery of connection. I met someone today who was a stranger -- and I wanted him to come back, to see me again - I can't say why, but I did. It made me realize that every relationship starts as something impossible—someone has to be brave enough to take the first step."

She stood and brushed off the back of her red dress. “But before we get too heavy, come with me. I have something special to show you. Scout helped me create a reflective spell around this area,” Marisol explained with a twinkle in her eye. “No one else will be curious enough to join us here. It’s just for you.” The air shimmered slightly, forming a delicate barrier to ensure this is safe for Ocean.

There was a part of Ocean - a very large part of him - that wished he could go back in time and stop himself from ever coming over here. He realized that was a thing he did often: wishing he could go back in time. But there was a small part - a growing part - that was a little bit glad to have come over to Marisol tonight. There was something about her that made Ocean feel better. Here he was berating himself, feeling like the most worthless person, and Marisol, a relative stranger, was showing him so much kindness. But in a way, that made Ocean feel worse, even while he felt better, which he knew didn't make sense. Looking at Marisol, Ocean tried to smile, another tear rolling down his cheek. "I'm really sorry," he said, voice just above a whisper. And then he turned and left.

A little later, Ocean found himself back at the patch, surprised at himself even. When he'd left, Ocean hadn't been planning to come back. What he had wanted to do was erase the memory of that encounter. Well most of it, but not Marisol's kindness. That kindness was why Ocean had come back. As he approached the patch, he did so tentatively, wondering if he should turn back. But then Ocean decided to keep going, to push forward. Maybe it was okay to do the things he wanted to sometimes. Once he was to Marisol, Ocean smiled, a little embarrassed, and he said, "Hi" in a quiet voice. A long moment of silence stretched between them, and then Ocean said, "How could your mom have wanted you to find three impossible things? I've been thinking about it since you mentioned that earlier."

[veilxstars]

Marisol leaned against her stall, her dark brown eyes sparkling with mischief. “What would you be doing if you came back? Now, that’s a question,” she said, a teasing smile dancing on her lips. “I could tell you, but where’s the fun in that? You have to come back and find out for yourself.” Yet, she wasn't completely without a heart, regardless of what the townspeople whispered about her. "It's nothing malicious, or illegal. You won't get in trouble, and no one else will be here -- save for me, of course."

She paused, letting her words linger in the air. “You know, sometimes the best things are those we stumble upon when we’re not expecting them. It’s not just about the pumpkins. There are other things here, intriguing things, if you’re willing to look a little closer. My mother -- she used to tell me that I needed to find three impossible things before breakfast - and she meant it. Even now, she expects that I keep an open mind.”

Marisol tilted her head, studying him. “Curiosity can lead you to some interesting discoveries. And who knows? Maybe you’ll surprise yourself if you give it a chance.”

With a light chuckle, she added, “So, when you’re ready to embrace that curiosity of yours, I’ll be right here.”

Ocean sighed, giving Marisol a little nod. "I worry all the time," he said, still not able to meet her eyes. He was so embarrassed now that he was talking about this, now that he had allowed himself to be vulnerable. But he'd already done it, and there was no use denying what Marisol was saying because she was so obviously right. As he listened to the woman talk, Ocean couldn't believe just how spot on she was, but that didn't make him feel any better. If anything, the way that she could pinpoint exactly how he felt made him feel even worse because it meant that he wasn't hiding it nearly as well as he thought he was. "And you're right," Ocean told Marisol. "It doesn't matter what people say. If it's something like that, if it's anything positive, I just...I can't believe it." Again Ocean sighed, wishing he could go back the version of himself that he used to be. "I wasn't always like this," Ocean told the woman. "Believe it or not, I used to be basically the exact opposite of this. I used to just be happy, like almost always. I hardly ever worried. I was just...free. And now it's...it's like I'm trapped. I feel like I'll always be trapped." As he said this, Ocean was surprised to feel a single tear roll down his cheek, but he wiped it away, still not looking at Marisol. "I'm sorry," he apologized, voice meek and quiet.

