#convo ⸻ 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨 𝔞𝔱 𝔦𝔱 𝔞𝔤𝔞𝔦𝔫

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @sawyermarshall at Sawyer’s Apartment

Was it a bit stalkerish to be sitting outside of her apartment building when he had no actual intentions of going inside? Perhaps so. Was it even more stalkerish to simply stare at the light inside until they went off for the night and he knew she was safely in bed? Even more so, but in the eighteen years they have known each other, not once did they go this long without speaking. Without seeing one another, even if just over facetime. Going these last three weeks without so much as a ‘hi’ felt devastating but he knew it had been for the best. Dante didn’t know what to do. How to approach her, and not just apologize for his outburst but for everything else as well. In the middle of his own mental turmoil he completely forgot to watch out for his pretty girl. To make sure she was alright after the heart shattering secret she kept. His only thoughts had been on himself and his feelings, and how big of an idiot he had been for not noticing a change in his supposed best friend. For not noticing the signs whenever she came near, or even thinking it a possibility as if she were anything but human.  She had shared something so sensitive with him, all the while knowing how he felt about it, and he had completely turned on her. Going to the AA meetings had opened up his mind about a lot of things, but most importantly gave him clarity as to how to proceed from here. Taking the biggest sigh of his life, Dante shut off his car and walked to her door. He stood there another five minutes or so before knocking on the door. “Sawyer?” he said, her full name once more because he truly didn’t know what to expect beyond the door. “I know it’s late, but I know you’re not asleep, so please… Can we -? Can we talk?”

[demidevildiva]

Closed Starter: @oculiaperticlausi

"I've grabbed you a strawberries daiquiri to express how hot you make me inside with the slightest of glances." he said, handing her the mocktail knowingly but with a secret smirk. "Are you trying to tease me? You think I won't carry you off into a closet?"

[hvneymelons]

It was pretty amazing to watch the emotions flash across Jasper's face as he went on about the books. All Dante had given him was a name and the other seemed to automatically know everything there was to know about the author and the books. It was pretty impressive, but maybe that was a part of working in the library. Getting to learn all about the authors and the books. "Pride and Prejudice, huh?" Dante commented, nodding his head as he wondered just what it could be about, "Why's it your favorite? What gives it that honor?" He knew nothing about gold foils and whatever other trinkets adorned said book collections. It all sounded a little extra to Dante, but he could find the similarities between it and his music. The instruments that Dante loved so much being the books that Jasper favored. Dante was real careful when picking out his instruments. Everything from the color of the neck and body of a guitar, to where he sourced the strings out from. It was all a work of art. "Oh, I do know that guy! Stephen King. Pet Sematary dude, right? Children of the Corn and all those horror films." Having an inkling now into one of the author's mentioned, Dante pushed out any information he knew about him. "I have watched all of the movies, Carrie too, but not in a long time. I don't think I've ever read a scary book though. How could it even be scary if you're just reading words on a page?"

if there was one thing that calmed jasper, that pacified him enough to push away all other ill thought, it was books. they were his life, his job, his passion—and as soon as dante mentioned literature, their eyes illuminated. “jane austen?” they beamed, trying to hide the wide smile that stretched across their face . . . without much success at all. “we have some beautiful special editions. some gold foiled ones, some clothbound editions . . . any austen fan would be all over them. even i’m a little jealous when i walk past the classics section. i loved pride and prejudice.” his hazel eyes tracked dante as he moved. “i can try it. i don’t know—i know what i like. i’m not always the best at trying new things.” jasper was comfortable with familiarity, with routine; even something as simple as a change to his daily drink could set everything on edge. but their mother had told them that it was rude to deny a gift, and so gently jasper stowed the bag beneath the counter to take home later. “these ones?” he asked, glancing down at the sea of new arrivals that he had been gradually categorizing, “there's this collection of lyrics and poems from johnny cash that i have my eye on. or maybe a stephen king.” a wave of their hand gestured to the horror section, “we have loads of his, but this is his new release of short stories. for a first timer, i'd recommend carrie.” it was a lot easier recommending books to people he knew, when he had a genre or an author to reference. all that they knew about dante was that he liked music and was full of terrible pick-up lines.

