#// this was a wee bit longer than i thought it'd be

[armafidelium]

hugs him. real tight. @seeksmoon

A warmth and comforting feeling that made his heart ache. his twin seemed to know him best even better than he knew himself. a moment where his heart felt so fragile it was as if it could be easily shattered much like a piece of glass. a hardened weapon needn't the use for such things, but despite his title of weapon he was still human. a heart beat within his chest alongside every breath he would take. even with the numbness his body became accustomed to there were still signs of his humanity that lingered and oft times his humanity would break past the shroud and let itself be known to him.

his twin was his greatest link toward the heart that still beat and clung desperately for things he thought he'd long discarded. any moments the poison that connected him with his twin weakened he could feel the pain of scars from battles he'd fought be it recently or long in the past. the pain of blood on his hands be it his own or that of those whose lives he'd taken for the cause of the salvation of their people. but sometimes even a sliver of this would find its way into his mind and his heart whilst the numbness lingered and even through the fog he could feel the ache throb.

it was cold. it hurt. there was much he wished to discard but he was still very much the quiet young man he had been prior to his orbit leading him toward the noctum flowers. no matter how much he trained or hardened his heart it still had remnants of the person he wished he could discard simply so the things that would keep him up at night when the silence that could fill his mind when the tether was at its weakest would vanish. yet he couldn't do that to his twin. as desperately as he needed her he knew he couldn't leave her with a husk of a person wearing the mask of her brother.

was this why such a feeling, strange it may be with no physical presence yet his heart could vividly remember just how comforting this sensation had been in the past he could feel her embrace as if she were physically with him and he with her. he missed her yet always had her present with him. she most likely knew how desperately he missed her. even if he had learned how to be alone it was never any easier even with their connection. it was a comfort yet at the same time it only hurt more. their destinies chosen at the time of their birth before either one of them could even process a singular thought. sometimes he'd wonder what life would be like be it not for the weight the two carried within them their whole lives. could they have normally lived their lives like the others or would they still be subject to trials and tribulations? he didn't know and it was impossible to truly comprehend such a thing.

shaken breath filters out as the warmth of tears slowly flow down his cheeks. he hadn't known how long he'd needed something as simple as a hug, but now it was very apparent with how desperately he clung to this in his heart. truly where would he be without his sister's guidance? even lost to himself she'd help him find the way. shaken his words resonate in his heart with hopes such a thing could be heard.

' thank you, alune. i'm sorry. '

// @seeksmoon

[barkspawn]

This is part two to the last ask!

Prompt request was in regard to the phrase: "Am I close?" "Not even a little bit."

Thank you for this one!

I dabbled in making this one a wee bit ~~*~~Spicy~~*~~

Sebastian and Amelia have been officially together now for about two seasons. The amount of time that they've loved one another is much, much longer though. 

Amelia had forgotten what it felt like to be truly, unconditionally loved, if she ever even really knew that feeling. 

The couple was making their way to Stardrop Farm from the beach, taking the long way through town. It was an unspoken excuse to spend more time just holding hands and taking the time to talk. 

"So, Ames," Sebastian started after a long moment of comfortable silence, "I wanted to take you on a date of sorts."

His voice was quiet, similar to how it was when he first tried to ask her on a date. It struck her as odd that he seemed shy, but it didn't necessarily surprise her. 

"Ooh, and where to?" She smiled, squeezing his hand gently. 

"Well, it'd be a surprise."

Oh. That's why. 

"Oh, Seb. You hate surprises though," she looked over at him for a moment, his eyes fixed on a spot in front of them. He was definitely thinking hard about something. 

"Well, I hate when I get surprised, I guess. This is kind of something I've been planning for a while," he released her hand to move his arm around her shoulders. Her fingers were freezing, so she moved them into her coat pocket as she leaned into his side. It was a little harder to walk this way, but it was one of her favorite ways to do so.

"Hmm.." she thought as they crossed the property line to her farm and made their way up the steps to her porch. She stopped after the first step, turning and smiling mischievously at him. She stood at around the same height as him this way. She draped her arms around his neck and touched the cold tip of her nose to his. One of her favorite things about Sebastian was how he genuinely got flustered still when she gave unexpected affection. He absolutely loved it, but he still got flustered. Despite the cold winter air, a light crimson crept over his cheeks. Still, he rested his hands on her hips, thumbs laced through her belt loops as she continued, "can I guess what it might be?" 