When Marisol suggested that he come back, Ocean finally met her eyes. "That's okay," he said. "You don't have to do that just because I'm a big loser." He knew that Marisol was pitying him, not that Ocean could blame her because he knew that's what he was: pitiful. "What would be the good of that anyway? All of the pumpkins will be gone anyway." But Ocean couldn't deny he was intrigued, and he asked, "What would I be doing if I came back?"

[veilxstars]

Marisol watched Ocean's unease unfold before her like a fragile flower fighting against the wind. There was a beauty in his vulnerability, a raw honesty. She wasn't sure if she wanted to encourage it - to push the man to do something he didn't want to do -- but Marisol was the sort of woman who had found herself on the sidelines often enough to always be on the lookout for the wallflowers. “You worry too much,” she said, her voice soft but tinged with an inviting lilt. “That's what people are supposed to say here, right? Or they'll say -- no, you're not too much. You're just the right amount -- of whatever you are -- all while the voice in your head is telling you that they're just being polite. That they're being nice.”

Marisol understood the weight of societal expectations - though she was always supposed to fail, to be like her mother, all while Lorraine tried to make her be the very person that would fit in with Cardinal Hill's established families. She used to have an inner voice that would tell her that she wasn't good enough, that she was just like her mother. She had grown up under Lorraine’s strict gaze, a stern matriarch who often mistook discipline for strength. The laughter of children outside their imposing home felt like a distant echo. Lorraine had always urged her to suppress her vibrant spirit, to wield her magic with caution rather than playfulness. “Wildness is a path to ruin,” she’d warned.

"You know,” Marisol continued, “Why not come back tonight, after everyone has gone home? I promise that I'll be here, waiting. Whether you choose to come back or not - no judgment, no expectation, no hurt feelings. You have one pumpkin that you're happy with - that's good -- but maybe you'll be curious enough to come back tonight."

Even though he knew the woman was being kind, and even though it seemed genuine, Ocean disagreed with her statement. "I always have to worry about what everyone else things," he argued softly. "Otherwise I'll be too...much, I guess." He'd be too annoying or too enthusiastic or silly or immature or happy or too something. Ocean had to constantly keep himself in check. "I can't let go," he said, voice barely above a whisper. "I can never just let go." Ocean remembered a time when he could, and it seemed like so long ago now. And he disagreed about another thing the woman said. "I'm not selfless," Ocean insisted. "I think about myself more than I should." He doubted that the woman could say anything positive about him that he would actually believe. After all, Ocean didn't believe it even when people like Forest said it. And he definitely couldn't just let go because of the need to constantly keep himself in check.

The way that the woman bypassed directly answering Ocean's question about magic, making it all seem like a performance, meant one of a few things. Maybe there wasn't actually magic, and this was just for fun. That would be fine, and Ocean would understand because even pretending made it seem exciting. But then again, maybe there was magic, but the woman was being coy because she didn't know Ocean's own feelings on the matter. Or maybe she actually was answering his question and not just putting on a performance, and he was stupid to realize. It's that one, the voice inside him said. "What does the potion do?" Ocean asked curiously, especially if it contained actual magic.

Even though he knew that the woman was trying to encourage Ocean, to make him let go and just enjoy himself, her words were actually having the opposite effect because now Ocean was overthinking everything. Why can't you just have fun? he thought. Why can't you just be a normal person for once? And then that other voice whispered, Because you're not a normal person. You'll never be a normal person. And Ocean knew that that voice was right. He was ruining this, and Ocean felt his heart pounding. Why had he thought this was a good idea? His breaths quickened, and he felt like his face was on fire. "I'm really sorry," Ocean whispered, looking down at the ground. "I...I should just go." Still holding his prize, Ocean added, "Thank you very much for the pumpkin, Marisol." Ocean knew he should have expected this: he would never be normal.

[veilxstars]

Aristotle laughed, shaking his head at Ocean's insistence. “Not cute? C'mon, Guy. That adorable awkwardness is practically a superpower. You’ve got to embrace it.” He never did shy away from compliments or letting his feelings be known. Since his mother's death, he had learned that he wouldn't be guaranteed even one more tomorrow - so he said what he thought and how he felt. It won him some friends - it cost him some friends. “And ‘difficult’? Nah, I think you just keep things interesting.”

