#oldastime

[tyliocellier]

Continued from here. @oldastime

"Precisely", Tylio agreed emphatically, even going so far as to make a hand gesture to underline just how much he agreed with the fact that his purpose in life ought not to be defined by having or not having a family of his own. What was so damn appealing about it, anyway? He'd seen the way his parents operated. They had kids, but barely spent any time with them because they were too busy working and yet they were still asking their sons to send them money years later. It was like they had children and then didn't know what to do with them. He wasn't going to be like that. He'd decided that, that was his choice, it wasn't because he simply didn't know how to form a bond with a woman strong enough to have children with her. "I have family", he clarified. "They just don't live here. My parents, my mother recently fell ill and had to stop working. So I'm sending a bit more back home." He wasn't sure why he was telling her this, perhaps he just wanted her to know that there was still a good reason for him to be working hard. He wasn't just money hungry or trying to get rich- well, that too, but the money wasn't for him. "Actually, if you're done asking questions, I would like to ask one. I was wondering whether you know of any freelance jobs. It can be something simple, really, a cleaner job...whatever it is."

[twistedthings]

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If he had the capability of it, Michael would have forgotten the killer and just stayed in the moment, this one. He was so gentle and so close to Willa that it would only take a shift and he could have brought his lips to meet hers, gods, he wanted to do it so bad. His heart raced from the thought, though, that was likely the fact that was settling deep within his bones. Willa was going with him. She meant so much to him that even processing the fact had Mikey grasping desperately at whatever means he could find to get her out of this, there were so many unknown factors and while he was perfectly fine putting his own life on the line doing this reckless thing meant something different now. Catching this killer didn't seem nearly as important as keeping Willa safe and alive.

It wasn't the possibility of her death that stilled Michael, that held him in that gentle, vulnerable moment with his hand against her cheek like the single most important thing in the world to him. And she was just that. Even in their silent and calm acceptance of the inevitable, the impossible future that they would face together. It was her that kept him still, that desire to hold her close until this all passed over, until someone else found the bastard that had killed Chandler. But Mikey knew the chance wouldn't present itself again, it would only be him that could do this, well, him and Willa. They were a team and although he wanted nothing more than to plan something that would keep her safe and leave her behind Michael knew that betrayal and any effort that mirrored such a circumstance would not be honest.

He just nodded, reluctantly letting his hand drop from the warmth of Willa's face, the touch of her lips lingering pleasantly against his skin and for a long moment as she pulled away and moved to ready herself to leave, her lips against his wrist was the only thing Michael could think about. Slowly, he swallowed, centered himself, and focused. He did have a plan but originally it hadn't included Willa. With a soft sigh the man raked his fingers through his hair while he thought, processed and recalculated his method of attack. Mikey didn't always go with the legal and proper way of catching people, though he was an ametuer sleuth and wanted to aspire to be more than that one day, this killer had taken more from him and come far too close to someone he cared deeply for that he hadn't really any plans other than going where he knew the guys hideout to be and confront the monster. Reckless and reliant on something he'd kept from Willa. His powers, the abilities that made him better than the police and other detectives trying to find the killer.

"Well, uh, I know where his hide out or whatever is... at least," he paused, his hand perched atop his head to hold back the dark waves from falling into his eyes as he scanned them over Willa thoughtfully, thinking of more than just her, formulating a plan that would keep them both safe. He sighed, annoyed at the extra steps they'd have to take and knowing all the credit would be taken by the police no doubt but if it meant this guy got caught and Willa was safe then Mikey was prepared to do whatever he had to. "-- I know the general area, I can't be sure the old house is still there," he said, features turning into something more curious and astute. "You know that old mansion out past the edge of town? It's been lost to the woods for a while and everyone swears it's haunted and not even standing anymore? I think he's there, or at least that's where he's taking his victims to kill them." He noted with a nod that made it aware he believed his theories wholeheartedly. "We go out there and if he's there, we trap him, call the cops, get them to come out and investigate the place for a reported fire or something..."

The gentle touch of his warm hand against her slender cheek sent a soothing sensation rippling through her entire body. Her doe-like eyes met his, and a profound sense of comfort washed over her in that fleeting moment of contact. It was a brief respite from the turmoil surrounding them, a tiny spark of hope that perhaps they could weather the storm together and emerge unscathed.

Amid their vulnerability, she clung to this fleeting connection like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty. Maybe it was wishful thinking, and perhaps the world around them was still fraught with challenges, but in that moment, she found solace in his presence. It was a silent understanding. She knew that they would stand by each other's side, no matter what lay ahead, and that together, they might just be alright.