Her voice was much lower now, definitely in an attempt to fluster him more. 

He chuckled almost breathlessly as he rest his forehead against hers, "like I could stop you if I wanted to."

She pouted playfully before a small, surprised laugh escaped her lips as his hands moved down and over the backs of her thighs. He lifted her, her legs and arms wrapping around his waist and neck. She clung on to him as he carried her up the steps, hardly bothered by the added weight. These were the times she didn't mind being small. 

"You can guess all you'd like, but it's fucking cold out here," he shifted, awkwardly unlocking and pushing the front door open, "so you can tease and interrogate me all you want from the comfort of the couch."

It was her turn to blush, feeling called out. To be fair, he knew exactly what she was planning on doing. Not even bothering with shoes or jackets at the moment, knowing they'd have to light the fire, he walked her to the couch and sat down. She wouldn't complain as straddling his lap would work so much better than the front step anyway. 

"Good," she hummed, pressing kisses along the left side of his jaw, back to the soft spot below his ear. She knew that her plan to get the surprise out of him was working as he inhaled and gripped her hips a little tighter. She smiled against his skin, "are we getting dinner at the saloon?"

He breathed out a low laugh, his hands not-so-subtly slipping into the back pockets of her jeans. 

"No, love. And I know what you're doing."

She pulled back and pouted, her hands on his shoulders, "I'm only trying to guess… I can stop.." she teased, starting to shift to get up. His hands held firm though, pulling her back down into his lap, leaning up to press a kiss to the same spot she teased him with.

"I never said I was opposed to it," he breathed, his breath hot on her skin. She nearly melted right there. It was something about how his voice grew husky when she turned him on. He pulled back, willing her to continue with a downright unfair smirk, "I just don't want you to be disappointed when I don't tell you."

She smiled mischievously before unzipping her coat the throwing it to the side, followed by her pulling her sweatshirt (which her T-shirt below conveniently clung to) over her head and tossing it aside, leaving her in his personal favorite bra. It was trimmed in lace, the clasps and band itself wider than a normal bra. It was almost a bralette, but to him, it was made for her body. He didn't even try to hide his hungry gaze, humming in surprise as she ran her fingers back through his hair, her lips moving to be less than an inch from his, "picnic by the lake where you saved me from falling in?"

Before he could answer, she cut him off with a kiss as hungry as his gaze on her was. After a moment of being completely lost in the kiss, her torso pressed as close to him as it could be, he pulled back as she whined. She relaxed back down into his lap, which by the feeling, at least part of her plan was working. 

The problem was that she was getting distracted as well. 

She was quick to busy herself after he pulled away, pulling his jacket open and discarding his upper layers as she had hers. 

"No," he started, her hands pausing, almost forgetting she even asked a question, "not a picnic by the lake," he paused as she pulled his shirt off, the chill from within the cabin short-lived as her body moved to shift on her knees, leaving his face level with her breasts, supported perfectly by her bra. He pressed too-gentle kisses over the skin above the lining of the fabric, sending sparks exploding through her body each time. Between kisses, he teased, "you seem to be intent on eating for this date. Should I stop and make you-"

"Don't you dare," she practically growled, tearing his mind away from any coherent thoughts or teases he had planned. 

"Give up?" He mumbled as he nipped the soft skin just above where she craved. 

"Is it… Ummm…" she gasped, exhaling in the form of a soft "fuck" as he playfully bit once more, sucking sharply to leave a small reminder that he was winning this game. She moved, grasping the hair on the back of his head to pull him back to meet her eyes. It was a fight to continue her thought, "a walk through Grampleton to see the Winter Star lights?"

"Good guess, but no."

She groaned, tugging his hair playfully, though the look he gave her sent shocks down to her core, "am I close?"

"Not even a little bit," he breathed. She bit her lower lip, noting just how blown out his pupils are, positive hers looked the same. She could see him holding back, chipping away at her own collected facade. 

"When is it?" She fought to still herself, earning a sharp inhale from him as she moved her hips back down, grinding down over the undeniable bulge below.

"Saturday," he hissed through gritted teeth at her cruel teasing. Both of them were fighting to keep control of themselves, his hands moving everywhere he could reach as her hands rested on his chest, nails digging into his skin when he touched a spot she preferred. 