When Ocean mentioned Frida, he smirked. "She’s definitely something special. I just found her, and she’s already taken over my heart—and she's gonna be my jeep-buddy.. probably bring her into the antique store when I'm appraising. I’m pretty sure she's gonna be my second boss.” He chuckled, enjoying the moment.

Ocean’s thoughts about dinner sparked Aristotle’s playful side. “I get this is a pumpkin festival, I do -- but y'know... really thinking we're entering non-pumpkin territory here. We could start with burgers -- veggie for you, of course." He hadn't known that Ocean was a vegetarian, but he rolled with it. "End up knee-deep in dessert. Sounds like a pretty good end to today."

He wasn't giving up on his future-planning. "Listen, my therapist taught me a trick. You gotta envision the future you want. Really picture it to manifest it. So.... picture it: us, old and wise, sharing stories about the time we rode to get milkshakes, or named a cat at a pumpkin festival or ... whatever hijinks we get into in the future."

When Ocean expressed concern about being the creepy guy, Aristotle waved his hand dismissively. “Creepy? No way! People are going to see how genuinely you care. If anyone runs away, I’ll just have to chase them down - I'd do it. I'm persistent."

As for the flannel discussion, Aristotle leaned forward, grinning. “Flannels? Yeah, they're mostly timeless. But if they go out of style, we'll bring them back. They'll call us the ‘Flannel Kings’—I can see it now!” He chuckled, relishing the idea. So, Aris would walk with him to find the place with veggie burgers and Aris wanted a soda, not that he needed the caffeine, but he wanted something not pumpkin. Not spice. "All this to say, you know - I'm a new guy in town. I know my little brother, and my pen pal. I've got a job maybe lined up. A jeep I'm now making payments on and plenty of time to second-guess all decisions I've made leading me to coming here so -- I'm going to ramble to you because yours is the first friendly face -- that wasn't here the last time I was here - that isn't judging me for being here at all. Like there had been a town referendum or something that was like: this guy - if he comes back, make him remember why he left."

Ocean's heart was racing. Whether or not Aristotle was flirting with him, he was being very nice regardless, and Ocean couldn't deny the cautious happiness inside him. Eventually something would come to pop that bubble, and everything would come crashing down, but that hadn't happened yet. His face crimson now, Ocean felt his smile grow as he listened to Aristotle. "I'm not cute," he insisted, "and I don't make things easier or fun. Those are definitely not words that describe me." If anything, Ocean was difficult and boring; Aristotle would realize this eventually, would wonder why he had wasted his time. Not wanting to make the moment weird though, Ocean said, "But Frida, she's definitely the type to make everything better," and he kissed the kitten on the head again. "She's so sweet," Ocean told Aristotle, looking at him and smiling. "I'm really glad you two found each other."

Now that he had started to relax, Ocean found he could enjoy Aristotle's comforting touch. There was a time in his life when he used to be very physically affectionate, when he was always gently touching people and hugging them and the like, but now he was usually only like that with his family or people he really trusted, like Matteo. Maybe this meant Ocean was beginning to trust Aristotle too? That was a nice thought, one that made Ocean smile even more. The two of them had connected immediately, even Ocean could see that, and he was happy he had met Aristotle that day (and that he hadn't accidentally spilled his milkshake on his motorcycle or something). Laughing, Ocean said, "We don't have to get pumpkin ravioli. We can just go get burgers. I had pumpkin ravioli the other day. But wherever we go, they have to have veggie burgers." He couldn't remember if he'd mentioned being a vegetarian to Aristotle or not.

The image Aristotle was painting of them as old(er) men was a nice one. "Maybe we could be sitting in those chairs on the porch drinking hot apple cider too," Ocean suggested. "That would make it even better." Again he laughed, liking the way Aristotle was able to put him at ease. "I doubt everyone will want to be visiting me though," he countered. That was one part of the fantasy that Ocean couldn't agree with. "I'm just hoping not to be the creepy guy everyone avoids." His smile faded when Aristotle looked at him, but not because he was uncomfortable or sad or anything. There was something about the way the man looked at him that allowed Ocean to see deeper into his heart, and he felt like he was beginning to truly see Aristotle. There was vulnerability there, and Ocean offered him a warm smile, feeling more than ever like their bond was something special. "I...am invested too," Ocean replied after a moment, offering a smile. "Of seeing you in one, I mean." For a moment Ocean just continued to smile, and then he laughed, asking, "Will we really be calling them vintage though? I'd like to think flannels will still be in style then."

