jonahxrivas

[jonahxrivas]

He nodded along, "Yeah I bet." It was understandable that such a demanding profession would require more strength than other jobs. He considered it for a moment, to get and become a volunteer, when he was needed ways to occupy time in between the rebuilding of the aquarium, but given both his mental and physical state that idea dropped rather quickly. "We have vegetarian alternatives that are decent, haven't gotten into protein powders though, not really sure if I want to either?" He didn't follow influencers to know much about that.

"Oh, you're fine," Jonah waved him off, "Your napkins are safe too, I'm not the avenging type... over chili of all things." Jonah laughed a little, "It'll go down perfectly if I were to picture it. The answer might be a resounding yes." Pondering for a moment, he tried to help, "No one at the station? Or perhaps a friend with a big appetite? Is it actually couple-y to share a big plate of ribs?"

Efe gave a soft sigh before allowing his features to settle into a softer smile. "It's pretty popular around the station. Gotta keep your strength up. We burn a lot of calories, you know? It's a workout." Having served in an urban fire department, Efe did find that Lunar Cove, in truth, could not quite compare on a typical day. But there were certainly more large-scale disasters, some bitter part of him still thought. "And hey, I guess the protein is good. Either that or the powder, which no one actually likes, no matter how many influencers pretend to."

He gave a gentle roll of his eyes. "Thank you. But I know I knocked your husband into second, so you can avenge him a little or whatever if you want. Steal my napkins or something when my back turns," he quipped lightly. "Nico's a good friend, yeah. Not sure how it would go over if I said 'hey, you all are pretty hungry, right?'" Efe laughed, though, at the thought. "I just...I don't really have anyone to go with right now. I'm not, like...It feels like maybe it's for couples. I don't know."

[jonahxrivas]

Despite still being concerned, his features softened instantly when he saw her. Jonah couldn't help but wonder though, when the door only opened a touch, if she might ask him to leave now that he had seen her, but thankfully, she pushed it open further, allowing him to step inside and saving from standing outside awkwardly.

"Yeah, I drove here," confirmed with a nod, "I'm fine, Bri, I'm more worried about you." The rest of her questions dropped into a quieter tone. He didn't want to lie, yet he sensed from her expression that his answers had the potential to be internalised, so he chose his words carefully. "It was time, wasn't it? Face the fears head-on, or whatever the saying is. Walking would've taken too long anyway."

Jonah sat down when she did and listened closely. He was glad she had decided to move here and more grateful that Ben was with her too, knowing he would be there for her no matter what was comforting. And after what he'd seen earlier, this felt like an even better decision. As the conversation shifted to the house, his expression grew more serious brows furrowing at the mention of Ronnie. "Wait, Ronnie did that?" He couldn't ignore that Bri hadn't answered his other question about how she was, but he decided to hold off on asking about it again for now. "I'm really glad you're here. I mean that. I saw the state of the place...I thought...well, I thought you might have been kidnapped or something worse. Why did she do that?"

Bri could hear her phone buzzing from where she lay curled in a ball underneath the blankets. Her knees were pulled tightly into her chest in her matching pajama set, but even the gentle fabric and the fluffy faux fur weighted blanket couldn't soften the ache pressing down on her chest. She even tried to clutch onto the fluffiest pillow she could find, tucking it beneath her chin like it might help make her feel a bit more grounded, but it didn't seem to do the trick.

Instead, she stayed hidden away, lying there in her and Ben's bed in the complete silence save for the occasional chime of her phone. The device trembled on the bedside table, slowly moving closer and closer toward the edge with each ding, but it might as well have been on the other side of the world from where she was, staring at it through half-lidded eyes. She'd grab it in a second. She just needed one more minute to compose herself.

Only the minutes stretched on, and her limbs remained heavy. Unmoved as though they had been filled with wet cement. Even blinking felt like a task too big. Her mind was stuck in a slow loop of exhaustion and guilt. Get up. Reach over. It might be important. But the weight of simply existing pressed down hard. It was only when the phone rang again, more insistent this time that she finally forced herself to sit up just enough to text Jonah back.