"You win."

"Thank fucking Yoba," Seb all but growled as he recaptured her lips in a hungry, primal kiss, both of them losing the battle to keep their composure. 

 ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──

Thankfully, it wasn't nearly as cold on Saturday as Amelia walked down the mountain path at exactly 6:30 pm to meet Sebastian for the secret she couldn't guess. 

Definitely not my fault. 

It was her fault, to be fair. She knew Sebastian was likely not ready yet, but to her surprise, he stood outside of his house beside his motorcycle. She stood, frowning slightly as he walked over to her. He looked damn good, his hair carefully styled. He wore her favorite jeans that he owned and his leather jacket over a dark purple hoodie. His smile was almost enough to melt her heart. She felt underdressed in her jeans and peacoat over her hoodie. Her hair wasn't styled, which was fine if she would be wearing a helmet. The thought snapped her out of it. 

"Seb…"

"I know, I know. You hate riding but-"

"I don't hate it… I'm just.. a little scared…"

He shifted to cup her face in his hands, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, "you know I'd never let anything happen to you, right?"

"Last time you took me somewhere on that you nearly drove us off a cliff."

Sebastian laughed aloud, a pretty rare thing usually, but lately she's been hearing it more and more. It never failed to fill her with genuine happiness. It even caught the attention of Robin, who was heading out the door. 

"Hey, you two!" She beamed, staying where she was, a sign she was only saying hello, "where are you off to, Sebby?"

"It's a surprise, actually," he called back, slipping his hand down and lacing his fingers with Amelia's. Amelia gave a shrug and a smile, implying she had no idea.

Robin watched for a moment before laughing and waving as she headed south toward town, "don't do anything that I wouldn't do!"

Sebastian rolled his eyes, walking toward the bike, only to find resistance from her. He turned and looked her way curiously before shaking his head, smirking as he stepped forward to speak quietly, "it's a little hard to think when someone is using her hands for a little bit more than holding on for the ride."

Her cheeks burned crimson. 

Oh, right. 

"Besides," he continued, chuckling as they finally made their way toward the bike, "we were a good 15 feet from the edge, love. We did not almost drive off of a cliff."

Amelia made a show of rolling her eyes, but took the helmet from him anyway, "fine," she resigned, tucking her scarf and anything loose into her jacket before zipping it up. She looked over him for a long moment before adding, "you look really nice today, Seb."

His eyes met hers as he smiled. His cheeks may have tinged a little red, but for the first time she can think of, he didn't get flustered when she complimented him. 

"Thanks, love. I really tried," he replied, looking her over as well as he climbed onto the bike, "I would tell you that you look beautiful, but you're honestly gorgeous every day."

Okay, checkmate. He's up to something. Has to be. 

She couldn't hide her blush or that she was a little flustered herself, but she climbed onto the bike, her arms already tight around his waist. 

"What are you planning, Ainsley?" She tried to sound suspicious of him, using his last name to address him. He just laughed and started the bike.

"What? I can't hear you," he called out over the sound of the engine. 

She rolled her eyes and called back, "dick!"

He responded simply with a laugh, which she only knew because she felt it in his chest, probably because her grip tightened as he did whatever he did to get moving (Amelia made a mental note to ask him at some point, she should know) and pulled off. 

The drive was smooth and easy. She did just as she told her to do: lean slightly if he does and don't let go. Oh, and keep her hands from wandering. 

It wasn't long before he pulled back up the path to the cliff, parking his bike in the usual spot about 15 feet from the edge. 

Once he killed the engine, she shifted to get off of the bike, taking her helmet off just as he did.

"Okay, you said no food.." she teased, setting her helmet on the somewhat flat boulder beside the bike, "are we here to think? Or is it a pit stop? Or-" 

She stopped as he wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her cheek, "just let the date happen. I'm not giving anything away."

He let go, moving to stand at the edge leaning on his elbows on the railing. She followed behind him, finding a way to sneak herself, or rather force herself, under his arm so they stood close as they stared over the night view of Zuzu. 

They stood in comfortable silence for a while before she glanced up at him, only to find that he'd been looking at her. Laughing, she tucked her hair behind her ear, shifting to face him, "you okay, love?" She reached up, brushing a loose strand of his hair from his face before he caught her hand, turning to press a kiss to her palm. 