[veilxstars]

Marisol chuckled softly, a sly smile playing at her lips. “You know, Ocean, sometimes it’s the ones who act the least like kids that end up having the most fun. You don’t have to worry about what anyone else thinks.” Her voice dripped with charm, as she tried to coax out the playful side he seemed to keep under wraps. “Why not let go for a moment? It’s a festival, after all. The world can wait while you embrace a little joy.”

She tilted her head slightly, her dark hair framing her face in a way that only accentuated her bold features. There was an air of confidence about her, a hint of mischief in her eyes that suggested she was no stranger to bending the rules. “You’re too focused on being selfless. It’s admirable, really, but it’s okay to indulge yourself, too. There are plenty of pumpkins in that patch. They’re not going to miss you if you take another. Plus, who says you can’t share a little magic of your own?” Her tone was teasing, inviting, as if daring him to embrace having fun.

When he mentioned the potion, her smile widened, he had taken the bait. “Oh, there’s definitely some magic here. Whether it’s in the potions or just the atmosphere, it’s real.” She leaned in closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “You know, I’ve always believed that life is a game of perception. If you carry the right aura, people will see you differently. They’ll be drawn to you, even if you think you don’t have much to offer.” It worked for her.

As he contemplated returning to the pumpkin patch, Marisol’s expression shifted slightly - she wanted him to go back out, to enjoy himself, to not care what other people thought because they weren't worth it. "You should head back out there, Ocean. Who knows what fun awaits? Embrace the chaos. Let those kids see you join in. They might just see you as the charming adult you are, rather than the ‘creepy old guy’ you seem to fear being.” Her laughter was light and inviting. "What do you think it says to kids when adults wait on the sidelines? Why would they want to grow up?"

Marisol understood the weight of expectation all too well. As the daughter of the town pariah, she had faced her own share of judgment and misunderstanding. Her confidence had been forged in the fires, and now she wielded it like armor, navigating the world on her own terms. “Ocean, I’m Marisol. Let’s make this festival one to remember.” The challenge was clear in her voice, a mix of encouragement and daring.

Although he didn't know what the woman was thinking, she was actually spot on when it came to Ocean. He was holding back; he wasn't going to embarrass himself by acting too much like a kid. Sure, other people were, and this festival seemed to bring that out of them, but Ocean hated the thought of someone thinking he was acting like an idiot. Ocean had worked too hard to keep himself from showing too much excitement about things. Aaron used to make fun of him when he was too happy about something, telling him that the way he was acting was immature and annoying, and that had always stuck with Ocean ever since even though Aaron was no longer part of his life. I'll always be part of your life, that voice in his head whispered, and Ocean hated that he believed it without question.

Looking back at the patch, Ocean shook his head. "I really should leave some for other people," he told the woman. "There are kids here. I don't want them to miss out just because I was being greedy." Ocean used to think more about what he wanted, but he knew now that that was selfish; he needed to be thinking about other people first and remember that it didn't matter what he wanted. Still, Ocean was itching to get back out in the patch as the woman kept talking. There was something about the way she spoke about the game that made it feel so much more exciting...and magical. The game felt full of endless possibilities, which Ocean thought was the point. "Is that...is that a real potion?" Ocean asked cautiously; he still couldn't tell if this was just part of them game. "Is there really magic involved, or...are you just selling the game?" When Ocean asked that, he sighed, apologizing, "I'm sorry. That was really rude." Why couldn't he think things through before he said them out loud?

As he thought about what the woman had said, Ocean replied without thinking, "It would have to be magic for that to work. I don't have people lined up to be my friend." Ocean could see the situation clearly, that he had made friends here without even trying; to him they were just treating him kindly because they felt badly for him. Again he looked at the patch, and Ocean asked, "Do you really think I should go back out there?" As he considered it, he told the woman, "My name is Ocean by the way."

