readbentweenthelines

[readbentweenthelines]

There was really no way to plan for this kind of shit show, though Ben thought that perhaps, as a town, they should be better about that. No, despite what happened at the aquarium, there was no way to predict how whatever sort of magic research that was happening could effect the entire town, especially when they were gathered at such a large function like a music festival.

The first shield that he'd constructed had been an accident, thought it had certainly protected him from some falling debris. The more he practiced, though, the better he got, thankfully. It was like working a newly discovered muscle, and it was sore and strange, but repetition and consistency were key.

Ben had been attempting to help some stragglers when he'd run into JC, looking delirious as he talked about pain. "I'm all good, mate," he said, frowning. He gently raised a shield to help support the Alpha. "What about you? You're not looking too good."

Open Starter @lunarcovestartersLocation: Covechella

While he had not been the current Alpha for very long, the role was, of course, one Júlio César had held twice. His ability to take on the pain of other wolves was not alien to him. Recently enough, he had offered it to help ease some of their newer members through their second or third shift. Against his better judgement, he had taken on a thorn or a bramble once he had decided that lessons against reckless wandering had been learned. But it had not been like this.

Pain coursed through him now, a burning sensation rushing up his forearm from jostling shoulders with someone who had brushed too close to an open flame. Each bump in the mounting panic rattled him, as if he were feeling all who jostled him both for himself and on their behalf.

A hand shot out, gripping for someone, anyone. JC cried out when another sharp dagger shot through him. "Ah...Ah! I can't..." He muttered distantly, in something of a daze. "Hurt? Are you hurt?"

[readbentweenthelines]

"I've always wondered how that goes," Ben mused, how inherent abilities worked. Fae weren't like born wolves, but there was that factor of seeming mostly human up to a point. He wondered how Ignacio's transition into this life had gone. He'd ask. Another time, perhaps.

Ben chuckled. "Way too much sugar," he agreed. It was the next part of what Ignacio said that made him genuinely laugh, though. "Top of the food chain, absolutely. I didn't realize there were so many responsibilities that came along with it. Imposing order on chaose is a pretty big deal."

It was just as well. Although, Ben could admit that he was curious at the thought of hearing the French fae speak with a Texas drawl. There were likely much better uses for his mimicry, but that was certainly an interesting choice. "Maybe your employee can help with that. And don't think of it as lying, you know, just sprucing up the language." Ben looked down at the kitten. "Well, now maybe you'll start to prefer cats, too."

END.

Ignacio gave a distant sigh. "I suppose that is true. I never did have the...eh, the opportunity, you understand? I woke up a human, and then I was a pixie. And all at once, everything had changed, and I was here." While there had been some time in hiding after his discovery of his true nature, he had never quite had to deal with trying to lead an ordinary life while concealing that nature. Vampires and werewolves had come as something of a shock, of course, but when a person has sudden wings, he finds he has so little energy remaining for skepticism.

"It is too much sugar," he repeated with more firmness, giving a wrinkle of his nose. "It is because we are...what is the phrasing? We are the top of the food chain. It is our duty to impose order on chaos. It keeps trying to find us." Ignacio sighed.

"Hmm. Perhaps. Sometimes I watched American films with dubbing. I would need to find clips of him. Pixies can mimic. Perhaps if I listen enough...I shall be able to do a voice. I have not tried," he offered with a shrug. While he had used his ability for imitation in the past, he had not quite tried it vocally. "I cannot lie. I must say the coffee is how it is. This is why I struggle to market. I have an employee. They are better. I am also a violinist and a boxer. I simply prefer bees."

[readbentweenthelines]

Open starter @lunarcovestarters Where: Covechella (amidst the chaos)

Ben had been looking around for familiar faces, trying to usher people to safety by protecting them from flying debris and stray bolts of all manner of magic, seemingly all four elements and then some being spouted into the skies. Being able to construct shields was certainly quite handy, particularly in this situation.

"Watch out!" he called, constructing a quick shield over someone's head as a rampant drone comes out of nowhere, nearly smacking them in the head. Ben makes his way towards them. "Are you alright?"