"Thank you, Mikey," she murmured, her voice laced with appreciation and a deep understanding of the effort it took for him to let her into his world. The significance of this act of trust, allowing her to accompany him, resonated deeply within her, supporting her own journey of healing. With tenderness, she pressed a soft kiss against his wrist before reluctantly releasing his hand and stepping away. The connection between them left a warmth that lingered in the air.

As she stepped toward her closet, her footsteps quiet on the floor, she turned to face him with renewed determination. "So," she began, her tone filled with curiosity and anticipation, "what's your plan? Where do we head first?" The soft rustle of clothing signified her readiness as she tied her shoes and zipped her windbreaker.

@twistedthings

[geropuna]

Super late upload, day went by much faster than I anticipated! #fairyfaeweek day 3! I chose #hag because everyone needs to draw a super old, potion brewing, all knowing, absolutely insane but totally chill, forest lady that owns not 2 but 2 little animal familiars! #forest #witch #oldastime #copics #magic #mushrooms #frog #animals #drawing #art https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eSc2TpR5E/?igshid=1ewo3f4d97hlz

[palmbeachvintage]

I’ve been spending time at home contemplating the universe and the meaning of life. Answers are complex and fleeting. #oldastime #lifeasweknowit #theuniverse #lightenup #loveandpeace #wearestardust #palmbeachvintage #antiquerowwpb https://www.instagram.com/p/CEo8l2_phl0/?igshid=posqqxw3ffak

[fairyhillcrafts]

Autumn walked in and laughed at me hopeful, wearing my sandals .... I watered the garden and the heavens opened - my plants were happy ... my toes slightly less.. the rain was cold / but I did stand in the door way watching the thunder down .. feeling super duper alive ... rain storms do that to me / I find them really life affirming- well without weather / water we would nt even be here, the strength of Mother Nature - what happens when you think you might have her tamed... she turns your umbrella inside out and fills your wellies... just so you know who's boss! Summer days with blue skies that go on forever make me feel immortal - autumn thunderstorms make me feel new and that the world is so old and wise and we are just specks walking around on the surface !! I love the weather ( please see what I say when it's rained for weeks and the chickens are living in the kitchen with me 😂) But that's an idea .. but don't tell darren!! Sssshhh!! #weather #autumn #seasons #life #lifeaffirming #oldastime #newbegining #chickenlady #chickensindoors #eggs #livealifelessordinary #fairyhillcrafts #thegoddesstribe

[summerswildling]

The Australian bush. I wish you could see the detail in this photo properly. Looks amazing on my big screen.. #nature #oldastime . . . . . #instaphoto #canon #photooftheday #focus #moment #capture #photography #photographylover #justgoshoot #canonaustralia #visualdiary #stylediary #ig_daily #instamoments #ig_myshot #instadaily #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #australia #aussiesofinstagram #australianbush #tree #sunlight #greenery #australianlife #southcoast #shoalhavenriver

[mysunshine1202]

#💯#oldastime#treatothersasuwanttobetreated#daily#lifelessons#bewise

Be the one ⚡

[stephaniepick]

Sometimes you need a Japanese Sword ⚔️ or two #swords #japanese #katana #oldastime (at Sky Lofts Los Angeles)

[waveofstars]

There were many instances Connor would prove that he was a good person, but more often than not, he kept that part to himself. He knew he should’ve been a better friend in that moment, but he couldn’t help himself. It was in his nature - like that damn Scorpion & Frog fable. He’d always be the scorpion ruining things for the both of them. 

Jealousy was not an emotion he wore well, and that blatantly obvious right then and there. All Connor should’ve cared about was whether she was truly happy or not. Why couldn’t he just do that? “Yeah, but do you want to be closer to him?” It was a question he didn’t necessarily want to hear the answer to (unless it was in his favor, of course). 

But before any disappointment could come seeping in, she turned the attention away from her and back to the task at hand. Connor turned and looked at the different overpriced costumes and sighed to himself. The thought of having to dress up as anything and going to a party of Steven’s was suddenly ruining his once obsessive appetite for preparing for Halloween. All the costumes looked pathetic, but mostly because he knew that’s what he’d look like in them… pathetic.

 Ah, there came the sadness that lingered behind jealousy. Why was he even comparing himself to Steven, anyway? Connor brushed his hand against a few options and blew out another breath. “Alright, fine. Costumes… Do you have anything planned yet? Probably doing some couple costume with him, right?”