[veilxstars]

Aristotle's eyes softened as he watched Ocean’s shy smile break through his usual guarded expression. He couldn’t deny he found a joy in drawing those fleeting, sincere moments out of him, and that hint of blush on Ocean’s cheeks just made him all the more endearing. Sure, his heart was tied to Tabitha—it always would be—but that didn’t mean he couldn’t appreciate a lighthearted connection when it happened. Ocean had a sweetness, a gentleness, that made Aristotle want to reach out, and somehow, he couldn't resist. He would always have a soft spot for strays - for those that seemed a little too sad, a little too hesitant for the years they had.

“Well, for the record,” Aristotle said, his voice dipping low, almost conspiratorial, “I’d say Frida’s got some competition in the ‘cute’ department.” His gaze lingered a moment longer, playful and warm, before he looked back at Frida, watching the kitten purr under Ocean’s gentle strokes. “I’m serious, though. Something about the way you and this little one are both wired—you just exist, and the world gets a little easier, a little more fun.”

As Ocean relaxed into Aristotle’s touch, Aristotle’s hand remained steady on his shoulder, gentle but firm, offering a reassurance. He noticed that hint of tension at first and respected it, giving Ocean the space to settle in his own time. In a town as tight-knit as theirs, everyone had their secrets - hell if Aristotle was going to pry -- but he would be present.

“Pumpkin ravioli it is,” he said, relaxing in his own way as they shifted away from soup. "I'm not a picky eater, hand to christ, I just have a weird vendetta against soup.” He shrugged. He really would have pushed himself to eat the soup, or as much as he could manage. "Seriously though, can we get burgers or something afterwards? I'm going to turn into a pumpkin if I keep eating pumpkin things."

When Ocean continued Aristotle's image of old men in flannel, Aris laughed. “Fifty-three’s prime age for flannel and some damn good stories,” he replied, nudging Ocean playfully. “You might not be hollering at kids to get off your lawn just yet, but something tells me you’ll be the kind of guy everyone looks forward to visiting. So - rocking chair."

His eyes met Ocean’s, holding a quiet sincerity. He knew he was being stupid -- he should have learned his lesson about connecting with people too quickly. It had gotten him in trouble how many times before -- but here he was again -- jumping with both feet without looking, all because he wanted a friend. “I'm 100% invested in seeing you sporting flannel and calling it vintage one day."

As he was petting the kitten, Ocean stopped dead at Aristotle's words. Was he...was he flirting with him? Ocean's face suddenly blushed scarlet, and a smile appeared on his lips, though only for a second before it fell away as Ocean realized the truth. There was no way Aristotle could be flirting with him; he was just being nice. Still, Ocean had to ask, fumbling his words, "Does that mean I'm...I'm cute too?" His face burned even more now, and Ocean looked up at Aristotle, his smile shy. Even if Aristotle was just being nice, and even if he didn't really feel this way, it was still nice to hear. And even if the man did mean what he said, Ocean knew he wouldn't believe him.

"Frida it is," Ocean replied, back to petting the kitten now, petting his new friend with his other new friend. "I would have gotten there eventually, would have suggested that or Georgia or something." Looking at the kitten, Ocean leaned in, his face close to hers. "Is your name Frida, little one?" he asked with a bright smile on his face, pressing a kiss to the kitten's head. He stayed like that for a moment, just enjoying being so close to little Frida, and Ocean wondered, "Why does everything feel easier when you're petting a cat?"

Ocean was embarrassed at first because of course Aristotle wouldn't want to hang out with him. He was just being nice, and Ocean took it to mean more than it did, just like always. Just because someone is nice doesn't mean they're flirting or want to actually spend time with you, idiot, Ocean thought. But then...Aristotle kept talking, and Ocean realized maybe there was more to this. Him not liking soup would explain the reaction, and Ocean felt a little bit better, though cautiously so. "I actually don't like brussel sprouts," Ocean replied, that smile back on his face now. "It doesn't have to be soup," he went on, already deciding he wasn't getting soup, unsure of how deep Aristotle's aversion to it was. "What about pumpkin ravioli or something?" Ocean suggested. "I saw a stall selling that earlier." Really he just wanted to hang out with his new friend; what they ate didn't matter much to him. And it definitely seemed like Aristotle felt the same way. Ocean's very initial reaction to the man touching his shoulder was to tense, but it was just instinct, not because of anything Aristotle was doing. But before the other man could pull his hand away, Ocean relaxed into it, making it clear that this was okay. He was learning to trust Aristotle, to be comfortable with him. Laughing at the other's words, Ocean knew they weren't really best friends, not yet, and probably not ever because Ocean would prove that he could be off-putting, that he was better in small doses, that there were better people to be best friends with. Despite that though, Ocean appreciated Aristotle's kindness. "I'll definitely be wearing a flannel in 30 years, but I'll only be 53, so...I might not be to rocking chair, get off my lawn territory yet," Ocean teased, grinning at Aristotle.