She would have likely curled back in bed if it wasn't for the frantic knocking that came at the front door and the sound of Jonah's voice. "Hi," She said quietly as she opened the door the smallest of peaks. She didn't want anyone else but Jonah to see her this way, standing in the hall with the weighted blanket still wrapped around herself like a cocoon and still in her pajamas even though it was the middle of the day. Thankfully, Ben had gone to work and didn't know that she had decided not to open Cabaret for the evening. But, she couldn't exactly hide the fact she was too numb to want to do just about anything with her cousin. Not when he was standing there as though he had rushed over in a hurry. "Are you... okay?" She blinked between him and the car as she opened the door a little wider for him. "Did you drive here?"

"How... how did that go? Did you feel like you were ready or?" Another pang of guilt tugged at her at the thought that Jonah might have gotten behind a wheel before he was ready, solely because she hadn't texted him fast enough. "I..." She pressed her lips together as she moved into the living room, slumping down into a heap on the end of the couch. "I live here now," She said after a prolonged beat, deciding to stick to what happened rather than feelings, seeing that she wasn't quite sure how to answer anything in regard to her mental state at the present. "We moved the rest of my stuff out after Ronnie... after she trashed the townhouse."

[jonahxrivas]

It was a bit funny how, despite some of his coworkers protesting about this place and the crayfish boil, they still ended up here for their team lunch. It was not his pick, and wasn't the popular vote, but Erin threw democracy out the window booked in a table. He could've not tagged along, but they didn't really give him a choice. Luckily, one of the staff mentioned they do accommodate dietary restrictions, which came as a great relief. As his group started arriving, Jonah kept his eye to the menu, mentally picking out what he could order with minimal hassle until Efe's voice cut through his thoughts.

"Do they? I don’t eat here much, or, well, hardly ever, not really my thing, but that’s good to know. That's a solid portion." He flashed Efe a warm smile, "Congrats on the win! Gloating is deserved." Jonah thought for a moment. "Maybe? Have you tried asking the wolves? They've got pretty big appetites. Or at least Nico does. Why do you want to give it away, though? Too much food?"

Open starter @lunarcovestarters Location: Moonlight Grill

While Efe himself was grateful to be back at work now that he had taken a proper leave to recover from his injuries, he did perhaps find a layer of frustration in being tasked with hard-hitting jobs like lunch pickup. But he was not a complainer, and in all things, he found dignity in duty. Maybe he should be content with the quiet, he thought. There were no real disasters, and so, he could take his time, regain his strength. That was a good thing.

Checking through the various orders, he gave a low hum, looking up and making polite conversation with someone else in line. "They give you so much food here, don't they? I won dinner for two in that chili cook-off, and I feel like one plate could feed six people," he sighed. "They're tired of my chili at the station anyhow. We ate it for like three weeks straight while I gloated." Efe smiled softly. "Do you know anybody who might be interested in all-you-can-eat dinner? I might just give the certificate away."

[jonahxrivas]

for: @cantfightmoonlight - Bri location: bri and ronnie's place → panic central → ben's house

Since they lived in the same neighbourhood, the walk from his to Bri and Ronnie's place was familiar and almost routine. He stopped by like this often enough that it probably didn't come as a surprise but still, out of habit, he sent Bri a quick text beforehand, just to give her a heads-up knowing she always preferred that, and he didn't want to catch her off guard. It was meant to be a simple, casual visit, just to check if she needed help with the move. He didn’t get an immediate reply, but didn't really mind it that much. She was probably busy, or maybe she hadn’t seen the message yet and on the off chance she wasn't home, then, that was fine too. The warm summer air felt good on his skin, and he could easily say this was just a leisurely stroll, nothing more.

But as he reached her house and saw the door open, a cold wave of unease washed over him. With no car in the driveway and no sounds of anyone inside, nothing to suggest activity, his stomach clenched. Hesitating only briefly, he pushed the door open carefully and peered inside. The scene that greeted him shattered any sense of normalcy. Everything was wrong, strewn all over the place. A sickening rush of panic gripped him, and his mind jumped to the worst things possible. Was she kidnapped? There were a few of those...what if that...what if this... breathing was erratic and his heart pounded wildly as he frantically called her, voice shot with desperation. Then, relief flooded him when she finally answered to say she was at Ben's. Oxygen rushing back into his lungs and he took a shaky breath, grateful just to hear her voice amidst the storm of panic that had overtaken him.