Her frustration and self-doubt were evident as she dropped her head back against her forearms, her chunky sneakers skidding lightly against the floor in a restless manner. She had expected a more empathetic and thoughtful response from Connor. (Lord knows why) Instead, he seemed to be merely reiterating what she already knew, leaving her feeling somewhat deflated. "I should have kept this to myself," she muttered, her voice tinged with disappointment.

In a moment of self-reflection, she attempted to counsel her own thoughts. "Maybe I'm just overthinking. Obviously, he wants me closer to him." She was trying to convince herself that her concerns about Connor being a valid reason to stay back were unfounded. He was, after all, just a good friend, her best friend. Nothing more, right?

She scratched her head, contemplating her thoughts. "I'm asking you to spend it with me," she stated firmly, making her intentions clear. "Not Steven. You're my guest, and I really want to see you there." She edged a little closer to him, their elbows softly bumping against each other. "Maybe—I'll accept a maybe," she sighed, giving a hint of compromise. "But if you switch up on me and say no days before the event, I'm breaking into your place, sedating you, and tying you up at the party." She may have displayed a joking tone, but there was a hint she might be serious. It was Elliot, after all.

"I've decided I'm done talking about my life for now. Let's get back to the task at hand: costumes," she declared, gently pushing away from the clothing rack and scanning the array of costume options in the store.

Her words carried a sense of finality, as if she had temporarily closed the door on discussing her personal concerns.

[summerswildling]

The Australian bush. I wish you could see the detail in this photo properly. Looks amazing on my big screen.. #nature #oldastime . . . . . #instaphoto #canon #photooftheday #focus #moment #capture #photography #photographylover #justgoshoot #canonaustralia #visualdiary #stylediary #ig_daily #instamoments #ig_myshot #instadaily #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #australia #aussiesofinstagram #australianbush #tree #sunlight #greenery #australianlife #southcoast #shoalhavenriver

[twistedthings]

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Tension coiled his muscles as if he were ready to spring into action at any moment. Mikey had been on edge for so fucking long it was a wonder he wasn't collapsing where he stood, instead he shifted anxiously on his feet in front of Willa. He didn't want her coming with him. End of story. Because Michael couldn't control what happened to Willa if she went out there with him, he'd do absolutely everything to protect and keep her safe. She was the single most important person in his life and that had never changed, even through the tragedy that had been the death of Chandler. He'd wanted nothing more than to be as important to Willa as Chandler had but when the man had been killed Michael didn't let his pettiness and hurt stop him from being there for her. He'd held her up when everything around her was crumbling to the ground, he'd held them both up all while trying the bastard who'd killed Chandler. 

Sure, Michael never had really liked the guy and that was mostly because of his own feelings for Willa and how she loved Chandler and not Mikey in the same way. But to know the man suffered and was killed so horribly by the same killer Michael was after even now, it did make Michael feel terrible he'd dragged the sorry fucker into this even if it was just by association. He knew that he had an ace up his sleeve but that didn't mean he could ensure Willa's safety and that weighed more on his shoulders than anything else. Already he was prepared to do what he had to in order to keep her alive but it seemed that they were on the same page about that; if she died, he died and if he died, she would follow. It wasn't what he wanted but the fact was solidified in his chest, the only evidence he was alive now was the pounding of his heart.

When she finally opened her eyes and met his gaze it was all Mikey could do just to hold his ground and not give into her, then she pulled her hands from his after restraining against his efforts in taking them only to slip her arms around his waist and bury her face in his chest where he was sure she could hear the betrayal of his stuttering heart. His own arms closed around her in return rather quickly, far too eager to embrace her as closely as he fucking could, gods, Mikey never wanted to let her go and the thought that he eventually had to almost made him groan. Mikey knew she still blamed herself and that the guilt would be too much for her to deal with if he died, hell, he felt the same fucking way about her and it was a deep inhale of her scent as he rested his cheek atop her head for a moment before she pulled away and he was faced with the worst decision of his life.

Did he tell her that he loved her now? In this vulnerable moment as she pulled away from him and every inch of his being ached for her as she did so, only for Willa to take his hand and place it over her heart. His brow did furrow and his head tilted, a small noise escaping his lungs in a sorrow filled and almost strangled sound that touched his gaze as he moved his free hand up to cup Willa's cheek and frown at her. "Fuck, Willa," he said softly, nearly as softly as she had spoken, his heart racing so hard in his chest it fucking hurt. "-- okay, you can come with me but you're not fucking dying, I won't let it happen." He promised, to her and to himself. If it meant the killer got away, Mikey would do whatever it took to keep Willa alive, even if that meant he had to lie to her, make her hate him-- he would do it because fuck, he loved her so much it hurt every goddamn second he didn't tell her.

