#ok Eli on paper does slap

[border-spam]

Leech Lord - The cycle

Troy

Has no beliefs regarding it. It's all fucking skagshit lol, new year? When. 

By what measurement? If he was on Nekrotafeyo a year would be longer, right? Or shorter... ok, so he's never actually worked that out, but he does know this entire thing is pure cringe.

It’s marketing. Some genius suit in a corp boardroom years ago has managed to make sure there’s a booming market for paper hats, and confetti he’ll be pulling out of his prosthetic’s joints for months after, and fireworks he trusts less than those prototype COV grenades he axed development of, and..

...he also knows he doesn't want to be alone when that second ticks over.

He'll sit in Sanctum for hours beforehand in silence, repeating the same, pointless, already completed tasks over, and over, and over to distract himself from glancing at his Echo every minute. Cleaning, checking feeds, running sub-numbers, any alert updates? How are the stocks doing. Meeting schedule for next week? Are those sponsors from Bariat-Epsil signed up? Anything to stop him from checking to see if anyone has pinged him - if his friends want him around them tonight.

It would be nice if they did.

He won't ask for company though - the hum in the back of his mind tells him that woulḏ̸̽ be pa̶̧͉̫͎͋ͅͅt̴h̸etì̸̳ç̷̀, and he agrees. It would be, so he pretends that he's not praying they'll reach out to him instead.

If they don't, or he’s pushed them away to the point they’d have no reason to tolerate his presence, he leaves. A RAMPAGE in the upper city with his Vanguard - hits every club he can and basks in unadulterated worship from a haze of drugs and bodies as they celebrate the turn of Pandora's tide with their King. 

He's... he’s not sure if he actually enjoys it.

But it's better than sitting in the cold dark of his ship, staring at Typhon's last E-Com message - thumb trembling above the reply button.

A pitiful God worrying his lip bloody as he shakes like a child, all alone in his lie of a castle while the city below him celebrates.

Tyreen

Gets very.. introspective around this time of the year, always has. It's almost like she gets these bizarre flashes of seeing? It's hard to describe, like shaking your head after a dive and feeling the water clear from inside your skull. Pressure eases off, she feels things. Worries, a spark of happiness... 

She gets fleeting moments of understanding things she wasn't able to focus on before, or just couldn't experience.

Gets very caught up in the celebration, the joy of the worshipers and clergy that surround her throne and quarters. Gets excited. All these E-Vids about resolutions! Goals, new you, new life! 

Change, she can change! Just like everyone else can, just like all these other streamers and influencers are planning! She can be happy.

She stays up all night for a few before, Ty doesn't need the sleep anyway and it gives her more time to plan. Spreads notebooks and journals across her bed, documents everything she's going to do! Checklists, organised calendars. Goals for her fans, her followers. Her devoted.

Bringing water to the outer villages - pipelines are doable with enough funding, sharing wealth from the Holy City’s medical stores with the people living on the desert skirts. She can wipe out hunger across the flats so easily! It’s all here, it’s all been here in front of her this whole time, how did she not see before?All the ways she can be better, for her, for Troy, for the family she came here to bring belonging for.

Because that's why she came.. wasn't it? It's like she forgets for so long and then it's back in that flash across her mind. She came to save them. She came to give them a life.

A home...

She'll lead the Cathedral celebrations as the clock ticks over, raise a toast so charismatic and full of infectious excitement that it raises thunderous cheers across the entire city - her family’s chorus to the new dawn.

And hours later, she'll forget it all again, just like every y̴̰͝ẽ̷̙ař̴͈.

Seifa

Has a bizarre mishmash of traditions and beliefs about it that she absorbed from the mixed cultures of the junker fleet. She uh.. she doesn’t really believe them, she’s not stupid, haha. It’s just good luck to keep performing what she was raised on, ok? Ok.

ALWAYS stays up till dawn and will insist the people she cares about try to too. Not verbally mind you, more like she’s an absolute nightmare and will do things like energy drink shot whatever is in their unprotected glasses in a sneaky attempt to keep them going.

Dawn is the new start, you see? The sun or.. whatever the fuck Pandora has instead of a sun.. the moon(??) breaching the dark horizon, that wave of clean light that laps across the desert like liquid fire as it rises? Purification, don't you get it?

New starts. 

Witness it and you get a chance yourself, that's how it goes. Burn up who you are in the cleansing light and blossom into something new - if you want. 

Like that bird that Roska told her about as a kid... she can't remember its name, but she'll drunkenly slur the story of the chick hatching from the ash of its past form to JK as they huddle next to her in the night-cold sand. Slap Ven's leg and jolt him awake when he starts to snore. Pull Eli down in front of her to rest his head back against her shoulder as she wraps the blanket around them both.

And she’ll squeeze Calypso's fingers gently as hers shiver, lean to the side and gesture for him to lower his head closer. So he can hear. 

"New starts, Troy. You get one yourself if you want, can be who you are."

Asks are open!