He told her he'd be right over because, honestly, he needed to see her, needed to check if she was okay. Maybe she already knew what had happened at the house, but that didn't stop the dread twisting inside him. Nerves prickled with each step as he turned around and headed back toward his house, to his car. Driving with one good eye wasn't something he'd dared yet. The doctors had told him it was possible, yes, but he'd opted for walking, playing it safe. Now, with urgency thick in the air, he shoved aside his fears and pushed past hesitation but is heartbeat hammered loudly in his ears and breaths coming quick and shallow as he eased the car into gear.

He shot a quick text to Rohan too, letting him know he was heading to Ben's to check on Bri. Said he was taking his car, that everything was fine. But inside, he carried a silent fear that he might end up a splattered wreck on the side of the road. Maybe he'd be fine. Maybe he wouldn't. But the drive was extra cautious and a jarring bump against a curb made his heart leap into his throat. Still, somehow, he arrived in one piece, every nerve was on high alert, as he finally knocked and waited for Bri to open up.

"Hey, what happened? Are you okay?"

[jonahxrivas]

He confirmed with a low. Teeth lightly caught his lower lip as his gaze settled on Rohan. Love like this had been a dream, something he'd yearned for and it felt as if it had always been meant to be Rohan. He was a dream, almost unreal, yet undeniably real in this moment. "It’s crazy, isn't it?" he murmured, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "How time can fly and feel so long at the same time? Only one year but it's like I've known you forever. A year feels miraculous in its own right." Both of them bore the marks of their struggles, worn and tired, yet alive and grateful for everything.

He leaned into the kiss, voice muffled but earnest. "Absolutely." Soft whines only made him more eager to seize this. "Right away." As they walked away from the fields, laughter bubbled up within him, "Naegleria? They're quite fascinating, but yes, yes, I'll keep that to myself. Facts on that don't really..." he didn't finish that thought, "Let me not ruin the mood."

"You'll what, huh? Is that a threat or a promise?" Rohan teased with a low growl, voice lost in this new kiss. He returned it completely, pressing his forehead to his husband's so he could speak into the electric space lingering between them as it ended. "I love you. So much. Every day, I fall even more in love with you. Can you believe it's almost been a year since we said 'I do?'" Protective arms came up to wrap around Jonah's waist and tug him closer. "So. You have a big, strong werewolf husband. He gives you full reign to take as much advantage of the perks as you want. And what I want? Is you. Badly. Let's pay and go home? Please?" He puckered up his lips as if whining before leaning in to snag one more quick kiss. Scooping up his basket, then, Rohan used his free hands to loop with Jonah's. "Are you saying I shouldn't sweep you off your feet, hm? You don't have to worry about that, though. I'm actually so afraid of those amoeba that, like, swim up your nose? Now, you know, normally I adore your science facts, but if you have any about them, just keep them private. I'm already horrified."

[jonahxrivas]

"Early is good," Jonah nodded reassuringly. "Did he? I bet that's better than any alarm clock. My pets are all marine animals, they don't wake me up quite in the way dogs do." He added with a soft chuckle, recalling childhood dreams of wanting a dog, only to surrounded himself fish instead. Not much had changed since then. He looked at Moose with a warm smile, "I don't doubt he's well behaved, definitely looks the type. You can let him off now if you want? Might even be good, give him a bit of freedom."

"I'm kinda early for everything so don't worry about it," Remmy said, giving a nonchalant wave. They certainly didn't want Jonah to think he'd arrived late, or to feel bad about that. "He's the one who got me up early, so I'd say he's pretty ready for the day. I'll probably let him off the leash once we get further away from town, if that's alright with you? Promise he'll be on his best behavior."

