stevie-evans

[stevie-evans]

Stevie: 🚀🧑‍🚀💫 Stevie: When we get back from this trip, we should check if Sam and Lottie are interested in an Evans vacation. It can be somewhere close to Ashford Valley, but far enough where it doesn't feel like a staycation.

Stacey: I'm saying you're out of this world cool, Steve-o

[stevie-evans]

It delights Stevie to learn what makes other families tick. It reminds him a bit of his own to a degree. However, they don't have this type of intricate list system compared to the Schuesters. Or, it's pretty possible Stella's feeding him stories, yet they sound believable. Not that he'll contest it, as it's amusing as heck. If I were to add my own to your extensive list, it would be if I ever turn down morning coffee. I'm worthless without it." He chuckled and tried to imagine Stella with a corn on a cob poking stick. "I can see you and your brothers having one hell of a cob sword fight when you were kids. As if you're aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge or the Hispaniola from Treasure Island." Did they have actual sword fights on the latter? He cannot recall. "It's my first time leaving the country. It's good I took care of my passport last year, or I would be in one hell of a jam right now." Stevie took a step forward and partway turned to keep his conversation with Stella flowing. "If you can, you should book yourself a trip. Treat yourself to it. I don't know how busy you are, but I will go ahead and say you deserve it. What's life without treating yourself to nice things?"

"It's the Schuester-specific list, so it's probably in a spreadsheet on Chris' laptop somewhere," Stella said airily, flapping one hand. "Although I wouldn't put it past Matt to laminate it, just so he can immortalize '#17: Matt says no to a Ghostbusters marathon' for all the world to see." She jabbed one finger at Stevie with a pleased nod, though. "You. You get it. Turning down extra cotija is probably a corollary to number 43, 'Suggesting there's such a thing as too much cheese'. And anytime a poking stick is involved, YES is always the right answer." She brightened at Stevie's plans for the summer though, grinning at him. "Wait, for real? That's awesome, I've never been to Mexico -- you can catch up on your Good Reads lying on a beach sipping margaritas, that sounds epic." Stella lifted one shoulder in a shrug, shaking her head a little. "My schedule gets a little lighter during the summer -- lots of people taking vacations with their kids and all -- but it'll ramp back up when school starts again, and then the holidays will be, to use a technical term, straight up nuts."

[stevie-evans]

Even though Stevie isn't working a full shift at Secret Headquarters’ booth, he couldn't help but cover a few breaks while others ran to the restroom or checked in at other booths. Stevie told Sam he's just a text away if he needs him back for anything, and he's always ready to help. Now he's on his own, Stevie decided to get some frozen yogurt at a nearby booth. What he liked about this is that there are plenty of add-ins to enhance your frozen sweet treat. Stevie went with a scoop of crumbled Butterfinger with his vanilla yogurt. Simple but just enough to make him one happy camper. While Stevie savored a spoonful of dessert, he felt a sudden bump and steadied himself to the side to prevent dropping his cup. After he centered himself, he noticed Hadley apologizing. "Hey, no harm, no foul, yeah?" he offered and quickly tacked on, "Are you okay? Did you save your pizza slice?"

Hadley had been helping out with the Wags 2 Riches booth, something she generally tried to do every year for Founders Day. But this year was different. She was also using it as an opportunity to prepare for her summer job at the shelter, which she was pretty excited for. Around noon, though, she was feeling some grumbling in her stomach and realized it’d been a quite some time since she’d eaten breakfast. Naturally, she followed her nose to the nearest food truck with pizza, grabbing a couple slices and a cherry coke to drink.

As she made her way toward an open table, she tried to sneak a bite of her pizza, tilting the plate just enough to take a decent chomp while keeping her drink steady in her other hand. But the slice slipped, nearly sliding off the plate, and in her quick attempt to catch it, she bumped into the person beside her. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to bump you, I just… the pizza moved weird and I panicked. I swear I wasn’t trying to launch myself at you, " she spoke quickly, her eyes wide with embarrassment." You’re okay, right? I didn’t spill anything on you, did I?”