[readbentweenthelines]

Option A

Ben had been, for the most part, attempting to enjoy the last dredges of summer before classes were back in session, and that included taking in the sights of the music festival. His hopes were that it would be an exciting but laid back event, hopefully on the same scale as the rodeo had been for the most part. Fairy loot was a concept that he wasn't familiar with, however, and he couldn't help but worry that it might be some sort of shenanigans. He didn't mind shenanigans. He just didn't want to be a casualty. Still, he did admittedly wander around looking for a few, only to come across Dilan doing the same. "I'm curious as to what's even the point of fairy loot," he said lightly when she finally stopped screaming. "Is it really worth it?"

Option A: Dilan

Dilan wasn’t exactly having the best time being gross and dirty at Covechella, but the saving grace for her was fairy looting. Figuring the trees would long be filled up with stuff since she had waited so long, she made her way over to the forest of fake trees. Stopping at the first one closet to her only to stick her hand in and find out that it was empty. “What the fuck?” She cursed out as she went to the next and felt around once more, still empty. “Where is all the fairy loot?” She asked aimlessly. Stomping her feet as she checked the next few trees and they were also empty. “What the actual fuck?” She screamed before pushing one of the empty trees and toppling it over. “Where is everything?”

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Option B: Poppy

Poppy watched as a group of vampires came carrying in the pumpkin from Holloway farms, that wasn't finished growing yet since it wasn't October. "What is happening?" Asking the person next to her as she couldn't take her eyes off the pumpkin. "What the..." Trailing off as she watched them ignite the pumpkin with a flame. "Oh my god. Isn't that the Halloween pumpkin? Why are they burning it?" Panicking as she ran over to try and put out the fire, but it was even too much for her. "Why?" She whined out.

@lunarcovestarters

[readbentweenthelines]

"I wonder how long the altering of supernatural residence has been going on, if it's happened before. Or if that was just a Lorelai thing," Ben wondered. It was something he'd rather not think about, but it was always a possibility. Lorelai didn't invent manipulating people's memory. "I'd like to think that the archives are as comprehensive as they can be, but there's always something to be taken with a grain of salt from first hand accounts that have no ability to be thoroughly backed up. People lie. In fact, for some, it's their favorite activity, and that's what gets documented."

Ben laughed. "That's true. Dedication and standing your ground really seem to be the way to go about it. And I greatly appreciate it. I'm quite fond of my house, most days." He took a swig of his beer. "I suppose you've got me there. I'm not certain in my own capability to defend the gazebo." Maybe with the right equipment, but who could say? But he had to agree. Their job should be to make things better. That was why he'd taken this position. "I'll drink to that. To making things better."

END?

"I trust Meena. I do. Don't get me wrong. But...memory alteration is sort of a core theme around here. I had to let them look into mine to solve all that Lorelei shit," JC replied with a grimace. "But I guess we have nothing to rely on but our own archives. Pitfalls of living in a secret town or whatever." It was not as though neighboring libraries would have records related to the founding of Lunar Cove. But parts of him really did wonder how much of reality had been lost to local lore or retellings.

"Hey, I got my way. You can live wherever you want forever now. You're welcome," he shot back jokingly. "Well, it's a little bigger than the gazebo, right? That count as neutral Coalition territory?" Sniffing and leaning back in his chair, JC gave a nod. "I think that's what we should be doing. The Council and our elected officials, yeah. We spend so much time on such inane...whatever. It's no one's fault. We live in weird-ass times. But that's what we're all here for, right? To try to make things better?"

[readbentweenthelines]

"A way to blend in, or a way to stand out?" Ben asked, smiling slightly. After all, nice cars always stood out, but perhaps not as much as wings might. Those tended to attract attention, even in Lunar Cove. "You'd be right. I've always enjoyed cooking, baking, working in kitchens. Maybe I should have made a living of it, but sometimes it's nice to just do things for the enjoyment of it, right? if it was a job, it'd be a job. And while I firmly believe in enjoying one's career, I also like taking my time in the kitchen. Does that make sense?" He chuckled. "I suppose that's fair. Two people just can't compete with feeding an entire restaurant."

"A little bit," she replied, raising her hand to subtly press her thumb and index finger close together. "Sometimes, they really are just for show." Nyra nodded in agreement, "Perfect." She beckoned him toward the collection of cookbooks, then picked one up, flicking through its pages with quiet interest. "I don't take you for a bad cook, am I right in that assumption?" she asked. Though she herself was no chef, if such a label were to be given, but had in her many years of existence received formal training to call herself one but cooking had always been a personal sanctuary for her, something she did for herself, a way to unwind from a busy life. "Oh, don't worry about making a mess,” she added with a reassuring smile, "We cannot, and certainly will not, be worse than the lunch and dinner rush.”