[jonahxrivas]

Beach bros and besties @nicocastillo

[jonahxrivas]

"It's actually the town," he said with a light shrug, wished he could deny it, wished it wasn't true, but lately it seemed more and more like the harsh reality. "I mean... I’ve watched it a lot of times as a kid, but I don't think I'm the Little Mermaid here. I'm the boring human boy. What would you skewer? Fish?" The thought made him crinkle his nose. "Hmm, maybe? But I can only take one water-breathing potion at a time since the effects don’t stack. Unless I take a different potion entirely after the first wears off and ride that out, then take another water potion..." He shook his head with a sigh, "Magic is complicated." The lesson learned the hard way when over-eagerness didn't result in two hours of being being underwater. "Why not? I know some say you should leave the unknown alone because you might not like what you find, and yeah, maybe my curiosity will be my downfall but... not to sound like another Disney character, but it’s a whole new world down there." He paused, eyes flicking over the other with genuine interest. "What’s the deepest you’ve gone? See anything intriguing?"

That brought forth a laugh, "Well, someone can if they so choose. Just proves me right though, doesn't it?" But he didn't push after that, just settled with the outcome and reaction he had gotten from Suresh. "Ah, well, not the first time I've had that said to me. I'd give you about five to six minutes before I drown? Maybe less actually since I assume with Siren song I wouldn't have the forethought for...well thought overall." There was an almost casual morbidness to his words, but he didn't seem bothered by it personally. His mood had been off-kilter lately. "You can debate it if you want but I'm not good at debate." Tone shifted slightly, lighter now as he offered a sly smile, "Have you met Ken?" But Jonah liked Suresh much better than the vampire.

"I know I know." Despite his voice being tinged with weariness brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of frustration crossing his face, "You think confidence and the will to fight are just gonna spring up overnight? Magically take hold? It's fucking hard, man. Believe it or not, but I don't actually want to be weak and pathetic. Wanting to help others is...I dunno just how I was raised." Jonah gave a slow nod as the memory resurfaced, "Yeah I have. Left town once when things got too much. That was very selfish of me. My mind didn't blow that out of proportion or anything either. I'm still apologising for it, I think I'd have to forever." His voice cracked just a little, a wet laugh slipping out as he brushed past the ache of old guilt that crept back in. "Please tell me to shut up any time." And he believed the other wouldn't hold back on taking up that offer.

"No, you're good actually. I don't think you can put me in a bad mood? Feel free to try if you want. I enjoy your company too much at this point to let you have the satisfaction of thinking you got to me." It was in a way to further lighten the mood and cap his emotions, but what he said was truthful as well, he appreciated Suresh. Listening to him, the honesty in his words revealed a vulnerability, another, even if small, glimpse into the other's life was met with understanding. "How do you know they didn't feel the same way?" he could help but ask, "But I get that," Jonah added on softly, "I don't have supernatural powers to keep him safe, but that doesn't mean I don't want to protect him. I know I need to toughen up." His voice carried a resolve, though a flicker of doubt still lingered. He remembered that moment after the attack, and Poppy telling Rohan to jump into the fight. That surge of emotion, not quite anger but something fierce and protective, boiled up inside him. Fleeting and raw, it served as a reminder still.

A surprising laugh bubbled through catching him off guard, "Why did that sound like you just go told me to go fuck myself?" Despite covering his mouth with the back of his hand to stile it, light chuckles continued, "A mean jock? Life nerf'ed me this round then, didn't it? Just a soft, average nerd here."

Suresh grunted. "Logged onto Reddit and read about stoicism and the modern man, did you? You stay out of those groups, bruv. They're creepy-crawly." He clicked his tongue, giving a dismissive shrug of his shoulders before turning up his nose. "Big fan of The Little Mermaid then? I wanna say she discovers the algae wasn't always greener, but I think she stays with the boring bloody human boy in the end, don't she? I should get myself a big trident to skewer things." He hummed. "Maybe you could get one of the other science-y blokes to come up with a mechanism for you to administer it again underwater. Like a vaporized version you could keep in your pocket," he suggested. "But don't venture too far. Who knows what's waiting at the very bottom? Perhaps I do." He did not, but he thought Jonah believing he did would be funny.