It was Chandler's remains that provoked this response. Having to identify the unidentifiable. It made her sick to her stomach. Hell, she was stuck in the stalls puking for half the fucking day she was there. At her request, he'd gone to the gas station to pick up a few snacks. That night, he wouldn't return home, and from that moment on, she'd blame herself. If she hadn't asked for anything, he'd still be living; he'd have his life. She was so stupid to have him go out while a maniac ran loose. She was an idiot because, deep down, she didn't take it seriously. She assumed it would never hit close to home. And now she had to deal with the consequences of her actions.

She would protest all night if it kept him close to her. She would lose sleep, even fight back the urge to drop from deprivation to share the same air as him, feel the same warmth that radiated onto her. Maybe he was so sure of himself that her worries weren't valid enough. Whatever it was, she knew that nothing he could do or say would keep her from his side. She stubbornly held up her strength to keep him from pushing her arms down, her eyes tightening and her fingernails squeezing into the palms of her hands. ". . . Everybody dies, Mikey."

As she makes that statement, her eyes open, and she stares at him. Studying his features, memorizing his face and the details that make up the man she knew. Finally, she released her strength, allowing him to take her hands into his. Just his presence alone brought weakness to her unmoveable frame. It's why she avoided his gaze; she knew she'd give in. She dropped her head back, letting it rest against the door. "Okay." She didn't fight his words, not because she believed them, but because it was easier. Blaming herself was easier.

Her head rose slowly, and she slipped her fingers from his and wrapped her arms around his waist. She buried herself into his frame, closing her eyes momentarily. "M & M?" she spoke softly, almost too quietly. This was her silent declaration. If he died, she died. And as he lived, she did. There were no in-betweens, and maybe he didn't understand that. " If you die," she starts, lifting her head from his chest to look at him, to show her sincerity. She grabbed his hand, pulling away from him to place it across her chest, "— I die. So take me with you."

[waveofstars]

“Oh, did he?” he asked in a taunting tone, as if it was a comeback but meant little to nothing. Of course Steven just got a nice condo, and of course he was doing swell. Every little detail he heard about this man, and their relationship, always seemed like it was screaming perfect, perfect, perfect. Maybe Connor was bitter, just a jealous thing that had to find a problem with everything. Or maybe there was some validity to his dislike. 

It was most likely the former. 

The idea of Elliot moving in with Steven made his stomach churn a bit. That was an added change for even himself that he didn’t know how to get used to. He’d no longer have the luxury of showing up at Elliot’s door just to bother her, nor would it be easy to even get a moment with her like this one. His selfish side was taking over as he thought of all the reasons why Elliot moving in with Steven would be a bad idea, and all the reasons were simply because he didn’t want her to. So, there was some much needed relief when she expressed some doubt. Connor averted his gaze to a clothing rack of costumes, filing through them without looking much. “Don’t blame me on that. Just accept that change is bad and to me it sounds like you don’t want to move in with him.” Connor heard what he wanted, of course. He leaned against the rack of clothes and sighed while mulling over the idea of showing up to this party of Steven’s. 90% of him screamed absolutely not, while the other 10% found it extremely difficult to say no to Elliot. “You realize this is my holiday, my absolute favorite day of the year and you’re asking me to spend it with Steven…” The 10% started to grow and take over him as he looked at her longer. He let out a soft sigh and rolled his eyes some. “Maybe. I’ll give you a maybe. How about that?” 

How was Steven? Sounded like a question you ask just before the guns start firing. Of course, Elliot isn't sure he wants to hear that answer; she knew Connor had a particular distaste for the man. A blatant one at that. But, if answering it would particularly get him to come to this Halloween bash it was worth her time. She narrowed her eyes at him, wagging her fist like he was one of those meddling kids from scooby-doo. Although her taunt was nothing more than jest, as she should be wagging her fist at herself for asking him in the first place. She stepped away from the items and walked closer to him, browsing the selection of frights the tip of September could offer, "Firstly, you suck. Secondly, Steven's swell, actually. He moved into this insanely pricey condo a few weeks ago and has begged me to move in with him." And by begging, she feels it's beginning to turn more into pestering.