[stevie-evans]

"Eighty-two is a specific number. I can only imagine you have this list typed and lamented somewhere." Stevie said, playing along with the joke. "What number is turning down extra cojita cheese on the street corn?" He weighed the options and said, "Cob. It's not exactly a fair, but Founder's Day has a somewhat festival-like vibe, yeah? So, go hog wild with the cob instead of eating out of a boring cup. In fact, I'll do the same." With a head shake, Stevie said, "Not a one. Work doesn't count as a plan because that's set in a schedule. Plus, bills need to get paid. I haven't made a dent in my 2025 Good Reads challenge and need to get on that before it gets away from me." Stevie realized how boring this all must sound. "There is something I'm doing in June. I'm traveling to Mexico and then Florida. This is huge, as I've barely set foot outside of Ashford Valley." Stevie is both nervous and excited for this getaway. "What kind of things happen during your breathing room period?"

"I'll allow it -- mostly because it would be one of the eighty-two signs of the apocalypse if I ever said no to someone buying me food," Stella agreed cheerfully. "So the question remains: preserve my dignity and get it in a cup, or just say fuck it and go for the option that allows me to both gnaw on a stick in public AND poke anyone in the eye with said stick if they say anything about it?" She fell in alongside Stevie easily enough, dramatics aside, and lifted one shoulder. "You and me both, man. I can't wait for summer and a little breathing room -- got any fun plans for it?"

[stevie-evans]

There's the infamous Schuester dramatics, Stevie remembered from speaking with Stella and her brothers. Stevie chuckled and said, "I'm sorry about the tatters. Is there anything I can do to stitch things back together?" He offered and gave the menu a look over. "Tell you what, it may not repair what I caused, but how about I treat you to one of those street corn things? They come on the cob or in a cup." He suggested with a soft smile. Stevie joined Stella in line and answered, "Life's good. I suppose I'm mentally sound, though I like you tacked mostly to yours. I worked some at Sam's booth over there," he pointed towards it with his thumb over his shoulder. "I was about to work at Del's, but she covered everything. Outside of event work, I can't say too much is happening in my life." Huh. Had Stevie fallen into a rut? It's not like it bothers him, as he likes routine.

Stella pivoted on her heel, using her index finger to hook her sunglasses down a fraction and peer over them at the person approaching her. Despite her best efforts, a tiny smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she recognized one of the Evans crew -- goddamn them all for being blond and beautiful and nice anyway -- and she arched one delicate eyebrow. "Stevie," she greeted, and her smile morphed into an amused smirk. "I'm honestly not convinced you haven't been avoiding me, and while my ego is in tatters at the thought -- TATTERS, I tell you -- I can't rightly say you'd be the first." She prodded at the bridge of her sunglasses to push them back up and fluttered her fingers at the food truck in question. "I can't complain. I'm healthy, mostly mentally sound, and about ten minutes away from stuffing my face full of rural Pennsylvania's version of street fair corn on the cob. You?"

[stevie-evans]

It felt good to lend a helping hand to the Secret Headquarters' booth this Founder's Day. Stevie's proud that Sam's hard work and determination have paid off, as his comic shop's booth is bustling with people checking out the comics and merchandise. Once Stacey bounced in, Stevie tapped out to see how Delilah was handling Sip's booth. He did a check-in wave at it, and as he neared, he saw they had things covered. Huh, he's not used to free time at events, and Stevie glanced around to see what he could do. As he scanned all the options, he spied someone familiar and smiled. It's been quite a while since he last spoke to Stella Schuester, which is a total crime as she's honestly one of the most interesting people he's met in this small city. "Hey Stella!" He waved as he approached her in line. He looked towards the booth and saw that they were selling street corn. "Can't remember the last time we ran into each other, and figured we're long overdue for one. How you been?"

closed starter for @stellaschue

[stevie-evans]

stevie: Planet? stevie: Are you saying I’m from outer space?

text message || stacey x stevie

stacey: paging planet stevie

[stevie-evans]

This is the only time your age will ever be mentioned—at least from me. How does tonight look? I don't have an early morning tomorrow and can stay up later than usual. Where would you like to go for your birthday dinner?