"Don't be cutesy, mate. Someone's likely to punch you in the jaw." Suresh waggled a finger at him and narrowed his eyes. He shrugged. "Shift? Humph. Just makes my voice stronger. Fills me with the urge to let it out. So you ought to keep a safe distance before I have you walking into the surf without a potion." He wrinkled his nose. "Up for debate." Still, Suresh did not actually try to talk down being friends.

But locking eyes with him, Suresh pursed up his lips in displeasure. "Who said anything about helping anyone? Help your bloody self. I'm not asking you to be Joan of Arc here, mate. I'm just saying no one is going to save your shit, so you better save it yourself if you want to keep it." He shrugged. "You know how I feel about all that. It's yours to conquer, bruv. Have you ever actually done something you had to apologize for? Or do you just sort of...make it up in your head and then feel bad about it?"

He groaned. "Do I look like I care? You do whatever you bloody want, but if I can't put you in a bad mood, then I think maybe you just have them less often than you think you do." Giving a low hum, Suresh gave him a look up and down. "You have a life with a person who seems to think you puke rainbows. Forgive the metaphor. But I felt like that once about a person. They didn't about me. But I digress. I almost struck him by lightning. But if someone else had tried to, I would have ended them."

Suresh cocked his head to one side. "You do actually. Carry yourself the way he does. Which is wild, considering how you look. In another life, you were probably a very mean jock sort. Why don't you go motivate yourself?"

[jonahxrivas]

The auction had been an interesting experience to say the least. Jonah shouldn't have been surprised by it but was still caught off guard. His basket wasn't anything grand, there had been similar ones too, but his being the most, unsurprisingly, unremarkable. And it was adequately bid, going for a reasonable amount rather than thousands, millions, or billions like some of the other items. It was just a modest hike, not a diamond-studded trail. Meeting that expectation would be far too stressful and this here, it was just meant to be a day spent in the great outdoors. He could only do simple and that had to be enough.

A wave and a smile drew was returned as Jonah walked over to them. "Hiya! Ah well, either you're early or I'm late but either way we're here now. Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long? Needed to sort a couple things." Attention shifting to the dog, Jonah smiled, "Hi Moose! You ready for the day?"

With: @jonahxrivas Where: Echo Acres trailhead, Basket Auction Date

Remmy shifted from foot to foot as they waited with Moose for Jonah. They were actually pretty excited for the day, having gotten up early and made sure they'd had a healthy breakfast of blood to keep them fed on the hike-- but not just because they liked hiking, but also because they were eager to spend time getting to know Jonah, seeing as he was Rohan's husband. They liked Rohan, he was a nice guy, and he'd seemed genuinely invested in Remmy's gardening.

They smiled when they spotted him approaching, giving a wave. "Hey!" they called out. "Guess I got here a little early, huh?"

[jonahxrivas]

Happy One Year Anniversary! @rohanxpersaudx

[jonahxrivas]

"A little bit," he agreed, though that was understatement from the way Dave was acting, "Ah, yeah there's a lot of contests for sure. Even a food one too with the pie? I'm glad they went with that rather than this." Not that he would sign up to either eating contest, there was no time to savour things. "No, I haven't. I've seen them, but I uh- I'm a vegetarian now, before that fish weren't really part of my diet? You dissect something enough times, you lose appetite for it." He shrugged, it was how it was. His reasons for not eating fish went a little beyond than considering the critters to be friends. "Where is home for you? I could guess but...I'd rather not be wrong."

"He's mighty serious about all this, ain't he? Honestly, I'm a little impressed." She laughed a little. "Personally judging. I don't think there's enough different kind of folks competing to make it a contest. Plus, there's plenty of those this week, I'm sure." There was a bit of an art to properly peeling and eating a crawfish, one that Rae Elle honestly felt like she was born knowing, at this point. She couldn't remember ever being taught; it was just one of those things. "I used to. They were-- are-- big back home. Kind of a big thing once crawfish season hits. This one's good and all; maybe I'm just used to things havin' a bit more heat. You ever been to a crawfish boil?"