[revisionaryhistory]

Three Days ~ 71

~*~Emma~*~

For the rest of the trip, we relaxed listening to music. Before Sebastian had asked, I’d not thought too much about what I was going to do. Further limiting my time was a given, but I hadn’t thought about what that would look like. Talking about not waking up at “home” with my mom, dad, twin sister, and niece should have bothered me more than it did. That it didn’t, tells me it’s the right decision. One of the side effects of putting up with shit too long is once you decide to stop it’s not that big of a deal. Something inside has been moving in that direction for some time. What Sebastian had said about not sacrificing myself was on target. That I would do what it takes to take care of my sister isn’t in question. It’s been proven.

I texted Angie from the Uber to Sebastian's apartment. We were going to start up at Chelsea and Union Square with Aritzia, Anthropologie, and Free People. Those were sure thing stores, but not always original. We'd weave our way through Chelsea and into Soho. That shop Seb and I found would be last. We'd stop for lunch when we got hungry.

Angie hopped on the subway and headed to Union Square. It would take her thirty minutes and me fifteen from Sebastian’s place. Plenty of time to relax and watch Sebastian gather what he needed to work on. I saw a script, notebook, and a couple of real books. I think I'd find it fascinating to watch his process, but more importantly this time I wanted him to know I had friends and could amuse myself. I didn't care that he needed work time and I wasn’t going to need something from him for ignoring me. Doing things independent of your partner was important.

I grabbed a bottle of water for my journey and made my way to where Sebastian sat. He moved the items in his lap, making room for me to sit down. He supported my back and rubbed along my leg. "What are you shopping for?"

"Whatever I find." I smiled sneakily, "Especially if find something for Paris, our first date, and our live music fun tonight."

Sebastian’s hand made it to my ass, "When I think of live music I picture short, revealing, sexy."

"I love how you think." I ran my fingers through his hair. "Can I bother you for five minutes?"

"Sure" His eyes held questions.

I pulled his head closer, pressing my lips to his until he caught on and joined in the fun.

Our little mini make out session was going to make me late. Assuming Angie left as soon as we texted, walked straight onto a train, and there were no delays. None of these were likely. She'd forgive my lateness anyway. I looped my crossbody bag over my head, "I'll text if it's anything other than seven."

"Ok." He ran toward the kitchen. "Hang on." I heard a drawer slam before he reversed direction and came back. Sebastian held up a key, the slightest smile appearing on his face, "In case I'm in the shower or something when you come back. You remember the code?"

"Yes." I'd punched it in when we got here less than half an hour ago. He was nervous. I admit I had to focus to keep my hand steady as I took his offering. "I love you."

Sebastian opened the door and gave me a quick kiss as I walked out. "Love you, too."

I was a couple of steps away when I heard my name.

"Emma, put it on your key ring so you don't lose it."

The door closed before I could reply. I guess that eliminates any question if the key was a temporary just in case he was in the shower today sort of thing. What made me smile the most was the lack of conversation. If he'd overthought the decision, he didn't feel the need to talk it through. No discussion about what it meant or didn't mean. He may have been nervous, but he wasn't uncomfortable. I seriously doubt he's in the habit of giving out keys to his place, so nervous but not uncomfortable was good.

Angie was leaning against the building when I walked up. We hugged like we hadn't seen each other in months. "Sorry, I’m late."

"Were you having sex? I'll forgive you if you were having sex."

I grimaced with a shake of my head, "Making out."

My best friend huffed out a breath, "Close enough." She held the door open for me, "I got here like two minutes ago."

Aritzia, Anthropologie, and Free People were right in a line. We'd hit them in my favorite order. Aritizia was more comfort clothes for me. Their clothes were more staples than fun. But today I found a gorgeous Sicily sweater and cardigan in a soft heathered cashmere. A pair of tie front pants in purple plaid would look awesome for wandering museums. Anthropologie gifted me with a sequined tunic dress for a night out. A simple black midi dress, a grey-blue fringed and a textured cardi, and a long black wrap jacket. Free People had a colorful mini dress, a definite statement Hyacinth dress, and a fun floral dress. Assorted other things went into my bags too. I went a little crazy, but in my defense, I hadn’t been shopping in a long time and my best friend was egging me on. Plus, there was someone to appreciate what I wore. I had all sorts of cute clothes, but dressing for a boyfriend was different. Especially one who liked to look. I knew what he liked and indulged.

Conversation while we shopped was mostly about the shopping. It's good to have a friend who'll not only tell you something makes your ass look fat but also say, "You look amazing but where the fuck are you gonna wear that more than once?"  Part of the fun was trying on horrifying things. Those things you don't understand how they were ever made. We'd mix those in with good stuff and laugh until we cried. We had a long-standing tradition that whoever found the most "exquisite" outfit was treated to lunch. We were pretty even and had pictures for documentation. Today I would be buying lunch.

"We’ve got a table at two. Alissa's going to meet us."

"That'll be fun. Are she and Will coming tonight?"

"I don't think so. They've got a family thing."

I nodded and we headed toward Chelsea, stopping at the Guitar Store for strings and a capo. We had plenty of time so we stopped anywhere else that caught our eyes. Walking was more private and so was our conversation.

"Anything I should know about before I see you tonight with your boyfriend?"