"Yeah, sorry. Just thinking," he smiled, moving to rest his hand on the side of her neck, leaning in to steal a quick kiss. She couldn't quite explain, but her heart was racing. She was reminded of the first time they were here… when he kissed her for the first time. They came once or twice after that, but it's been a long time. 

Amelia found herself scared for a moment, searching his face. He wouldn't have brought her here to leave her, right? He's acting so strange.. he might-

"Ames," he pressed a kiss to her forehead, "take a breath and stop stressing."

"I.. didn't say anything," she said, her voice low.

"Yes, love, but I know you," he brushed his thumb over her cheekbone before gesturing toward the city, his gaze turning back to it, "do you remember what I said to you when I brought you here the first time?"

She stared at him for a long moment before looking out over the city once more. 

"You used to come here to think. To think about when you could escape Pelican Town and move away to Zuzu." 

"Almost. But you said that you felt a strange sadness. And I do too. Well, I did."

She turned her gaze back to him, her brows knit together in a mix of curiosity and confusion. Still, he stared forward. 

"I look out there now and I just…" he gave a shrug, "I don't feel anything. It's a city that I like to visit. It's nothing but a pretty view now."

She smiled, turning to face the city and resting her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her before continuing, "for the first time since I can remember, I see myself staying in Pelican Town."

He turned, taking both of her hands in his as he finally met her eyes. His hands were a little sweaty. She couldn't quite figure out why he'd be nervous. Just as she went to ask, he continued, fearing if he stopped, he'd lose the courage. 

"Amelia, I can see myself building a life in that town. Building a life with you."

Her breath caught in her chest, her eyes widening a little at the realization of the very real possibility of what could be happening. 

With the smirk he often used when he was about to tell a horrible pun or ridiculous joke, he moved his hand up to cup her face once more, "you know what I'm trying to say, right?"

He reached into his pocket with a shaking hand, glad she didn't notice. Her eyes were locked on him. His fingers traced over the pendant in his pocket, the small velvet box beside it. He decided on the shell as he started to pull it from his pocket, his thought interrupted by a firm kiss. He released a surprised hum, which faded into a laugh as he pulled back. 

She couldn't even begin to think she was right. He couldn't want this life with her forever, could he? She often feared he would grow to resent her because she held him back.. but he seemed so genuine.

She pulled back, sliding her hands down into his to lace their fingers together. 

"Wait, Ames-"

It was too late. She felt the shell he was holding, her mouth hanging slightly open as she lifted his hand, she traced her fingers over the smooth shell, admiring the colors. She thought it was only a legend. Suddenly, she covered her mouth. 

"Oh shit! Seb, I ruined it, didn't I?"

"Maybe a little," he said through a laugh, his hand still between them, open with the shell facing her, "I'm still going to ask though. Even if you ruined my little reference to-"

"To when we first kissed. Of course I caught on to that, you dork."

He arched an eyebrow, his smirk transforming into a grin, "I'm asking you to marry me and you call me a dork?"

"Yes."

He paused, his smile faltering as he hoped to Yoba that she meant yes to the larger question, "yes?"

She nodded, cursing the few tears that escaped her eyes and ran down her cheeks. She spoke through a small laugh, "yes. I will absolutely marry you. And call you a dork while you ask," she tore her eyes from the shell and met his eyes, which to her surprise, also seemed to be a little misty. 

Her grin grew to match his as she turned and held her hair up so he could clasp it around her neck. Once she let her hair back down, she turned back around and touched the shell, "how does it look?"

"Fucking incredible, but I'm biased," he laughed, bending to kiss her in an attempt to show her every ounce of love he felt in that moment. Somehow, he found he was more nervous for the following few moments. He pulled back, meeting her eyes, "and because I know you wanted this to be a food date so badly… I made reservations at that sushi place in Grampleton."

She threw her arms around him, pulling back after a second to pepper his face with kisses, "you are the most incredible human being to walk this earth, Ainsley."

She turned and started back toward the bike, but Sebastian held for a moment, "Ames, one more thing.."

She turned to see Sebastian down on one knee, holding up a small velvet box before opening it to present her with the most beautiful ring she'd ever seen. 