[readbentweenthelines]

"That might be worth taking a look in the archives," Ben murmured. "Or maybe asking Meena, since she was there." These were notable questions, though, ones that Ben often lingered on. Why keep living in this town, especially as a human? Sometimes, he knew that it could be an incredible detriment. He hadn't visited his parents in a number of years, he couldn't leave without forgetting highly important parts of his life. So often, the town was attacked, taking its status of a safe haven and laughing at it. It was still something he believed in, something that he wanted to believe in, but still. It would be nice to be able to travel without losing the memory of the love of his life or without having to switch species.

Ben chuckled. "I'm sure they'd be delighted. I can't lie and say it wouldn't be convenient. No one would be able to argue about me moving, either, since I already live downtown." He raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying, Júlio César that you, alpha, the top dog, couldn't defend Echo Acres all on your lonesome?" Ben teased. "So, housing initiatives, getting in contact with LCDOT, perhaps more work could be taken towards wildlife conservation, making sure that the forests are well maintain for both wolves and the other local inhabitants. All good problems for the town government to discuss."

"Sure. But there's a difference between laughing at and laughing with, yeah?" JC gave a shrug of his shoulders at that before collapsing a bit into a weak sigh. "Between us, I think with all the sordid secrets that have come out, we ought to maybe...look into the real origins of Lunar Cove. And have a serious think about what does and does not merit celebration. But that's neither here nor there. We have two professional theaters in this town. I know I'd feel a little more hometown pride if it was a little less...this. And hell, maybe that's something we need to reclaim. Why keep living here? What are we protecting?" He trailed off.

"Good luck. Witches will love that one," Júlio César snorted. "But you know, I agree. Listen, it's important for the wolves, at least, to have a safe, territorial area in which to shift. That much I concede. But you're right. Everyone lives everywhere, and I don't think one of us being in a specific place is going to...I'm not knocking the Council. Really, I'm not. But my ass isn't defending all of Echo Acres all on my own. What do I look like?" He raised his brow. "It does. Maybe we could...Shadow Lake has potholes too. That's wild. With the amount of money thrown around in this town, isn't it?"

[readbentweenthelines]

"I do believe that's why the barrier's in place. It's a bit different than living outside of town, what with supernatural individuals being free to be themselves in public here. No one's concerned about keeping themselves hidden here when the town will do it for them," Ben said. He knew that it was a safety measure when visitors came to town. It kept them from spreading the fantastical details that they saw while in Lunar Cove. Sometimes, though, it felt like a bit of a curse for those who were human and had loved ones in town. They couldn't leave or they'd forget them. Some humans were born in Lunar Cove and died there without ever leaving.

Ben laughed. "You don't have to apologize for being a food snob, it's quite alright. I'm not particularly American myself, though, I will admit, the food has grown on me. Some of it, at least. The burgers especially. They're just made better, here," he said. He nodded. "I understand, I assure you. Sometimes, I wish the natural order of things didn't have to be so violent, you know?"

Considering the question, Ben asked one of his own, "Do you... know how Matthew McConaughey talks?" If there was any way to explain a Texas drawl, that might be the most memorable one. "She said the coffee was delicious. Which I assume means it was mediocre at best. Maybe it's the advertisement. Might be something worth looking into, yeah? But is that so? Bit of a different career path, then, luxury goods versus the opera."

Ignacio offered a short nod. "Yes. That is what I understand. I imagine it is challenging. In the past, have humans gone on to...share the secrets of this town?" In truth, the mirage itself felt somewhat overzealous to Ignacio, and while he certainly understood its necessity, he had also grown up believing himself to be human. In his mind, then, most remained largely good at their cores.

"As it turns out, I do not have their burgers often. I suppose I have more than once, but perhaps I should have more. The meatloaf must be very good as well. I do do not want to be...a snob. Truly. American cuisine is varied and pleasing. But there is much sugar. And I say this with a tooth for it." This came almost apologetically, as if he had not completely gotten used to the local palate just yet. "Merci. Merci. It is a difficult feeling. Understanding nature must cycle while wishing all things could find peace." This was evidently a joke, and he said it through a smile.