I sighed in relief. Finally. I bumped her hip with mine, "I love him."

Angie put her arm around me, "This is not news, Emma."

We shared a laugh. "I wasn't sure until I was in the cab leaving his place. Georgia solidified it. Sebastian was so good talking me through all their shit. He and Eli have more in common now. They both hate my parents."

"Eli doesn't hate your parents."

I pulled away, looking at her with raised eyebrows and clear disbelief written on my face. "Try again."

Angie spoke through our laughter, "Eli tries not to, but they make it truly hard. I think he'd be more forgiving if you didn't have us and your Seattle family. Eli loves you like a little sister, best friend, and some weird second wife he's never fucked. He’s protective. He and Sebastian are going to have to figure out how to share."

"They'll arm wrestle or something. Then maybe you'll become Sebastian’s little sister, friend, and second girlfriend. Ooo, we could use you to confuse the fans. If we're out and get seen we can trade off and kiss each other’s dates. Set up a different narrative."

"Good idea.

“It'll be more fun for you. I have kissed Eli, but you don't know about Seb."

"I doubt anything will become so severe that making out with Sebastian is the answer." She smiled, "Not that I would mind."

"You would not mind. He's one hell of a good kisser."

She backtracked, "Who said it first? How did it happen."

"He surprised me showing up early from Canada, watched me cleaning up my classroom for a minute, then told me the song I was dancing along to was about sex. I turned around and he had on those ears. He looked so adorable. He looked at me with his mouth and eyes open wide and said, “Fuck, I love you."

Angie slapped her hand on her chest, "He didn't know until right them." She gasped, "He came in wearing those ears to be cute and winds up telling you he loves you. He is adorable.” She glared at me, "And you said it back."

I nodded, “In Romania."

"What's up with learning Romanian?"

I trusted her with everything. "It's his name. He prefers it in Romanian. I've been learning just enough to add it to his name. It has a very nice effect on him.” I remembered the wall and shook myself out of the memory. “Plus it makes him happy.”

"And you’re happy?"

I nodded, "Incredibly. All the reasons we talked about are still going on. He adores me and it's clear by how he treats me. And I love taking care of him." I knew she’d understand what I meant.

"There is nothing better in the world. I'm so happy you have someone. It had been so long I thought you were intentionally keeping everyone away."

“Just waiting for the right one."  I pulled out my key chain. "I do have a new key."

Angie snatched it, "He keyed you!"

"Looks like it."

"Do you worry this is going fast? I mean it is going fast."

"Yes. It is going fast. There is a risk that maybe this time next year we could be married, have three kids, and signing our divorce papers." I barely made it through without laughing.

Angie snorted, "Sign a prenup so you don’t have to pay alimony when his mid-life crisis tanks his career."

"I talked to Trevor about Sebastian. He knows about my parents, Amy, rehab, and how shitty they can be to me, but he doesn't how about what happened." I stopped walking and looked at her. "I'm starting to feel ashamed for not telling him. That's never happened before." Relationship or friendship. It had never happened. I looked at the most recent member of my secret club. "I don't want to."

She understood, "Why?"

"I don't want him to change the way he looks at me."

Angie smiled, "He won't. You don’t know that yet. It's only been a month. When you know, you'll tell him, and he will look at you just the same or better than he does now. It'll be fine."

"How do you know?" It wasn’t a smart assed clap back. I sincerely wanted to know her reasoning.

"Because he feels different to you and about you. You’re both sharing things neither of you share. That’s the glue for your relationship. You’re adding a little more glue, letting it set up, then adding more. It's getting stronger and eventually, you'll both tell the big secrets and it will be like a layer of epoxy around you that will make you near impossible to break.”

"I like that."

"I speak the truth."

We beat Alissa to the restaurant and ordered a pitcher of margaritas. I was still rearranging and shoving bags into bags under the table when she got there. Angie jumped up and they hugged. I took a step closer, but instead of hugging me, Alissa looked at me warily. “Is it ok for me to be here? Angie said it would be.”

I looked at Angie then back to Alissa, “Why wouldn’t it be?” Oh, what the fuck was going on? I just wanted a nice drunken late lunch with friends after a successful shopping expedition then go home and make out some more with my hot boyfriend.

Alissa grimaced, “I’m sorry for saying all that about Sebastian.”

“Oh!” I laughed and put my hand on my chest. Relieved. I pulled her into a hug, “I’m not upset. Between you and Kirk and the shit Eli told him, we had a somewhat uncomfortable, but really good conversation.”

“Good.” We sat down and Alissa kept talking. “I didn’t mean to be negative. It was just strange. How he was acting and the things you were saying. In a good way. It didn’t come out that way.”

Why is she still . . . oh. “Sebastian said something.”

She cringed, “More of a small group WhatsApp with me and Kirk.”

I laughed again. “Sounds fun.” I sort of wish he hadn’t done that, but I understand why he did. In the end, it was a good thing, but they couldn’t know if I would be scared off by their words.

Angie jumped in, “There’s no way Emma didn’t talk that through.”

Alissa didn’t know me well enough yet to know I wouldn’t let the conversation fester. “Especially with us being a thousand miles apart for the next two weeks. Why is that distance makes time seem longer?”