"Now I know you've already agreed to marry me," he started as she stood there frozen, eyes flicking between him and the ring, "but it's my understanding that in places not as weird as our little town, people usually start with engagement rings.. so I figured that I'll do both. You know, so that you completely understand that I'm in this. I'm not going anywhere. That living on your farm with you and-"

"Our farm," she cut him off, her voice cracking and betraying her, "it'll be ours together."

He stood, stepping forward and removing the ring from the box, "is that a yes part two?" He teased.

While she offered her left hand, she still faltered, "Sebastian, these had to have cost a fortune.. you don't have to give me b-"

"Nope. You get both. And before you ask," he slipped the ring on her finger, bringing her hand to his lips to press a quick kiss to it, "I bought the shell three days after the night we kissed."

She stood there in shock, "you what?"

He chuckled, "I knew I loved you for months and something about that feeling I got when we finally kissed planted the idea," she rolled her eyes at the farming joke, "and I had gone to the beach when it rained a few days later… and the mariner was there. I'll admit I gave him every penny I had because I somehow knew I'd want it and I didn't know if I would see him again, so I bought it."

He reached forward to touch the shell, which lay perfectly on her chest. 

"Seb, that's why you took all of those jobs then? Because you went broke for this?"

"It was worth every penny. I knew and every time I spent time with you I only grew more sure. I got that huge job last month and bought the ring."

She tried to fight the tears, but again the battle was lost. She stood on her toes to kiss him once more before looking down at the ring with a wide grin.

After a moment she turned and walked to the rock before tossing him his helmet, "fine, I'll forgive you for spending way too much on me," she smirked, moving to pull her own helmet on, "but I am definitely buying dinner tonight."

[runveganwankerrun]

Mon 28th Nov '22

For some reason I had some nerves about Manchester/London this morning. Never mind the fact that I've yet to decide what to do regarding running both of them (I really should ask Coach for his opinion!) I think it was precipitated by the book I'm reading, Zen and the Art of Running, which is exactly the opposite effect it's meant to have! It made me think of standing at the start line in either city, and I started to get butterflies. Fuck! I'm getting them now too!

Well! So much for looking forward to my Monday morning weigh in! I was up over 168lb after being about 4.5lb lighter yesterday morning! Damn Sunday's unofficial figures! 🤣

It doesn't matter. It's just my body playing silly buggers. Nothing's changed. I still ran and ate well last week. The numbers don't invalidate that. I know sometimes it would get me down, but today I'm not bothered. I can feel my running starting to improve after three weeks of more consistent sessions, and I've gone down a notch on my belt. Those things are way more significant than the numbers on the scales

With reference to talking to Coach about my unexpected London place, I messaged him and he was well chuffed for me. London is so hard to get in to. Then he asked the £64,000 question. Two marathons within two weeks? Or pick one? I asked what he thought. He said he'd do both, but he's crazy. So the thought is do Manchester for a time, then London for the experience. Sounds like a plan!

Now I feel like I have to give the training, including getting to a sensible weight, my all. I really want to do him proud. He'll be proud regardless, he's a really supportive guy, but it'd be nice to let him see me work at it. The trick is to do it without putting too much pressure on myself.

If I can remember, as I get into the training plan, that getting miles in my legs now will make the runs themselves easier, then longer training runs will be more bearable. Long, boring solo runs on a Saturday or Sunday morning are what will make the end races a more pleasurable experience. It's often said that the training is the main event, the race is the victory lap.

I also need an attitude adjustment if I'm going to think of the long runs as boring, as I referred to them above. I'm going to have two or three runs of at least twenty miles on my plan, so I hope to get into a mindset to enjoy them. Also, it helps to think that every run and every healthy meal from now is an investment in these races and making them both easier on my body and more enjoyable. God! I sound so bloody serious about this! 😁 And I'm starting to repeat myself.

Club tonight was great! Well, it was tough, but I really worked on changing my pace between easy, steady and fast. My average pace over the thirty minutes was a good bit faster than it's been in ages. I'm so happy 😊

My ankle niggle seems to be easing. It hasn't hurt for a few days. It's a wee bit achy now, but not too bad. I wonder if it was weight related and now I'm going down a little, it's getting better. Fingers crossed 🤞

That was a very waffly post. Gonna shut up now.