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter:  @eclvpses Outside Sawyer’s home

For what felt like the hundredth’s day in a row, Dante found himself sitting outside of her apartment. Not by any means spying, he told himself, simply keeping an eye and making sure she got home safe each and every night. Whatever his reasoning normally was when he noticed Leo go into the building Dante had more than enough reason to leave, but still he remained. Eyes staring up at the light still on in the apartment, despite the lack of movement within.  Sawyer and Leo’s involvement with one another wasn’t a secret to Dante. Perhaps, at first he’d been surprised, but having been around Leo more than his fair share of years Dante couldn’t find a single reason to feel threatened by their closeness. There wasn’t any underlying jealousy, other than the other physically being up there with her in the moment when he couldn’t, nor residual envy.  Noticing the apartment door opening, Dante reentered his vehicle so he wouldn’t be spotted. The lights within had been turned off in advance to prevent either of them noticing when he opened and closed his doors. Once inside his car, he sat and looked anywhere but at the apartment in the hopes that Leo would simply walk past as he had done upon arrival. It took only a few moments for him to feel the presence at his driver side window and with a sheepish smile, he opened the door.  “What a coincidence.” he said in the form of a greeting, as if he was genuinely surprised to see the male there. “I’m actually just heading out, did you want a ride home?” Nonchalantly. Simple. He could have been at anyone’s house doing the exact same as his friend. Dante noticed the disheveled look the other wore as opposed to his own clean cut presence and brushed his hair back.

[demidevildiva]

Closed Starter: @brightstvrlights

He hadn't really spoken to the other man since the name reveal. Had avoided him really, unsure of how to approach the situation. "This seat taken?" Dante asked, pulling up besides him at the bar.

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @dylxwestwick at Gulf ‘n’ Go

Having been far too in his thoughts on his drive that afternoon, Dante hadn’t noticed the blaring orange light of his car alerting him he needed to pump gas and before he knew it he was left stranded on the side of the road. With a less than Godly curse, he came out of his vehicle and began the five minute walk to the gas station. He would have to purchase a gallon once there, because he remembered taking his out to fuel the lawn mower just the previous weekend. Luckily he knew where he was going, so making it to the gas station wasn’t an issue. Once inside of the little building he headed towards the isle when he noticed Dylan nearby. “Well hello there stranger!” he called out with a wave before making his way over and extending his arm for a hug. “Where have you been? How have you been? I swear I haven’t seen you in a year at least! Or has it been more?” Dante’s days often blended into one another, so he wasn’t too concerned with his lapse in memory. Time was an illusion after all. Or whatever it was that people said.

[hvneymelons]

Dante dribbled the ball by his feet, focusing on getting a good rhythm which of course only led to his brain connecting the beat of the ball to some pretend drums in his head and adding some nice precaution to amplify the sound. A beat that was partially in his head, but felt so present in the moment that his head began to wave. Movement then joined his jam. “Yes, around, and she’s fine. You know Phoebe. She won’t allow very many people in, and I’m pretty much at the bottom of that barrel, so to me she seems alright.” he ended with a shrug. He and Phoebe weren’t the closest, a bit more strained after the whole Lincoln fiasco like many other friends, so he couldn’t be too sure on how she had honestly been. Regardless, he knew her to be strong and adaptable so he could see her getting over this with ease after the pain lessens. Dante didn’t think that was information Foster really wanted to hear though, so he kept those thoughts to himself. “How are you?” he asked instead as he took his first shot into the hoop. He didn’t know about the crowd Foster kept around him, if any, but he figured people didn’t go asking him about his feelings so why not do so himself? There was less horror when opening up to strangers, and they might as well be that.

Foster had never been all that good at trusting people. Phoebe was a bit of an outlier in that respect. It wasn't that he didn't know people could be good or kind, but more like... regardless of ability, Foster had always operated under the deeply held belief that he was undeserving of people's better natures. He knew what to think if someone was being a dick; it was kindness that always made him question a person's motives. He thought, most confusing of all, maybe Dante didn't have one; maybe he really had just offered Foster a game for no other reason than he could. The fact that he clearly didn't know any specifics about the breakup and didn't care to find out settled him just a little, even if Foster was traitorously feeling a little desperate for any news about how Phoebe was doing. "You see her?" he asked, pretending like it wasn't a prying question. Like it was just one that popped into his head and he didn't really care about the answer.

[demidevildiva]

Dante 📱 Dylan

D: We need to talk

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @ariortega at Aurora

Going to Aurora on Friday nights was one of Dante’s favorite ways to spend the night. From the selection of interesting and fun drinks, to the way the crowd seemed more jovial as they welcomed the weekend. It made drinking just a tad bit more acceptable in his opinion and after a good half hour of making the dancefloor his bitch Dante made way towards a barstool. Finding an empty one next to a beautiful brunette he had yet to meet so he decided to change that. Noting her on her phone, Dante pulled out his own and searched for the cheesiest meme he could find before airdropping it to the first phone that popped up - hoping that it would be hers since she was the only one near him on her phone. Clicking sent, Dante buried his grin between his teeth and motioned for the bartender. “Can I get a Cuba Libre, please?”