Ignacio shrugged. "Draw...drawling. I do not know that word. It is...it means stretched?" He motioned with his hands, as if pulling taffy. "Mon dieu. It must have been special coffee. I run a luxury business. I would hope people would travel for my wares." An embarrassed shrug followed. "I hope you can. Sincerely. My mother would have liked me to sing opera. Perhaps she believed the Italian to be the obstacle."

[readbentweenthelines]

"You know, I feel like if you shopped around a little more, you could probably find an actual prince around these parts," Ben teased. "Particularly among the more long-lived species. Maybe a fae prince, or a vampire lord." It was all just things to lighten the mood, something that he felt was, perhaps, needed. Quietly, he said, "Sometimes, feelings defy all manner of logic, and that's okay, you know. I think you just have to remind yourself about it." He presses a kiss her lips, once, then twice, then a third for good measure. "It doesn't have to be okay right now," he said. "But it will be. And it'll do you good. Go out, make some new friends, focus on something new rather than lingering in the bad feelings, yeah?"

Ben gave a laugh, one that only grew as she poked his chest. "Secretely? I thought you liked me for my charms and my dazzling wit and bloody good sense of humor. Are you trying to tell me you only like me because I've got a pretty face?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. It was nice to see the dour mood slowly but surely start to lift as they settled, her against him. He hoped she found his presence as comforting as he found hers. "I know, love. I know. I'm not much for stars, though. Everything I want is right here."

"I know you do, and I think if you told me a few years to dream up the perfect person for me, I wouldn't have ever, even if my wildest dreams, imagined as incredible a person as you. You really are my Prince Charming, Trouble, and now I can't imagine a world without you in it," She admitted. She would be utterly lost without him and, maybe he didn't realize it, but she did. Even now, if he hadn't been here, she would've been a shell of a person. And yet, somehow, he managed to burn bright enough for the both of them. But as Ben carried on, a soft sigh escaped her lips and she found herself squeezing her tired eyes shut. "I'm not saying that there is or that it actually correlates. I'm well aware, logically, I was barely alive and probably didn't even have a fully developed personality at the time when it happened. But that doesn't mean that it hasn't felt like I've had to try to earn people's favor my whole life, either? And maybe it wasn't any different with her. Maybe I did try to win her over by asking her to move in or the Townhouse, but it felt different? It felt like we were real friends. Like we were in the same boat. It's why I had asked her to move in originally, because it felt like we were two sides of the same coin, but sometimes... sometimes it just feels like no matter what I do, whether I try or not, the outcome will still wind up the same in the end, no matter what. Like what dream we got stuck in... I'll be okay though. I'll stop wallowing in a few days and go make new friends or something. I don't know. I'll figure it out," She decided. It was only when he apologized that bottom lip of hers began to tremble all over again. "It's okay," She said, because it wasn't his fault, even if they both knew this situation was far from it.

"Okay," She gave him a small nod as she dabbed at her teary eyes all over again. "Wha-" Bri's jaw did fall open a bit when he told her he was wrong about a lot of things. "No, I'm not!" She began to protest. "Wow, he jokes. Who knew you were secretly just so funny?" She gave him chest a firm poke as she narrowed her eyes over at him, before the corner of her lips itched up despite herself. "I won't," She heaved another sigh, as she melted back into his arms, burying her face against his chest as she mumbled out, "And you too. I would do anything for you. I mean it. I'd give you every star in the whole sky if I could, and don't you dare forget it."

[readbentweenthelines]

"I believe so, yes," He smiled. "I'm sure it's quite lovely. It might be a bit before I'm able to go, though. Being human makes travel... limiting, sometimes." He used to travel so much. He used to enjoy traveling. He still did, even if he'd become quite a bit more confined. One day, he knew he'd get to travel again with his memories in tact, no fear of forgetting the people he'd grown to care for so deeply. For now, though, he didn't mind.

"I think I'd be thinking about burgers all the time, if I worked at Peggy's. Enough to name a cat after one, especially a burger that good," Ben joked. "But it's no problem, really. And I'll be sure to let whoever's helping know to be courteous to the bees while they're chatting up the raccoons. Make sure it's something that's beneficial to all of the local fauna, eh?"