[punkscowardschampions]

Ava & Buster

Ava: Are you lot en-route? Buster: 'Course Buster: But we've had one foot out the door for like half an hour, honestly Ava: Good, 'cos I have presents Buster: Yeah? Buster: Pot of gold or what, like Ava: Hardly appropriate for a two-year-old Ava: None for you, soz 💔 Buster: I'd argue it's very appropriate Buster: All the shit he needs haemorrhages cash Ava: You were warned Ava: Extensively Buster: And I ain't sorry I didn't listen Buster: They can all try and sue me Ava: Enter an arena where they aren't the experts? Ava: Doesn't sound like mum and dad Buster: No such arena exists, clearly Buster: Know it all, have done it all Ava: Your degree must be a waste of time then Buster: You'd have to ask 'em what they reckon Buster: But I'd wait til they've got a few more drinks down 'em first, get closer to the truth Ava: Ugh, shut up Ava: You know they're proud of you Buster: Yeah yeah, blah blah Buster: But are you proud of me? Real MVP and everything Ava: When you get your cap and gown Ava: Funny wig, even better Ava: I still only got stuff for the kids and Ri though Ava: I'll chase a 🌈 down ASAP Buster: You're alright Buster: Already got a girlfriend, don't you? Buster: No need to get gayer just to wind me up, Nance has got that covered Ava: Ha, don't even chat to me about annoying Buster: I won't Ava: 😏 Ava: No, you're meant to ask, idiot Ava: You're so lucky you only have a son Buster: Tell me then Buster: I want a girl next Ava: Well she's not coming back, not that I'm surprised Buster: What bullshit excuse did she go with this time? She's got too much work on, girlfriend drama or she just hates fam functions SO MUCH Ava: It was column A presented but 1000% came across as column C Ava: She can be so Buster: I know Buster: Did she try and buy you off with an NYC trip that ain't gonna happen just like the last one didn't? Ava: Twin telepathy is real, yeah? Ava: 🙄 Buster: Fuck that and her Buster: I told you before, when you actually wanna go I'll take you Buster: Then you only have to see her a bearable amount Ava: I know Ava: It'd be interesting to see how long she could hold a conversation with me but yeah Ava: won't happen so Buster: Longer than she can with me or dad, probably slightly less time than she can with mum, depending what mood they are both in Buster: That'd be my bet Buster: Chin up, the good twin is finally on his fucking way Ava: Sounds about right Ava: Good time to tell you to call her yourself later or do you want a drink before you process that? Buster: Bad time to be forced to remember that I told Rio right at the start I wouldn't drink when she couldn't Ava: Honestly, I thought this kid was PLANNED Ava: She couldn't Christmas or New Year either Buster: She was planned, just not by me Ava: 'Course, you would've factored in drinking Ava: Must be their gay agenda Buster: There's loads of shit I'd have factored in Ava: That's your upbringing talking Buster: Shut up Ava: It is though Ava: Personally, I agree its better than the more the merrier approach too Buster: You'll personally be waiting a load more years before you make me play uncle then, yeah? Buster: Good Ava: Ugh Ava: Don't be making me 🤢 just because green is the colour today Buster: Gotta Buster: Who the fuck is there to be jealous of when we're us? Ava: You couldn't go the more traditional routes, no? 🍾🥂 Ava: Seeing as I'm NOT pregnant or being a very supportive partner to someone who is Buster: Come on, who am I? Buster: And you can leave me out of your rites of passage, I've cleaned up enough sick in the name of being a supportive partner Buster: Grace'll hold your hair back for you Ava: There's no need to be old AND boring 😏 Buster: Fuck off Buster: Counting down the days til I can drink you under the table Ava: Dad lets me Buster: There's nothing dad won't let you do Buster: Got him well wrapped around your finger, like Ava: It's not my fault I'm the most lovable Ava: Do better 😋 Buster: That's the one title you can keep Buster: Got all the love I need, cheers Ava: 🤢🥰 Ava: N'awh Buster: Lyla didn't wanna come and hang with the extended fam then? Ava: Wouldn't do that to someone I liked, would I? Buster: Depends how much you like her Ava: Nah Ava: That's all a bit heavy Buster: Well yeah Buster: It would be a trial by fire Ava: Then pissed on Ava: then