They had been dating for almost a year now. Their 1-year achievement, Elliot liked to call it, would be in less than two months. She never expected her co-worker's cousin to actually turn out to be dweeb enough to scratch her itch. What a strange world. "I don't know if I want to move in with him." She admitted, shrugging her shoulders high enough to graze her ears. She was conflicted with the whole ordeal. Moving out of the apartment building she called home for so many years and creating mundane and beautiful memories was hard to let go of. Then there was Connor, the DUN DUN DUN in her thoughts that made leaving that more impossible. They were closer than ever, and having him nearby had to be the best thing to happen. Moving in with Steven would set back what she felt was an achievement between her and the loser beside her. "I guess I'm realizing I'm not too good with change. At least when it affects my life." With all the force a five-foot woman could do, she nudged his side with her elbow. "I blame you for that thinking, by the way. Hanging around you has turned me into one of the narrow-minded." She sighed loudly and leaned her arms against one of the clothing racks. "So, you'll come?" She asked, lifting her head from resting it on her arms to get his genuine expression. "You have to come."

[twistedthings]

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This whole entire situation was absolutely fucked up. The last person Mikey wanted out where that bastard of a killer could get them was Willa. His heartbeat thrummed viciously in his veins as he watched her, she stood there, arms spread wide and body unmoving, features exhausted and worn from the turmoil and roller coaster of a shit show she'd been through in the last few weeks. It was amazing how life could really just take one simple thing and flip it upside and all around into the most fucked up, dreadful thing. Mikey's intrigue had started as just that, an intrigue, some pictures of a crime scene being investigated and noting a man in the background far too suspicious and obvious enough to the unofficial sleuth that he was out of place. Michael had looked into it and one thing led to the next and then the next and the next clue was what struck tragedy and chaos of Mikey and by association Willa.

There was nothing in the shit hole of a world that meant more to Michael than the woman standing in front of him, blocking his way to put an end to the torment this killer had put upon him and Willa. Of course she wouldn't want him to go alone and Michael knew that, it was absurd to even try negotiating with her after everything... after Chandler. Fuck, Mikey hadn't like the guy but he never wanted something as brutal and cruel as the death that took him from this world. Guilt crushed him as Willa used his nickname and the emotions in her voice, tugging at his heart in such a way she couldn't know how much sway she had over him.

"You're not going to lose me, not ever," he said automatically and so sincerely he couldn't help the step closer her took to her only to brush his hands down her arms to take hold of her hands, really trying to get her open her damn eyes and look at him, perhaps he'd have a better chance then but deep down Mikey knew it was useless. He also knew it was fucking stupid to think he could promise any sort of outcome so suredly, there was no telling what this killer was truly capable of and as confident as Mikey was in his abilities of getting out of trouble when he needed, that confidence did not stretch as far as fully convincing Willa to stay where she was while he went out to face danger.

His fingers held her hands while his thumbs rubbed gently over her warm skin, whether it was to calm her or himself Mikey wasn't entirely sure but he paused for a moment to think. Taking a deep breath he looked at her again before he spoke once again. "Stop fucking blaming yourself for his death, okay? It wasn't your fault, you have to get that out of your head," he half scolded her but that wasn't his intention. Mikey was pissed that he hadn't been there to stop anything from happening to Chandler, not because he'd ever liked the guy but because of how much his death had affected Willa.

"I'm not letting you go out there like this because if I ever lost you..." he stopped, shook his head and squeezed her hands, nope, he wasn't going to let his own mind go down that road, "Willa... c'mon," Mikey tried lamely, not fully putting effort in convincing her to let him go alone and when he knew it was pointless he took a deep breath and sighed heavily, squeezing her hands again and wondering if she'd let him hold them for a while longer.

Now was not the time to try and convince Willa to agree to anything. Her mind was set on knowing where and what exactly Mikey was doing. She'd lost Chandler to this sicko a few weeks ago, and that was still wearing her down day by day. She hadn't been the same, her overall appearance and outlook on life was falling apart at the seams, But to have to sit around and watch the next best thing in her life chase down some lead was asking for too much. She stood firm, arms sprawled out as she blocked him from leaving her apartment. "I'm not letting you leave alone." She was adamant, mouth trembling and eyes shut as she avoided his stare. "I can't lose you too, M & M! I can't," her voice softens, cracking. The thought of not having him around was worse than living. She could barely get through life after Chandler's body was found; if not for Mikey.