Ben couldn't help but laugh loudly at that. "Don't feel too upset about it, mate. I think a Texas accents rather hard to get right. All low and slow, yeah? Drawling. But right? Everything's so spread out. It's such a trek, but people will do it all the time. I had a student last semester tell me how she'd drive an hour in each direction at least once a week to get this particular coffee she liked. " He did a bit of backpacking in Europe, though, with the way Ignacio said it, he wondered if they were doing it differently. "Oh, I loved it. I'd love to go back. One day. But that's good. We'd take holiday to different places sometimes, too. My mum really loved Italy, how warm it gets. Wine country and the like."

"Oh, yes. Yes. She has some French." Contrary to the popular cliché, he did enjoy it when people tried to speak it with him. Ignacio smiled. "You must visit. It is a fine country. You will find many things to enjoy," he replied easily. "But you are human, yes? I understand that is complicated." This came matter-of-factly, a recognition of reality, not without sympathy, but not apologetically.

Ignacio offered an easy shrug. "Yes. Yes. I suppose if I worked at Peggy's, I would be thinking of meatloaf. As of now, I am usually thinking of honey. We are all so much more than what we do, but also not at all." He laughed, despite himself. "Merci. Merci. I must warn, the bees can be...troubled by magic, I feel. Even my own illusions. There was that witch who...he preferred wasps, but even that, it fractured Lunar Cove's ecosystem. They must be approached and asked politely, I think."

Looking back up, Ignacio smiled again. "I have tried to learn the...Texas one. For the rodeo? No good. But, yes, yes. America is so very large. I could not have imagined driving forty minutes to go to a place back home. Now? Now? That is a grocery run every week for some people, yes? We are fortunate that Lunar Cove is good for walking. Many places are not." He nodded, listening intently. "I have 'backpacked' in Europe. Would you like to visit Malaysia again?" Ignacio nodded. "Oui. France. But we took holidays. I have seen Spain and Portugal. Italy. Germany. My parents thought it important."

[readbentweenthelines]

"Well, thank you," Ben said. "I suppose they would be rather redundant, wouldn't they? If you can fly or teleport." Or swim the entire ocean quite quickly. It seemed like a nice way to get around, in truth. Convenient. "I'd be interested in trying it our own way, if you don't mind, though looking through some recipes might spark a little inspiration. What do you think?" He laughed. "I agree with not needing any assistance, though it's kind. Between the two of us, we should manage to make it through cooking without messing up your very nice kitchen."

"I know, I know," she said, brushing off his comment about the car with an easy smile. "Just think of it as a little treat for winning the basket. Personally, I find cars a bit redundant. I send them out to pick up special guests." Her fondness for other modes of travel, portals and flight wasn't a secret, and that made cars less essential in her life. Still, she kept a few in her private garage beneath the hotel, all Maseratis, of course, to maintain her signature style. With a nod, Nyra gestured toward the stack of cookbooks. "Would you like to choose a recipe or try our own way? I've got chefs who can assist if needed, but honestly, I think we'll be fine on our own."

[readbentweenthelines]

"I think that I'm the proper amount of good to you. Or less than you deserve. I think you deserve the world," Ben said. He felt a frown tug his lips downward. "I don't think that's fair to you, Bri. There's nothing in the world that you could have done differently with your birth parents. You were a literal child. Their faults have nothing to do with how lovable you are." He understood that could be hard, though. He knew that. Things like that lingered in the head and the heart, and recent events only made that pain worse. He was sure of that. "I don't think you're a massive pushover. I think that you care so deeply, and I think that you want to believe the best in the people you care about. It can be painful, so deeply painful, when that care and belief is misused, and I'm so very sorry for that."

Ben brushed his thumb over her cheek. "You don't have to care, and that doesn't make you a terrible person, especially after being hurt." It wasn't really Bri's responsibility to care about Ronnie, especially not now, especially when it didn't seem like Ronnie wanted to be cared about to begin with. He chuckled. "Yes, we can look on Zillow or Wayfair, if you'd like." He didn't mind. Whatever it too to lift her spirits. "Hmm, I find your tendencies for control rather endearing. You're wrong about a lot of things, you know," he teased. "But you're not wrong that I love you. Never forget that."