[PM from Stevie] Hey sis! 🎉 Happy Birthday! I hope you had an amazing day! Let me know when you have a day off coming up—I’d love to take you out for a belated birthday dinner.

Thank you! I hate the fact that I'm almost 40, but we don't talk about that around here lol. I can do dinner tomorrow night if you're free!

@stevie-evans

[stevie-evans]

That's a win. May I ask what about the slow pace overwhelmed you? All I know is Ashford Valley pace.

Thank you very much. It's been good, this time the slow pace of a small town feels more comfortable than overwhelming, in some way.

[stevie-evans]

Stevie: Sold! The previews look good. I thought of you the instant I saw it. Do you want to watch it here or drive to see it in IMAX? Stevie: My shift ends in 15 minutes. I'll swing by, get the cookies, and meet at your store. Are you closing shop tonight?

Sam: How about we go see the Thunderbolts for my birthday next week? No need to put in a PTO request, we can go whenever you're free. Sam: You know I can never say no to something from Java Jams... so, yeah, I totally want something. Sugar cookies sound great.

[stevie-evans]

Wouldn't spending a week without a care in the world be nice? No bills, no obligations, nobody hassling you? By the third day, time may slow down. Not by a whole lot, but slower than it is now. Between helping animals and serving drinks, I'd pick animals every time. No question about it. It's pretty cool that you've volunteered a lot there. Do you have pets of your own?

That's what I was just saying to Owen! It's like adult-ing and having more responsibility causes life to just speed up. And yes, Delilah did offer a job at the cafe, but I'm actually already talking with Owen about his offer for me to work at the shelter. It just makes sense, since I'm generally there a lot in the summer volunteering anyway, but thank you!

[stevie-evans]

Hey! It's great to see you're back. How has the return treated you so far?

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. & yes, the rumors are true. I have decided to grace Ashford Valley with my presence once again. You're all welcome.

[stevie-evans]

Daphne du Maurier, My Cousin Rachel (1951)

[stevie-evans]

Stevie: Anytime after 1:30 is gouda with me. Figured you would get a kick out of me using one of your go-to words. Stevie: After that, I won't go back until 6am on Wednesday. Stevie: I take it you have a movie list in mind?

Stacey: Monday? Or do you work?

[stevie-evans]

Stevie: When?

Stacey: You Stacey: Me Stacey: Movie Marathon?

[stevie-evans]

Zoom, zoom, zoom is the most accurate description of how time flies. Remember when we were kids and it felt like we had all the time in the world? I miss that. Outside of how it feels someone pressed fast forward on life's remote control, how are things on your end? I saw Delilah brought up 'Sip as 2nd job option. It would be cool to work together in the cafe. There's also the book side, too, as an option. It's laid back, and people like to hang around and talk about their favorite stories and authors.

If you don't want to be cooped up indoors, there's always the community pool. I've considered that one for myself to work as a lifeguard.

I know everyone always says this, but I can't believe how fast this year is going! There's a long weekend coming up because of Easter break, then before we know it, it'll be Memorial Day weekend. Right after that it'll be summer vacation again! Well, for those of us who are teachers... and even then most of us have second jobs to hold us over during the break. But you know what I mean! It's just zoom, zoom, zoom! Speaking of second jobs, I'm still trying to figure out what to do during the summer. Anyone know of a place that's hiring seasonally?

[stevie-evans]

Stevie: ha! Be proud you are. I can hear his voice in my head. Sorry, I haven't had a chance to watch the numerous Disney+ shows released since the first season of The Mandalorian. The same goes for Marvel. The next time we get a work-free week, we can binge a show or shows of your choice. All I need to do is put in the PTO request.

Stevie: Do you want anything from Java Jams? I'm obsessed with Daria's sugar cookies. I will be here for an hour or two to finish reading Rebecca.

Sam: *wipes away tears* Taught you well Star Wars I did, proud so I am.😉 Sam: Well, not really. I mean, his name is Chewy but that's because that was his name already. Else, I totally would have changed it to Chewy cuz to not call him that would have been a crime. Sam: Drop by whenever you want, you're going to love him.