[demidevildiva]

Open Starter at Sandy Cheeks

Dante found himself walking the beach he'd been at with Sawyer the previous night. The exact same walk they took, digging his foot onto the spot where her ice cream cone had fallen. The same spot he had unexplainably pulled her closer to him and kissed her lips. None of it felt real. Not their first kiss, not their first fight... not his feelings for her. Whatever those were now. He didn't know. He sunk to the ground digging his hands into the sand and pressing the grains through his fingers. "What are you going to do now?" he spoke his thoughts out loud as he stared at the waves numb.

[hvneymelons]

"Sawyer Grace Marshall." he feigned being stunned by her choice and pulled back to give her a pointed look before his lips were once more taken advantage of. He locked his hands beneath her tights, placing himself between her legs so he could carry her to the bathroom. Seconds into scooping her ass up, the door rattled with a knock. "Shit!" he hissed quietly, dropping Sawyer back onto the bed and he quickly pulled on his pant. "Coming!" Dante yelled at the door as he made his way over, opening the door just a bit - far enough for him to see his old man standing with his arms crossed over his chest but Vincent had no sight into the room. "I don't know if you two have noticed but it is almost six pm, and I have bingo at eight." Dante nodded his head quickly, glancing back towards Sawyer as he tried to contain his amusement. "I'm just getting ready now, Paw. No worries. We'll be right down." He didn't get to finish speaking before his old man had turned and made his way back down the hall. "You heard the boss."

END

It was hard not to get wrapped up in him every time they were together like this. All she could focus on was every touch, every word and every sound. It was as if the two of them were only honest about everything they felt toward one another when they were intimate. She parts her lips to explain why the shower would be more quicker but the distance between them too much. It had been months since they were like this and she doesn't want to spend anymore seconds apart. She nods her head. "Bed works." She murmurs before gasping as he tugs her down, a laugh leaves her. She reaches for the back of his head as she sits up to press their lips together. "Or both," she muses quietly against his lips.

@hvneymelons

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @sawyermarshall

With all the distractions out of the way, Dante finally had a moment to put together a little movie night for Sawyer. It wasn't much - an inflatable tv screen in his yard where the projector would play and an inflatable large pool he got from the superstore. Dante filled the pool with blankets and some cushions and patting so their asses wouldn't hurt all of the next day and adorned the yard with some fairy lights. He did go out of his way to get their favorite candies and chips, along with some wine he doubted they would touch but the option was always there. For a movie Dante went with her favorites of course. Much like his grandpa, he enjoyed going into the store and buying the physical copies of the dvd's in case there was ever a power outage then they'd still have something to watch. The whole idea behind it was funny as they hadn't lost power in... God knows how long, but he enjoyed doing it anyways. Dante had warned her that it was a pajama night, and to ensure she had long sleeves as the mosquitos were on a murder spree. He did his best to keep his intentions for the night a mystery - wanting to surprise her with it all. All that was left now was to wait for her arrival, but Dante's never been good at waiting. Instead he paced around, moving trinkets here and there. Some plastic candles his mawmaw had saved aside from the holidays and he spread them around the pool until he noticed movement at the backdoor.

[demidevildiva]

Closed Starter: @rylanharrisonmodel

"This is for you." he said, approaching her with a two glasses in his hand and handing her one. "Are you excited for tonight?". After their last conversation, Dante tried his best to ensure the girls didn't go blurting shit out of their mouths while at work. Obviously not that they listened to him much when they got going, but for the better part of it things had gone well.

[hvneymelons]

Open Starter: Pride Event

Nerves weren't something that Dante ever felt when it came to performing. The stage was like his second home. Inviting and oh-so encouraging. Anything he did was a form on art up there. Once his fingers graced his guitar and his gaze fell upon the crowd an entire different Dante emerged. While he originally planned on ending his music career when his grandma passed, Dante was plagues by the thoughts of her scolding him from beyond the grave. His pawpaw was more than eager to remind him of that constantly, which he greatly appreciated, but there was no way Dante was leaving the state any time soon. Performing at home though? That brought back so many good memories from his start. From practicing around with the band, to performing their very first show together. Dante remembered just how excited they had all been that first night. "Where should we go first?" Dante asked, handing them a drink and sipping his own, "I have no clue what it is, by the way. One of the plenty cocktails from The Labyrinth today. Drunken Barney? - I think was the name. Super tasty though, so slow sips. You know how they tend to creep up."