"You're too good to me," She hummed against his skin, but managed to give him a small little nod all the same as he guided her eyes up to meet his. "It's..." She bite down on her bottom lip as her shoulders lifted and fell into a defeated slump. "It's not anything I don't already know? I know you can't actually make anyone like you, but its one thing to rationalize a situation and to actually live it? I mean my birthparents gave me up for a reason and while I've never once felt the need to track them down, I mean I'm more than happy with the parents who did want me, it doesn't mean the why in my head gets any easier? Why they gave me up? Why friends never seem to stay? Why the girl I thought was my family told me she only was using me for money? Why my exe lied to my face to, I don't manipulate me? Am I just some massive pushover or-" When some many people continuously pointed out her flaws and how unlikeable she seemed to be, it was hard not to believe it. Even statistically speaking, all signs pointed to her being the problem, except she didn't exactly know how to fix all of her. So either she was stuck being an awful, crazy and manic person or she was far more spineless than she pretended to be, willing letting people take advantage and hurt her. And either option didn't exactly sound appealing...

"I... I don't really care how Veronica looked or didn't," She admitted after a prolonged beat. "Which might make me a terrible person, but it wasn't as though she gave a damn about my feelings, so..." So, she could be stricken or miserable for all she cared at the present. She had truly tried and would've let Ronnie walk all over her if the other girl hadn't gone there. The one place she knew would truly hurt. "I still think there was probably some truth to it, but yeah, I'm aware," She squeezed her eyes shut as she let out a staggering breath, slumping against Ben's chest once again. "Yes, please," She gave him a small nod at the thought. "And maybe we could look at Zillow or Wayfair? If there was one thing that always seemed to lift her spirits, it was good old fashioned retail therapy. "Because that dynamic and fascinating woman happens to be a neurotic control freak on crack?" She snuck a peek up at him, the corner of her lips lifting ever so slightly as she nuzzled closer into his hold. "But, okay. You're delusional and in love with me. I've got it," The corner of her lips lifted up into a hint of a smile to make it clear she was only teasing.

[readbentweenthelines]

"I know." Ben didn't mind being certain for her when it seemed like she couldn't do it herself. He smiled, a little sad, as she kissed his cheek and buried her face in his neck, and he brushed his hands soothingly over her hair. "I love you, too. More than words can ever say, though I plan to spend the rest of my life-- my very long life-- looking for them." He tilted her chin up to look at him. "You don't owe anyone anything. I think this might be a little difficult to hear, but there's no way to truly make someone want you by behaving differently than you already are. That just means they'll want something that isn't really you, or they'll want you for the things you can give them, not the person you truly are. And that can be hard. We all want to be liked. And I don't think you have poor judgement. I think you have a lot of love and care, and you don't really know what to do with it." He sighed. "Look, I don't really know what's going on, but I don't think mad's the right word for whatever Ronnie's feeling. I think she was saying things to hurt, not things that she actually thought was true. She looked rather... stricken, when we were leaving."

Ben sighed, nodding. "I think that was her point. Which is, honestly, more of a problem than her saying things that would be true. I hate to say it, darling, but I think you have a habit for picking friends that want to hurt you in some form or fashion." At least this one hadn't stabbed her. He gave Bri a soft smile. "It can involve ice cream. Maybe we could make sundaes if you'd like?" He raised an eyebrow at her. "Of all the things in this world that I could regret, and you think I'd regret falling in love with you?" Bri, I don't do regrets. I'm happy with my life. I'm happiest with you. Why on earth would I regret falling for such a dynamic, fascinating woman? That'd just be ridiculous, if you ask me."

"You think or you know?" She let out a small sniffle. His voice sounded certain, but after what had just gone down with Ronnie she found it hard to be sure. "I-" She stammered, dragging her sleeves across her tear-stained cheeks as she gave him a small nod, her throat tight and her bottom lip still trembling. "I-" She peeked up at him. She knew her voice was scratchy and her eyes likely a little swollen, but as her gaze met his, her expression softened, searching his face as she tried desperately to convey the love she felt for him. "I love you," The words were barely audible as she pressed a searing kiss against his cheek before she buried her face back into the nap of his neck. "So impossibly much and I know. I know you're not Ronnie or Gia. I told Gia as much," She fidgeted with the fabric of his shirt as promised him, "I need you to know that. That I really do believe it. It's just-" She bit down on her bottom lip as she let out another shaky breath. "All my life, I've felt like I've needed to give people a reason to want me..." It sounded ridiculous to say out loud, but being adopted by parents who loved her, but always seemed to be busy with something unless that, is unless she was doing something exceptional like starring in a Broadway show, that need to prove herself became hard to shake. "And every time that I trust that they do, I'm quickly shown that I have... well, poor judgement which... makes it hard sometimes to feel like I can trust my gut, even when I know that this is real and we're both in this for the long haul. I just wish I was a better judge of character, you know? Not about you! Choosing you has been the best call I've ever made. And I... I know that Ronnie's going through something. But I also know that people generally seem to be the most honest when they're mad, and I just... I can't see a world in which there isn't some truth to it..."