“I don’t know, but it does. Seb was right to be angry. We could have screwed things up. Neither of us realized how important you were to him. He was worried. That’s more like Seb. Kinda. He’s confusing.”

I think I know what she’s going for. It’s very like him to be worried, but not so much calling out a friend about a girlfriend. From what we’ve talked about and what I learned on that post he’s not had a history of defending girlfriends. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. I wasn’t willing to go into that here. I changed the subject. “And then he goes and tells Will to post a picture of us.”

Alissa nodded, “How’d he react to the comment saying he was going to propose?”

Angie started laughing, “She’d say no.”

“I told him not to. He’d need a good reason. Like he’s actually not a citizen and needs a marriage green card. Or maybe health insurance. I have good health insurance.”

That was the end of that and we went on to other topics. Alissa and Will were having dinner with family but would come by Bowery Ballroom if they were done early. Keaton and Eli’s bands were friends and often teamed up to fill a bigger hall and split the money. They usually made more that way than in one of the smaller halls. Both did a full set and even though Keaton was the bigger name they would trade off who opened. Tonight was Eli’s turn.

We split up outside the restaurant. Alissa going back home and Angie and I heading to the boutique by Sebastian’s.  It wasn’t a horrible walk, but we had a lot of bags. In the cab, Angie gave me a look. One I could read perfectly. She wanted to know what I’d avoided at lunch. I like Alissa and I’d say we’re friends. She’s also married to one of Sebastian’s best friends. I didn’t know what the line was. Not for Sebastian. He’d tell me to do what I wanted. The line was mine. Will and Alissa were still enough strangers to me that I wasn’t comfortable with too much information flow between all of us. I wouldn’t think anything of it with Angie and Eli and I was confident that given some more time it would be the same with Will and Alissa. Also, I didn’t know how intimate of conversations Sebastian had with his friends. I’d need to be around more to know.  

I’d told Angie about our conversation after the party. In general. With what Alissa had said I went into a little more detail, filled in holes, and answered questions. I watched her thinking. I knew what was coming and was glad for it. “Are you worried? I’d be worried. Maybe not worried. Concerned. It’s like being a rebound. You’re the first after something else, only the something else is personal growth. You don’t know if he’s going to go back. You know what I mean?”

I did. “If he wasn’t so forthcoming with talking about it, I would be concerned. He’s laid it all out there. What he’s done, not done, feels bad about. He doesn’t act like that with me. If he starts too, I’ll know what's going on.” I told her about the conversation on the deck where he did want to shut down and how we got through it. “Struggling with change doesn’t bother me. All the girlfriend stuff.” I shook my head and shrugged. “We’re going to have to figure out what both of us are good with. I think I’m going to be able to not get sucked into comments or let them get to me, but I don’t know for sure. I know private is ok, but I’m not ok with being denied. I’d feel like a dirty little secret. I could change my mind. Could be next week. No idea.”

Angie took my hand, “I still get hate from Eli’s fans. We had to figure out how to deal. You guys will too. The rest, I think you’re right. If he’d gotten pissy and refused to talk about what Alissa and Kirk had said it would be a problem. Everybody gets a chance to do things differently. I don’t for one second think you’re going in blind or overlooking things because you want a boyfriend. You’d walk away if he wasn’t treating you right.” She got the look she gets when she’s about to tell me something I don’t like. I know that look, because I have the same one. “I’m one hundred percent not saying now. Way too soon. You’re already started to feel ashamed and that’s not going to get better. Might not get worse, but it’s not going to get better. You are the bravest person I know. Don’t let being afraid of your past ruin your future.”

[caindoglover]

Family

I promised a lighter one. lol So here it is.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12767841/6/The-Creepslayerz

Enjoy!

At this point it is a month and a half into his incarceration and Eli is about ready to go crazy. There is only so much a person can do in a house – the most boring house – before they hit the end and then have to go through the same things over and over and- Eli screams.

“Eli!” his mother yells. “What did I tell you about screaming?”

Eli groans. "Sorry, mother." He lets his head fall flat on the desk. So this is how it ends. Death by boredom. If ever it was going to happen he'll definitely be the one to experience it now. At least he can take solace knowing he'll go down in history as the first to die like this, to prove it is in fact possible.

Clink. His ears prick as a faint sound pierces the silence. Clink. He lifts his head and blinks, his brow creasing as he tries to pin down exactly what the noise could be. Clink. There is it is again. And it’s coming from…the window?

He stands and tiptoes toward it. He leans in close and peers through the glass. A face pops into view and he shrieks, stumbling back and nearly falling over.

“Elijah Leslie Pepperjack!”

Eli slaps his hands over his mouth. He clears his throat and drops his hand. “S-Sorry, mother. It was a…a mouse. Skittered across my foot.”

“A mouse?” his mother’s voice is shrill. “We can not have vermin in this house. Have you been hording food again?”

“No, mother. It’s probably just cold or something. I’ll get rid of it. Don’t worry.” He breathes out and composes himself before he returns to the window.

Steve grins and waves. “Sup.”