[jonahxrivas]

"Ro—" Though unable to even get a word out, Jonah definitely embraced the act of spontaneity from his husband. Returning the given kiss, Jonah lingered for a few seconds longer even after his feet touched back down, "Mhhmm, keep talking like that and I ..." trailing off he hooked a finger on the others shirt and pulled him in for another kiss because Jonah was not and never had been the one to be good with words. "I need to take more advantage of these perks it seems," he added on unabashedly. "After that move babe, it'll be a little difficult to keep track. But yes, you do have a point with the sprays." Laughing a little, he bobbed his head, "Lips are sealed. I didn't think there be a field guide but JC did once ask me to check the water toxicity of the river bank. It came up regular, but, steer clear of that too, okay?"

"You know I'm just terrible at resisting temptation, my love." Seeing his opportunity in the seclusion of the rows, Rohan dropped his own basket gently to the ground to scoop his husband into his arms and press a soft kiss to his lips. "You know, when the sun dances in your hair, it still makes my heart skip a beat," he hummed, mouth spreading into a smirk. "This super strength has its perks, doesn't it?" Wrinkling up his nose in a teasing expression, Rohan set him back down before lacing their fingers together. "Just keep track, okay? But we really should wash them before we eat them, Jonah. I don't know what sorts of pesticides they use out here. Do you know there's a whole wolf field guide of what you can and cannot eat? I don't know if that's a secret, so if anyone asks, I didn't tell you."

[jonahxrivas]

"Ah, well, don't let Dave catch you apologising to the food, he'll feel validated that this is a crime against nature." Jonah wished he was joking, but the guy was far too invested for his well intentions. "No, this isn't for the opposed or the allergic," he commented, wasn't it for him as well despite not strongly being part of either category but that reasoning was a different thing entirely. "Judging it as well huh? I didn't realise this was a contest, or... oh do you mean personally judging?" He looked to her. "You -uh go to a lot of these?"

Rae was, for the most part, content to just watch the folks that were protesting the crawfish boil. She didn't exactly understand the point of it; the unfortunate fact of the crawfish boil is that most of those critters were, well, boiled. She did watch one escape, snapping it's claws angrily before it disappeared into the grass while she ate from a piece of corn. The protest was still on-going, though, and didn't seem to be dying down. Granted, it was very small, but the numbers weren't dwindling, at least.

At the sound of the voice, Rae Elle glanced over and offered a smile. "You're fine, darlin'. Nothing to apologize for." She held up her plate. "I'm here to eat the food, and maybe judge it a little bit. Sorry to the food. But it's good! If you're not opposed to eating shellfish."

[jonahxrivas]

for: @rohanxpersaudx location: strawberry and peach picking

Sunshine warmed his face and pulled his lips into a soft smile as he walked among the rows of ripe red strawberries. He cherished moments like this, a quiet pocket of peace admist the every growing doom and gloom this town often faced. It was too good to be true that was much obvious, but even with that threat hanging over everyone, times like these were needed too. They needed it. Adjustments had to be made again and again, and again still, lives changing to accommodate each time had been tough, but he was immensely glad that he had Rohan by his side. "Do you think I'm gonna get told off for eating more than picking?" he called out to Rohan, but the fruit in hand disappeared in three quick bites. "My basket is pretty light, hope you're better at resisting temptation."

[jonahxrivas]

for: @earthwindandraen location: crawl fish boil

"I think you're doing great! Just...maybe a little bit too eager?"

Dave denied that far too eagerly. "I'm being perfectly normal! Think of the fish!"

"I'm with you but, man, these are crustaceans, come on!"

"Same difference, dude. Join us!"

Jonah couldn't say much else, well meaning words died on his tongue knowing even if they were voiced it would only fall onto deaf ears. With a sigh, that held resignation of a parent with a hyperactive child, he stood and watched as Dave walked backwards into the handful of people that gathered in front of the beach. Of course, he didn't fault any of them for it, especially not his co-workers, it was the opposite really, Jonah understood the need all too well. Ever since the aquarium tank was broken all of them grew more cautious and over protective of marine life. Hard not to when they had to rebuild what they worked so hard to maintain. To join them would be easy, protests weren't new for him but at the same time he knew Moonlight Grill to have sustainable practices, and this here? The feast that spread out before all the beach goers wasn't unethical.