"She still wanted to hurt me and knew exactly how. And the worst part is, I was the one who gave her all of the ammo she needed to," She let out one last shaky breath, scrunching up her nose slightly as she slowly lifted her head up from his chest. "Okay," She gave him another small nod. "That sounds nice. Can it involve ice cream?" She asked, knowing she likely sounded silly or immature, especially given how she wasn't exactly making any attempt to move from where she sat, still wrapped up in his arms. But him being here really did mean the world to her. In fact, his presence was likely the only thing keeping her from completely and utterly spiraling. "I don't get how you don't sometimes regret falling in love with my crazy ass, just a little bit," She admitted, letting a soft and breathy attempt at a laugh. "But at least that eternity is never going to be boring, hm?"

[readbentweenthelines]

"You might," Ben started. "Brielle Rivas? She owns Cabaret downtown. But I very much understand clothing for comfort." Really, most of what Ben wore during the summer was for comfort as opposed to the more professional attire he wore during the school year for teaching. "I didn't know that, no. I'm not well-versed in most things about France, I fear." He'd had spent more time poking fun certain French stereotypes over the years than actually keeping up with the culture farther than a few French works of literature thrown onto his syllabi.

Ben chuckled. "I don't think the staff at Peggy's was thinking about the German city when they were considering names," he said, "but Hamburg isn't the worst name for a cat. No worse than Meatloaf." He smiled back. "I'll ask around, see if there's anyone in the know that might be willing to help you out. Perhaps someone can convince your raccoon to find somewhere else to try and find a meal. Maybe ask your queen bees their names while they're around."

"I get the chic doubt," Ben said, laughing. "And they certainly do. Which is so fascinating to me. So many different American accents. I suppose that's what happens when your country seems bigger than the EU." He softened. "We didn't live there too long. My parents' work in London kept us there, but we would visit family when we could, and I backpacked there some before I moved to Lunar Cove. Gunung Mulu National Park is beautiful. I liked all of Malaysia when we were traveling, but Sarawak is always home." And it'd been so long since he was able to travel back. "So were you in Spain and Italy and Switzerland as well growing up, or just France?"

Ignacio smiled at that. "Do I know her? Your girlfriend? I ask, but in truth, I suppose I am not the most fashionable in Lunar Cove. Most of my clothing is comfortable and practical for daily life. But I receive the benefit of the doubt on being chic. Because of how I sound, I think. Did you know Haute Couture is protected in France? One cannot simply call anything that."

Ignacio clicked his tongue. "Hamburger. Could it not be after the city instead? That is, at least, more serious." He wrinkled up his nose but could not help but smile. "If you know any such witches, please ask if they would help me talk a raccoon away from my bees, hm? I do not name the queens, as it were, but perhaps I should. It feels presumptuous. Who am I to barge into their kingdom and confer titles, yes?"

He nodded again. "Ah. You get the chic doubt too. Americans do love a voice, do they not? But do not worry. I do not believe in grudges. Suresh does. Do you know Suresh? He is quite upset when I speak French at him, so I do it often. Tell me of Sarawak. I do not know it well. My family found its way to France back through Spain, Italy, and Switzerland."

[readbentweenthelines]

"An argument could be made, perhaps, that the people need corny," Ben said diplomatically. He couldn't help but wrinkle his nose as well at the look of the floart. "But, I think that us and our advisors making fools of ourselves in this heat isn't necessarily conductive to community engagement or outreach. If the town wants to celebrate Founder's Day, that's bloody well and good. However, it might be better if a performance was put on by trained actors, rather than our aggrieved advisors who look like they'd rather be anywhere else." He could see Song on the float looking like he was trying to take a nap. Delightful. "I couldn't agree more. It's important now more than ever that we're working together as a town."

Ben chuckled. "Between the two of us, I think Song is fighting awfully hard for Downtown. Not that I think it'll happen, but it's a bit amusing, if nothing else. Truthfully? I'm firmly of the mindset that attempting to separate the town by species simply doesn't work anymore. How many people who aren't wolves live in Echo Acres? How many people who aren't witches live Downtown? If we're trying to foster unity, then that's what we should be bringing to the table: unity." He actually liked the idea of it, once JC said the words. "That could be something to bring to a council meeting. Accessible housing initiatives. Feels like something more productive to spend our time yelling about, doesn't it?"