Eli shoves the glass up and glares with all he has. “What do you think you’re doing?” he says with hushed shrillness. “You can’t be here.” He frowns and his huffy front falters as another oddity falls on him. “And…why were you throwing rocks if you were already on the roof?”

Steve shrugs. “I was bored. So I came.” He snickers. “And why not throw rocks?” He holds his hands up. “I wanted to see how long it would take you to notice. Pretty quick actually. Tapping would have been too easy.”

Eli looks at him as if he is an utter moron.

“What? Creepslayerz training,” he offers this to try and placate Eli. Putting a creepslayerz twist on things almost always wins him over.

“Seriously, you can not be here.” He glances over his shoulder. “If my mother found out-”

Steve scoffs. “So we won’t let her find out.” He pushes Eli just hard enough to get him clear of the window and then slips in.

“Steve,” Eli says through gritted teeth.

“Relax, dude.” He pats Eli on the head as he passes. “And stop with your weird quiet voice. They’re not gonna hear us. Unless you scream again.” He smirks as he shoots Eli an accusing look.

Eli sighs. Well, he certainly isn’t bored anymore. He closes the window. “What exactly do you think you’re going to be able to do here that you can’t do at your house?” Steve even has a tv for crying out loud. All that’s here are board games that Steve doesn’t even like.

“Get away from stupid idiots in love.” Steve stretches out on Eli’s bed.

Eli frowns. “Sorry?”

Steve lets out a long sigh. “It’s date night. And those damn walls are paper thin. Plus, it’s just…coach! That’s our coach.” Steve makes a sound of disgust and sticks his tongue out. “Forget that.”

“Oh.” Eli giggles. “Sorry.” He covers his mouth to try and muffle the sound. But nothing can hide the way his eyes light with amusement.

Steve narrows his eyes. “It’s not funny.” He points. “Imagine your mom dating one of your teachers.”

Eli snorts. “Yeah, no thanks. Besides, my moms are the perfect couple.”

Steve blinks. “Wait, what?”

Eli’s expression goes blank as he realizes what he said. “Uh, I said my parents are the perfect couple.” He shifts his gaze from one side to the other, desperate to look at anything that isn’t Steve.

“Nu-uh. You big fat liar.” Steve sits up and swings his legs over the edge. “You said moms. With an s.”

Eli’s cheeks color. “S-So! What of it?”

Steve chuckles. “Nothing of it. I just didn’t know.”

“Oh…ok.” Eli drops his gaze to the floor.

Steve shakes his head. “You really think I’d make fun of you for that? I mean, your middle name’s Leslie for crying out loud, if I was going to pick on you I’d just use that.” His expression dims slightly. “Besides, what’s there to make fun of? Your family’s functional. That’s the best anyone could ask for.”

Eli stifles a grimace. He knows well that Steve’s family was less than perfect, tilted heavily toward dysfunctional. An unhealthy mess. He doesn’t know details, he could never pry like that and Steve has never talked about any of it, but he knows his father was awful and that’s enough.

The sound of footsteps breaches Eli’s thoughts and he jerks to attention. “Oh no, no, no.” He springs forward and grabs Steve by his arms.

Steve starts. “What the heck are you-”

“Get down. Get down now.” He pulls Steve with all his might and shoves him toward the floor. “Under the bed. Under.”

Steve grunts as he is pushed and pulled about. “Stop it. I’m not a string bean like you. No way I’m gonna fit.”

“Steve.”

“Alright, alright, I’m going. Chill.” Eli doesn’t accomplish anything with his own power – Steve is much too firm for that – but the poking and jabbing is super annoying.

Eli gives a final push before the door clicks and he leaps to his feet. “Oh, hi mom.” When he smiles it is genuine.

His mom smiles in return. “I just came to see if you wanted some cookies. They’re chocolate chip.” She holds out a plate full of them.

Eli opens his mouth to say no, but a grunt comes out instead as he feels his leg being tugged on. He glares at the hand peeking out from beneath the bed. When he looks up the light has returned to his eyes. “Yeah, I’d love a few.” He shakes off Steve’s hand and goes to his mom. “Thanks.” He takes three.

“You’re welcome, honey.” She pats him on the head. “Oh, but do tone it down with the screams, alright kiddo? You’re really only making it harder on yourself. Your mother is going to lock you up until you’re thirty if you aren’t careful,” she half laughs.

Eli laughs too, but the possibility is unfortunately way more likely than either of them would like.

“Night, kiddo.” His mom waves over her shoulder before she closes the door behind her.

Eli lets out a long breath. Thank goodness. If that had been his other mother then they probably would not have made it out of the visit alive, especially with stupid Steve pulling at his pants. He glares at the bottom of the bed.

Steve wiggles his way out with much effort, sighing as he is able to stretch out all his limbs again. “Alright.” He hops to his feet and rubs his hands together. “Cookies.” He plucks one from Eli’s hands and takes a big bite. “So,” he says through his food, “which one was that?”

Eli blinks. “What?”

“Your mom. Which one was that one?” He tilts his head.

“Oh, right.” He tugs at his sleeve. He has never had anyone ask something like that. No one at school knows. Steve is the first. “Her name’s Laura. She’s the, uh, nicer one?” He gives a sheepish smile.