"He means well, a little crazy but he's got a good heart," Jonah repeated to himself and eventually turned his gaze away from Dave only to catch the sight of another. "Oh. My bad...I was talking to myself. Well, about my coworker but that's another thing entirely." Glad to have not bumped into her though, which happened a lot, Jonah eased into a smile, "Are you here to eat the food or save the food?"

[jonahxrivas]

END.

There were many more things he could say, probably should say, apologise even for any hints of an uncharacteristic sharp tone but a heavy shake of his head came with a long pause after he had spoken, words, and languages too, expended for the moment as Jonah just shook his head again. "You didn't put me through anything," he said slowly once the lump in his throat subsided. If anything, it was the opposite, if he hadn't been human, been someone that was better able to defend himself none this would happen but such a thought was not voiced no matter how much it was true. Letting himself sink back into Rohan's side, he gave a weak nod, "That's all I want."

Compliments and reassurances, though appreciated, did not quite hit the mark to make him believe it — they hardly ever did no matter who said it, but not wanting to seem dismissive or ungrateful, Jonah returned with a small smile, "That's all you as well." Lacing his fingers through Rohans, he gave it a squeeze, "Yeah, yeah we can. I certainly need it too. We'll get through this, okay? It'll be okay."

It was far easier said that done, that self-depreciating, thing. It wasn't intentional by all means, didn't even feel like he was putting himself down in any way, to him, it was just a fact. "Ever thought that maybe you're just too kind and easily seduce-able with science facts?" he said in hopes to lighten the mood a little. "No, it's fine, you can still talk just... just tell them I'm busy at the aquarium." It weighed heavy on his heart to think about the damage despite only just working there, the place became something of a second home. "It won't be a lie. I'll have to spend more time than usual."

[jonahxrivas]

Jonah shrugged, "It was just a random thought. I thought it was funny." He hoped it'd lighten the mood and have them brush it off with a laugh but as she spoke, he fell quiet. "No, I know what gaps in memory feel like. I'm fine. Would me undergoing a medical exam ease your worry? I'm sure I'm not missing anything except my vision." And that. well, that he had to wait to process. Pushing it down felt a lot easier to do even if ignoring it was impossible. "I'm sure. But if it's bothering you then by all means you can adjust it." A weary yet gentle smile settled across his lips, "I've been in the hospital a lot of times now Bri, spent many nights here, I know most of the nurses. I promise you everything here is fine. I've adjusted to everything." There wasn't a fraction of a doubt in his mind that this would be the last visit, no, he was certain he'd end up here again at some point.

Expression now turning happier with a broader smile, Jonah looked to Bri. "That's wonderful! I'm not surprised at the hints, but no no, we're not brushing this off that easily. Yes, you can show me the snow globe, that's fine, but this is genuinely great. I'm happy for you both. Is Ben looking at buying a new place?" he asked, knowing that his cousin had a vast collections of clothes and all things fashion.

"You don't. The mess clearly is me," he laughed even if that was at his own expense, it was true. "But yeah, we can try them on if you'd like." A low chuckle rolled through at the rather accurate description, "Not wrong. She's definitely onto something."

"Why would you put that in my head? You know, I'm going to spiral now. I mean did you hit your head? Is it the drugs? You still have all of your organs don't you? Because a lot of people in this town keep on showing up with blocks in their memory missing and the next thing you know, we're finding out some botched surgery was performed on them!" She exclaimed. "Are you sure? Because it seems quite drying. Maybe I should have Ben grab my tea kettle from home. Did I mention I might be moving in with Ben? We chatted about it recently. I might have left quite a few hints and by hints I mean outwardly asked him to ask me to move in with him already, but that's beside the point and oh... but worrying is something I excel at... Is it bothering you?" She blinked over at him. Her eyes grew wide with concern. "Is now a bad time to show you the snow globe Billie helped me pick out?" She asked, hoping she might be able to distract him with her over-the-top personality with presents. It always, did after all, seem to work with her as a kid when her mom wanted to pivot the subject.

"Okay. No pictures and thats okay. I probably look like a hot mess anyway. But, we can wear them just for ourselves, no photos needed?" She offered up as she moved to sit on the edge of his bed. "Ronnie did call him my hunky pirate boyfriend. She may be on to something there..."