"I don't even know why we put on this show every year, Ben. It's corny as hell. Look, if you support it, I'll push forward a resolution to at least update the costumes. I know it's not entirely Council business, but it's our advisors and our reputation." Extending a hand, JC allowed his nose to wrinkle. He sighed, then, still managing a smile. "Thank you. I appreciate that. And look, I'm here to build bridges. We're all in this together, one way or another." This assertion was easy to make, of course, but follow-through remained to be seen,

"Do you want the humans to have a particular area? If you do, I think you should push for it. Counter-productive, but I like a shake-up." This came like a joke, but there was still a certain edge of truth in it. He would have liked to see how the others reacted. "That's true of Lunar Cove too, man. I mean, I just moved to Celestial Hills myself and made a big stink of it. But I'm completely down for more accessible housing in every neighborhood."

[readbentweenthelines]

"Ahh, I see," Ben started. "Less getting lost in the details of property ownership and more heading straight for monarchal rule. I see. That would make sense for most felines. They seem to have the attitude for it." He grinned. "Just don't sell yourself short. Your next life could very well have you enjoying all the amenities that the finest house cats enjoy, if you believe in that kind of thing."

Ben considered her words, thinking over the best way to respond. "I certainly think that, if a puppy is what you know you want, then that's what you should go for, chaos and all. But," he paused, glancing over at the bigger dog. "Sometimes what we think is supposed to happen and what is actually supposed to happen are two separate things. Who can say? I will say, though, that you don't have any dog food on your face, so I don't think that's an excuse that can be used."

"Pay taxes? Please, cats give me more of a, do my bidding and worship me, kind of a vibe. Doubt they'd be paying taxes or bills- must be nice," she laughed, "if reincarnation is real, maybe I'll be lucky enough to come back as one- then again, with my track record, somehow I doubt it."

Valentina hummed as Ben spoke of the center, glad to hear that he'd vouch for it, even if he was a stranger and she didn't know anything about his judgement. "Huh? Oh. Well, yea, I mean, maybe? I dunno," she started uncertainly, shrugging, "I always sorta thought my first pet would be a puppy, y'know? The chaotic energy is more my style," she chuckled, her eyes straying back to the big black dog with solemn eyes. "But I can't shake this feeling- or maybe I've got dog food on my face and that's why he's staring at me like that?"

[readbentweenthelines]

In truth, Ben was rather glad that Nyra was the one behind the basket that he'd won. He enjoyed cooking, he enjoyed the company, and it would be a welcome reprieve from the manner with which they usually spent time together: inside the council room with the minutiae arguments of running the supernatural affairs of the town more often than not getting heated around them. It wasn't necessarily a relaxing way to spend one's time.

This, he hoped, would be the exact opposite of that. He was amused when the car came to pick him up, but Ben took it in stride, allowing himself to sit back and enjoy the ride before he was guided through the Emerald Hotel and into the kitchens. Everything seemed to be set up as he arrived, and, honestly, he was delighted by the chance to work in a professional kitchen. Academia and politics had taken up so much of his time for so long that he'd not always had the opportunity to fall back on his other hobbies and passions, but this was a nice get away from that.

"I was born ready," Ben teased, looking around once more before giving her a smile. "You know, I could've driven myself. Though the car was quite fancy."

for: @readbentweenthelines location: emerald hotel

It hadn't been mentioned in the basket description to keep things discreet but once it was clear she was the one behind it, it felt obvious that everything would be set in the warm kitchens of the Emerald. Nyra had even taken the extra step, perhaps a little impulsively, to arrange a car to pick him up, simply because, well, why not? An extra little unmentioned treat as part of the basket.

As she waited for Ben to arrive, she had prepared the space, laying out ingredients and cookbooks too, ready in case he wanted to follow a recipe. But honestly, she was just as content to let things unfold naturally, to experiment and see what they could make together, it was what cooking was to her. She had been looking forward to this moment too, seeing it as another opportunity to get to know him better and away from the headache-inducing council meetings.

When her staff guided him inside, she greeted him with a warm smile, "Hi hi! I've set up some things but we can rearrange how we see fit. Are you ready for this?"