Steve bursts out laughing. “Oh my God. You picked favorites. I can not believe you just threw prison mom under the bus.”

Eli puffs his lips out in a pout and crosses his arms. “It’s not like that. Mom, she’s just…more chill. Like, yeah, she was mad about the car and all and I’m pretty sure she might be on the lookout for you since it kinda was completely your fault, but she didn’t come up with this punishment.”

“Yeah, she didn’t sound tough enough to be the warden.” He snickers as he takes another bite from his cookie. “Holy crap. These are the best cookies I’ve had in my life.”

Eli chuckles. “Yeah, her specialty is desserts. She makes at least one dish every week.”

“Okay. So you’ve got to tell me every time she does make something and that is the day I’m gonna break in every week.”

Eli scowls. “You can not keep doing this. If you do you’ll get us caught and I’ll be the one who gets punished for it.”

Steve scoffs. “As if you are the only one who suffers from this. If this place goes on lockdown then that means I won’t get to see you anymore except for stupid school.”

Eli starts and stares mystified. “You…you like hanging out with me that much?” A broad smile spreads over his face.

Steve rolls his eyes and hits Eli lightly on the arm. “You’re the smart one.” He grabs another cookie and takes his seat on the bed. “You figure it out.”

Eli rubs where Steve hit him, continuing to smile despite Steve’s ridiculous response. He always has to give some cope out answer.

“What about the other one?” Steve asks through another mouthful.

“Angie. As you like to say, she’s ‘prison mom’,” he mimics Steve’s tone as best he can. “She’s still nice.” He shoots Steve a pointed look. “She just worries more. She doesn’t want me falling in with the wrong crowd.”

Steve barks out a laugh. “Well, too late for that.”

Eli frowns. “You are not ‘the wrong crowd’. You just…didn’t get off on the best foot with mother.” He rubs the back of his neck. “You know, wrecking her car and all.”

Steve snorts. “There’s no proof I had anything to do with that.” He holds his head high. “Innocent until proven guilty.”

Eli makes a face. “But you are guilty.”

“Says you.” He licks his fingers clean and eyes the cookie remaining in Eli’s hand. “Hey, you gonna eat that?” He points.

Eli shakes his head. “It’s all yours.” He tosses it. He can just go get another one later.

Steve dips forward and catches it between his teeth. “Haha. Score.” He gulps it down in one go. “So, what do I have to do to make them not hate me anymore?” It’s more or less a non-issue, but this would all be a hell of a lot easier if he was allowed to freely pass through the house and see Eli. That and if Eli could leave.

Eli snorts out a laugh. “Go back in time. That’s basically it.”

“Oh, come on.” Steve throws his hands in the air. “You said your one mom is chill. It’s got to be easier with her at least.”

Eli shrugs. “Over protective moms. And I’ve got two of them.”

Steve huffs and crosses his arms. “This is stupid.”

“Well, you could start by not sneaking into my room. Waiting like a good kid and influence for me to get out of jail is exactly what my moms would want.”

“We both know that’s not happening.” He leans over and grabs a piece of paper off the floor. He crumples it up without even checking what it is and throws it into the air. Catch, throw. Catch, throw. “Especially now that I know there’s free food involved.”

“Seriously.” Eli looks hard at him.

“I’m being completely serious.” He flops onto his back and continues tossing his paper wad. “Your scary moms aren’t gonna chase me away.” His cheer falters as he says it. He already knows what true fear is anyway. Nothing these people could do will ever match up to what he has experienced.

Another set of footsteps tromp up the stairs and Eli gasps. He launches forward and smacks the paper out of Steve’s hand. “Time to move. Move, move, move.” He fusses over Steve.

Steve swats away Eli’s hands. “Cut it out. I know the drill, crazy.” He drops to the floor and scrunches under the bed again.

Eli throws himself into the chair at his desk and leans over the array of papers spread out.

In the next instant, the door swings open.

Eli perks and swivels his chair. “Oh, hey, mother.” He puts on his best smile and tries his hardest not the look toward the bed. If his mother gets so much as the tiniest feeling something is off, he is going to be eaten alive. “I was just double checking some homework.”

“That’s good.” She smiles. “I was wondering if you wanted to come play a board game, something like House on the Hill. Thought it might keep you from wailing for a bit.” She gives him a pointed look. “I even convinced Laura to play.”

Eli bounces in his seat and squeals. “Seriously?” Mom rarely likes to play those types of board games. “Yes!” He leaps to his feet and snatches the game from the shelf. “You set up.” He shoves the box at her. “I’ve gotta do something real quick.”

His mother smirks. “Careful. I might rig it so I know I’ll be the traitor.”

Eli scoffs, grinning from ear to ear. “You can’t rig something like that.”

“That’s what you think.” She raises her brows twice. “Better be quick.” She pivots and hurries down the stairs.

Eli bounces from one foot to the other as he turns to the bed. He bends down and whispers, “Okay, seriously, you have to go now.”