"I can't promise you that," she's shaking her head, "The only way I'll let you leave is if you take me with you. I can't live knowing I wasn't there. Not again." She wasn't able to save Chandler, but she could be there to save Mikey.

[waveofstars]

It was one of the only things he cared about. Connor felt indifferent about most in life, but since he was a child, Halloween always stood out for him. He spent 364 days being Connor Rose every single year, and for one beautiful day he got to be something else. The freaks and everything unusual were celebrated. It was a nice break from reality. So, Halloween had become such a momental and important day for him. Elliot didn’t understand that, and normally he wouldn’t either if it was any other holiday. At least come Christmas they’d get to both be Grinches. 

“My freaky appetite is too big. It wants everything here.” The man spent too much money investing in Halloween accessories and costumes. It was one of the only times he was truly irresponsible with his money. It took him ages to move out of his shitty apartment and get livable furniture, but he wouldn’t even think twice dropping large amounts of money in the name of Halloween. His priorities were always a bit all over the place, but Elliot had to be used to that by now. “I have this great idea for a costume, but it’s part of a pairing. Wouldn’t be cool to do it by myself.” And he was almost tempted to beg her into indulging him and joining him with a costume, but he was hit with an abrupt reality check when she uttered Steven. Ah, right. “Oh, is he now? Sounds real fun,” he replied sarcastically, still holding onto uncalled for resentment. He wasn’t sure what it was about him. Since the day she first uttered his name, Connor found a problem with him. “And you do look like a poser, by the way. Speaking of posers, how is Steven doing anyway?”

She's revolting at every cliche that Connor is becoming. Cheeks puffing out, lips scrunching up, and eyes squinting. She was that petty. Since August, she'd been dry heaving, and as September ( dry fucked ) its way into their lives, she was becoming the revolting slob by the second. It wasn't some secret that Elliot didn't care about the holidays. She had to work overtime and deal with customers complaining more than her, and she repeatedly heard the same songs ( THE. SAME. SONGS. ). Connor was an exception to this hatred; he and Steven, the other loser who seemed to still be holding down the fort in little Miss Debby Downer's life.

She's practically dragged inside, rubber from her worn Converse skidding across the floors. Her head dangles against her shoulders, carrying the weight like it's detached, and she groans the entire time. Whose child was this? What Halloween was to Connor was the opposite for Elliot. She could cry if she didn't care about his feelings ( why did she care about this fool? ). "Ehhhh," There she goes, sputtering that annoying sound. There weren't enough Elliots in the world to make the things you love feel unexciting. "I don't have the faintest idea of what could satisfy your freaky appetite." She's long detached herself from his childlike infatuation and has found her attention on some trinkets. Sparkly, shiny, and way overpriced? It was definitely the area that would steal her away. "How about you tell me all the movies you haven't dressed up as, and we go from there?" She's distracted while trying to be supportive, yanking a pair of diamond-encrusted sunglasses from a mannequin and sliding them on her face. "Do I look like a poser?" She asked, contorting her face like she was related to the Butabi brothers. "Never mind." She quickly pulled them from her face and back onto the display. "Steven's throwing a Halloween bash. You should come." See how she slid that in there? All Nochanlantly and whatnot.

[tyliocellier]

"I just told you", Tylio snapped at her. "I'm sending money back to my parents." The more he spoke, the more irritation became audible in his voice. It wasn't really because of her, though. It was because he was lying, and he didn't like to do that. It was true that he was sending money back home, yes, but he also had developed a bit of a gambling problem recently. The money was running out. If he wanted to keep sending the same amount, he definitely needed another job. "It'll just be for a while. Until she gets better, then I won't need it anymore", he elaborated, overexplaining a little bit in the hopes that Willa would not be tempted to ask any more questions he didn't have good answers for. "Look, I'm sorry if I sounded snappy. It's important though. I really appreciate your help. I'm sure you understand, your parents are still alive too, aren't they?" He assumed they must be, given her age, but it didn't occur to him that her relationship with them might not be so great.

He's changed the subject. If Willa was honest, she wasn't sure she was ready to move on. Sure, she made her statement and felt it was best to show empathy. But why did the appeal of forming an intimate bond with someone and growing a family sound like picking a political side? She and her sister did not grow up necessarily in a loving environment. Her parents ended their relationship in divorce. But, it never took away her desire to have a family. She hummed, shaking her head at his question. "I don't. But, I can help you find some?" She replies, face showing confusion. Why was he in need of a simple job? Was he thinking of changing careers? "If you don't mind me asking, why are you looking for another job?"