[hvneymelons]

For Dante, maintaining close friendships - and fruitful ones at that - meant the world. There was a large portion of him that wished he could simply love them all equally and distribute himself so that they could each hold a piece of him. It was hard being out in the world of music, something that he hadn’t put much thought behind until he was back at home. Life on the road was ever changing, and fast evolving, meanwhile here everything felt as though it stopped. Time moved slower and yet so fast all at once. It was disorienting for someone like him. It probably also didn’t help in the matter that he returned.  More often than not coming back home was like a guessing game. Who’s still around? Who’s moved on with life? Who’s having kids? Who’s this, and who’s that. The questions were never ending, and then there was trying to figure out who he was to them after. If they had been friends upon his leaving, did coming back maintain that friendship? Did they somehow become acquaintances now, and were the inside jokes still intact? To him, walking out of Blue Harbor encapsulated the town in a small bubble and froze it in time. Yes, life went on, but unless he kept in contact with everyone he knew then they were just frozen until his return. Dante hated the alienness of it all.  “No.” he said, surprising himself even, “I don’t know.” Dante hadn’t really thought about being on the road for a while since coming back home. Making music, always, but physically going away once more he didn’t know if he had it in him. If that was a life that he still yearned for. He had everything that he needed at home; His grandpa, his pretty girl even as they weren’t speaking to each other much, his closest of friends. Music would always be a part of him, but he didn’t need to be traveling all over in order to do what he loved. It’s something that his grandma had always said to him growing up but he never fully understood until now that she was gone. The thought was depressing when he put it that way, because if he had listened to her, he could have spent her last years at home with her. Her last moments even.  Dante shifted over, laying his head near Ruairi as he aired his thoughts. “I keep wanting to do something, but I don’t know if it sounds crazy.” He went on to explain how over the last few months he had been meeting with different industry affiliates and setting up meetings for his own research. Opening up an indie record label based out of Blue Harbor to further aid the exposure of local artists not just in the town but neighboring cities as well. He’d set up shows and help in producing and writing music as well as partnering with the likes of MOREMUSIC Studios. He had an entire plan throughout, just waiting to be put in motion. “A little ambitious, huh?” he asked, glancing sheepishly at his friend.

"I'm the sore loser?" Ruairi sputtered, laughing as he slung an arm across Dante's shoulders and pulled the other man into a half-hearted headlock and several obnoxious kisses pressed into his hair for a handful of seconds before he nudged him away and allowed Dante to right himself at his own pace. It was easy―whatever was between them was firmly rooted in a solid friendship and Ruairi relied on that fact to comfort himself when he wondered how their relationship might shift as he got serious about other people. He imagined it wouldn't change much but he'd never looked at his relationship with Dante―with their flirting and teasing and general level of physical affection―to mean more than the fact that he loved the other man deeply in a way that worked perfectly well for them. He'd have said the same about all of the close relationships he had in his life―whatever an individual dynamic might've been, it was unique and special to him and he was reluctant to let anything change it.

"I don't think that's weird," he said with a shrug, shifting so he could look at Dante without having to crane his neck at an odd angle. He found himself smiling as he listened to the other man speak―allowed the comment to settle between them for a few beats before he nodded, "I reckon it was always gonna feel a bit different once you settled down here, love. You were gone a while and y'know― the more things change, the more they stay the same and all that. D'you miss it? Bein' out on the road and stuff?" He asked, tilting his head so he could look at his friend curiously.

He hadn't been the most adventurous person in the world to begin with but when Fionn was born, Ruairi hadn't spared a second thought to losing out on traveling or doing anything at all that wasn't throwing himself into being a proper father to his son. He imagined they'd be able to travel together a bit more now and Fionn was happy and Ruairi wasn't in a hurry to tour the world if it meant leaving his son behind for any reason. It wasn't where he'd imagined he'd be in his life but he'd not have changed it for anything. If anything, it made him appreciate his friends that much more―all of their varied experiences and points of view and everything else―it was just another thing to love about them; another thing to love about Dante.

[demidevildiva]

Closed Starter: @islandmumublog

"You are all set." he said, closing the nail polish in his hands, and sealing it tight. Dante was glad to finally have some free time to check up on Scarlett. He had been worries sick about her, but did his best to maintain a good enough distance and give her the time she needed to handle her emotions and thoughts. "How are you feeling?" he asked finally, after having had spent the last two hours avoiding the topic they both knew would end up coming up.