Steve pops his head out, a grin plastered across his face. “I can not believe jail mom is also nerd mom,” he utters a hushed laugh. “Who’d have thunk it.” He crawls the rest of the way out. “Those two things, they just don’t go together.”

Eli pouts. “It is not a nerd game. It’s cool. It’s macabre and full of mystique.” He moves his hand in a sweeping motion.

“All I hear is nerd.” Steve smirks.

Eli shakes his head. “Now get. Go.” He shoos Steve toward the window.

“I’m going already.” Steve moves toward the window and pauses to lean on the frame. “Just gimme a minute. It’s cold out there.”

“I mean it, Steve.” He looks hard at Steve and points a finger in his face. “If I come back and you’re here – under the bed, in the closet, anywhere – I’m going to throw you out the window on your ass.”

Steve bites back a laugh as the crude word passes Eli’s lips. Definitely got that from him. Eli wouldn’t be caught dead talking like that a month ago. “Okay, short stuff.” He pats Eli on the head. “See ya.” He gives a half salute before slipping out the window just the way he came.

Eli smiles after him. He fussed, but really having Steve here, even for the shortest time, was a lot of fun. He kind of hopes Steve makes a habit of sneaking in. Now! He runs to the living room. Off to slay the beast!

I am so on board the Eli has two moms train like yes please. Unless the show specifically states somewhere that he has a single mother or whatever then he will have two moms in my canon. haha Also, I don't know if any real family employs this, but if I was a kid with two parents of the same gender I'd definitely be figuring out a way to keep them from both being called 'mom' without using their names, otherwise you'd yell 'mom' and they'd both think you were talking to them. lol Regardless of if it is a thing in real life, it works better for writing.

@glassnail

[existentialstatesofmind]

Never A Dull Morning

Clare: didn't let boys see her undergarments. Even though she'd starting buying more interesting bras and panties last year, it was for herself not them. Of course Dakota hadn't actually done anything wrong. "It's just private." She explained. "Thank you for understanding." Her cheeks were still pink as she got dressed. Clare wasn't going to explain her weird logic in front of Emi. How she could go without wearing a bra in front of him but wasn't ready for him to see it. Clare was a little shocked after she succesfully beat up Bren. She'd learned how to do that after the whole Fitz threatening her and Eli with a knife incident because it was important to be able to defend herself. Had she gone too far? Bren hadn't actually touched her. Emi was here though and she needed to know it wasn't okay for boys to talk to girls like that even ones who weren't strangers. (Although to Clare, Bren was.) Bren didn't get a free pass. Especially after behaving like that in front of a five year old! He should be ashamed of himself! Besides Clare knew she couldn't hurt Bren badly, she didn't know how to do more than (hopefully) get him to leave her alone from now on. She stepped outside with Kota and slowly breathed in and out trying to calm down. "Is he always like that?" Clare asked. "No problem. I don't want to confuse her. Foreign languages aren't easy for me. I always want to pronounce words exactly how they are written. But in Spanish a J is prounced like an H, in Russian an I is pronounced like an E. So on and so forth. I guess that's why I like French, it's the same alaphabet as English so it's slightly less confusing for me. The difference is the French use diacritics." Clare shrugged. She didn't give up easily and at least she had been right about how to say sushi after all. She felt better by the time they went back inside. Clare smiled at Ash and Emi. "Emi did a good job. He's still down." She knew that wouldn't last much longer so she gladly escaped to the living room with Kota and Emi. Clare sat down on the couch. She bit her lip when Emi asked about purity rings. This was part of the reason why she felt like it was necessary to shut Bren up. Emi didn't need to hear about anything that pretained to sex. Of course she had questions now. Kota was lucky she only asked that one and didn't seem to care that he didn't give her a real answer. Clare winced soon as she heard the name Jenna. Maybe it was a different Jenna? No, soon as Kota got to the part about her trashy short shorts and her purposedly bending over (so everyone could see her buttcrack), Clare knew Dakota was referring to the her former friend. Who stole K.C from her using that exact tactic. He wasn't worth keeping and neither was Jenna's friendship. "I didn't know big mouth already told you all of that before we started hanging out." Clare said softly. "I guess she's still bragging about it. She's been trying to get with every guy since K.C got sick of her. Alli's brother, Sav, turned her down too. She's going to get the baby taken away from her because she won't stay home with him and there's no one else to watch him. I'd feel bad for Jenna but Owen threw my best friend Adam through a glass door for being transgender so...if that's who she wants to be with her baby deserves better." She squeezed Dakota's hand as he confessed to Kelly about his false reputation. Clare knew people might get the wrong idea when they found out she was dating Dakota especially if someone learned about their sleepover(s) but she didn't care. Anyone who mattered wouldn't believe a rumor over the truth. If Jesus Club did to her what they did to her sister, she didn't need to be part of it. However, she hoped they'd changed along with their name. Clare smiled back at him and chuckled because she'd always been able to take care of herself and now she could stand up for herself too. Well, by doing more than slapping boys and making a scene by yelling at them. The other girls at school needed to learn how too instead of relying on Kota to play superman. "I like you just the way you are even if you're reckless. There are some situations you can't get out of alone, she needed a friend." Clare reassurred him after Kelly left. "Just give them the card from now on. Kelly's right. Her dad could've killed you." She shuddered. Clare scooted closer to Dakota when Bren came in. "Do you even realize that was sexual harassment and if you keep doing it, someday a women will press charges against you and you'll go to jail." She said seriously. "You can't grope girls because you like the way we look, just like we can't do it to you. Or each other. Or a guy to another guy." She shook her head. Bren had Genesis all wrong. They were still living with the consequences of Adam and Eve's betrayal. The bible also said that outside of marriage sex was a sin. Even if you didn't believe that, there were other reasons to wait and she didn't plan to do something she'd regret. "Yeah! Let's go after breakfast before it gets too hot. Outside." She frowned. "The only problem is I don't have any exercise clothes here." Clare didn't want to wear her new outfit to the park. She supposed she could make do with what she'd worn over to Kota's in the first place.