[veilxstars]

Marisol’s eyes gleamed with a playful spark as she listened to Ocean, amused by his reluctance to dive back into the game. She thought she could sense that beneath his calm exterior, there was a part of him still holding back from fully enjoying the moment. But she wasn’t going to let him leave without a little push toward embracing the magic that surrounded them.

"Ah, but you really should give it another go," she urged, her tone light, teasing. "The Palooza isn’t just about pumpkins, you know. Sure, you’ve found a prize already, but sometimes it’s not about what you win—it’s about the magic you miss when you stop too soon."

(was Marisol encouraging him to play again? she did have the air of a dealer at a blackjack table...)

Her gaze drifted over the patch as she spoke, as if she were seeing something beyond the simple game that others might overlook. "There’s this little-known potion hidden somewhere out there," she continued, her voice dropping as if she were sharing a secret meant just for him. "It’s not flashy—it's not one of the big pumpkins or ribbons attached. Just a small vial, easily missed if you’re not looking closely. But if you find it, well… they say it helps you find a new friend. Someone you might not have met otherwise, but who’ll become important in your life. A bit of subtle magic, I suppose—bringing people together when they least expect it."

Marisol leaned in slightly, her expression thoughtful yet still playful. "I know it sounds a bit whimsical, but magic doesn’t always come with fireworks and grand gestures, does it? Sometimes, it’s the small moments, the quiet connections, that turn out to be the most magical of all. And you, Ocean, strike me as someone who would enjoy finding a little bit of magic."

She straightened up, her grin widening as she gestured toward the patch. "Besides, what’s one more round? You’ve already gotten into the spirit of the festival, why not lean into it a little further? The worst that happens is you have a bit more fun. But the best? Well… maybe you walk away with a story worth telling, and a friend you didn’t even know you were looking for."

Her eyes twinkled with mischief as she gave him a gentle nudge in the direction of the pumpkins. "Come on. I dare you."

Even though this was clearly a game designed for children, Ocean couldn't deny how much he had enjoyed playing. And since there were other adults playing, he had decided not to let himself feel stupid for playing. What was wrong with having some fun? This festival seemed designed for that, for adults to remember their inner child especially, and Ocean was going to lean into that - within reason (he was still him after all and couldn't only go so far). As he rushed back with his pumpkin, Ocean wished he could always feel so carefree. How could he tap into that side of himself in his everyday life? That sort of thing never used to be so hard.

The woman who'd planned this was really going all out with her act, and even though Ocean knew at least some of it was just to enhance the metaphorical magic of this game, he appreciated her commitment. Besides, it worked, and Ocean felt himself getting caught up in it. But when it came to actual magic, Ocean was still curious if this game involved that; he'd have to think of a way to bring that up. And then the woman did that herself, mentioning it, and Ocean replied, "It really does feel like magic." He let the comment hang there between them, wondering how the woman would respond. At the woman's question, Ocean looked back at the patch and said, "I...I definitely think there's magic out there." On the surface, this might seem like an innocent comment, but since Ocean knew that magic was very much real, it was more than that.

However, Ocean decided that whether or not there was really magic involved - and whether or not the woman confirmed it - the game he'd just played was still fun. At her question, Ocean shook his head and answered, "No, I don't think I'll go back out." He was reaching the limit of how much playful energy he was willing to give in to, and if he went much further, Ocean would begin to feel self-conscious. And besides, he wanted to leave some pumpkins for other people. "I think I'm happy with this," he went on, "but...I am curious: what else is out there? Like what other prizes could I have found?"