Kota: nodded when Clare reassured him after Kelly left and kissed her cheek. "Thank you." he whispered and listened to her chide Bren. He knew that they've been there with him. "Yea, I know. That's why I ask to touch a girl's breasts. They taught me about sexual harassment in school and as long as I don't touch her without permission the most the girl will do is beat the crap out of me. So much easier in Bristol." Bren whined. "Yea, he's got a hard head. He went to Bristol and into a night club where he made a friend. She took a pill, made out with him for about ten minutes, then her boyfriend came and we got a call from the hospital. Bren had to get stitches and had a broken arm. We just sort of gave up after that." he explained to Clare. "The guy had a hard punch, once the girl realized he was beating me up, she called the cops, grabbed him and ran. I'm friends with her on facebook, she asked when I'm going back to Bristol." Bren explained to Clare. "And didn't her boyfriend threaten to kill you if you ever touched her a fourth time since you had to go find her after you go out of the hospital?" Kota asked looking at him. "Yea, but that's just a threat." Bren stated and Kota rolled his eyes. "I wish I could just beat the shit out of you right now, but it'll be futile. I only continued to help because I thought you were done with that girl and could actually change. She's fucking strung out on drugs. That night you were in the hospital she was too, an hour later she tried to kill herself because of the drugs she took. Does that really mean nothing to you, do you not see how much she's calling for help?" Kota asked. "So what she just needs to stop taking whatever drug made her want to die. If she were mine and came to me every night I'd be the happiest man alive regardless if she's strung out or not. They can help the suicide thing." Bren shrugged and Kota got up seeing the headphones still on Emi. "Bren, sex isn't worth your life nor is a girl. Who cares if she got strung out and made out with you, she's fuck-" "I don't care." Bren yelled back and Kota felt a hand on his shoulder to see his mom. "From the first time I held you, I knew you'd be trouble. You acted out more than any of your brothers and never wanted to stay. You were always trying to leave to go wherever, soon that changed and you started going after girls not caring about anyone, but you. I had these papers printed out and money put aside. They're emancipation papers, if you really want this I won't stop you anymore." She said holding his suitcase in hand and he took the papers. "I know you don't care what happens to you, but we do. I think you may need this, to go on your own for a bit and come home to us. Maybe this will help you be a better man." she said as she signed the papers after him and handed him his suitcase and passport. "There's money in there with an address book to friends I've made and keep in touch with in various countries." she said. "And I can be with Iona?" he asked curiously. "This was only an act to be with her?" Kota asked. "Well yea." Bren answered. "If that's what you want." His mom said and Bren took his things and left. "He never unpacked his things. I knew he didn't want to stay." his mom explained and he sat back down. "Maybe this will open his eyes." Kota breathed and laid his head on Clare's shoulder. After she mentioned going to the park after breakfast, he watched as Kelly bought out a plate of pancakes while Dallas carried the plates, Stacy carried sets of silverware wrapped in napkins and Ash and Dom carried sides. Without a word, Kota went to the kitchen and grabbed bottles of juice for everyone, then sat next to Clare and Emi. "Kelly, do you still have those yoga shorts that were too small?" he asked looking at her. "Yea." she answered. "I need them for Clare." He said honestly. "They're in the same place in my room. Also you're on wash duty later after Dallas does the basics. I have Victoria's Secret lingerie that needs to be washed and you're the only one who doesn't shrink them besides Stacy and she has to go home. I also have work." Kelly said and he nodded. "Ok, Stacy do you need your Victoria's Secret lingerie washed?" he asked looking at her. "Yea. Dallas will get them for you when you're ready to do the laundry. Dallas cut some of the tags off mine so that should help a bit. My bras and other items have tags." Stacy explained and he nodded as he ate. "Dom is helping me separate the Victoria's Secret from everything." Dallas stated. "Ash and I will do the dishes then." Stacy stated honestly. "Ok, that leaves Kota and Clare to the floors after dinner." Kelly said. "I wanna help." Emi stated. "We just pick up big items and leave the rest to the roomba." he informed Clare as he continued to eat. After breakfast was done, Kota went and got the shorts for Clare and one of his shirts too. "I'll go change in Dom's bathroom." he smiled at her as he handed her the clothing and kissed her chastely before going to change.