set on fire again Ava: I like having time away when I come here, you know Ava: Not attached at the hip Buster: I know Ava: I'll send her a hilarious postcard or something Buster: You sounded like Nance there Buster: No need to miss her at all Ava: Fuck off Buster: You're right she'd never write it Buster: Half her holiday would be over before she got the words down Ava: 😂 Ava: Rude Buster: It's fuck all I wouldn't say to her face if she ever bothered to show it Ava: Can no one in this family be nice Ava: Honestly Buster: Come on Buster: I'm nice to you Buster: You ain't even bought me a present Ava: I know, I'm very lovable Ava: Have you got me one? Buster: Yeah but you ain't having it now Ava: Yeah right Ava: I know who gets last word in your house Ava: and Rio is nice to everyone Buster: She's nicest to me and she always does what I say Buster: So you might wanna think again Ava: That's entirely too much information, thank you Ava: you owe me double as compensation Buster: You ain't having two bottles Buster: Keep the first one down and then we'll talk Ava: Challenge accepted Buster: Good Buster: Don't really wanna have to disown you before the day's out Ava: Least there's enough of 'em to fall back on should you get the urge Ava: I'll survive Buster: Keep that quiet around mum, it's still them and us with her Ava: Sounds familiar 🙄 Buster: You're bound to hear it yet again by the time she's had a few Ava: Not if I have anything to do with it Buster: Sounds like you've got a plan Ava: As planned as a party should ever be Buster: Yeah Ava: 💃🎉 Ava: Hurry up Buster: Traffic's worse than London at its finest right now Buster: Everyone on the road's either already wasted or angry they ain't Ava: Stay safe Buster: 'Course Buster: Speaking of, where you staying tonight? Ava: Tipsy childcare is better than no childcare Ava: No need to beg Buster: Shut up, I'll drive you is all I'm saying Ava: Cheers 💙 Buster: I'll cash the IOU when you're sober, like Ava: Better cash it before I cash my 2nd present then Buster: Forget it for now, it's a holiday Ava: That's what I've been saying Buster: You ain't gotta tell me, even if today I can't play as hard as I work Buster: Still not a fucking amateur Ava: Still a McKenna Buster: First and best Ava: Hardly Buster: If we're going by mum's them and us viewpoint, there's hardly any competition Buster: Just you and me, kid Ava: Well I'm just saying, Granddad is gonna be fuming Buster: Everything you learned about wrapping dad round your little finger you got from watching me with him Buster: I ain't worried Ava: Pfft Ava: My baby blues are bluer and my pout is poutier Ava: I'm the new model, boy Buster: 'Cause you need 'em to fall back on Buster: I'm just that good Buster: you're the youngest model that's all Buster: Due a spectacular fuck up about now Ava: You wish Ava: On all counts Buster: Nah, I'm rooting for you Buster: 'Course I am Ava: Mhmm Ava: Dead convincing 😏 Buster: I always am Buster: Wig or no wig Ava: So soppy, you Ava: Have title of my best big brother Buster: That's a copout but whatever Ava: And fussy Ava: Alright best sibling but that isn't much more of an achievement really Buster: Don't worry about it Buster: I know how great I am Ava: Yeah yeah, blah blah Buster: Get me the least shit sounding soft drink and I'll believe you Ava: If there's anything being tragically underage has taught me Ava: 👍 Buster: Cheers Buster: See you in 5 Ava: Bring your cute kid Buster: I taught him how to say “Sláinte” earlier so you'll be able to rate my achievements for yourself Buster: He ain't just a pretty face Ava: 🥺🥰 Ava: What a face though Buster: I can't take all the credit Buster: He takes after his mother Buster: Tell her how good she looks when we get in, yeah? I'm living a nightmare Ava: 'Course Ava: I've got a girlfriend, remember Ava: I know the drill, just amp up period level love 1000% for a pregnant bitch Buster: My wife ain't a insecure teenager Buster: But I appreciate the sentiment Buster: Just don't call her a bitch ever again Ava: I say it with love Ava: from one to another Ava: but got it, I'll remind her she's old Buster: Don't Buster: It'll be your funeral Ava: 😂 I only like winding you u Ava: p Ava: Don't need anyone crying on me Buster: Good Buster: I don't need to be breaking up any girl fights Buster: Especially when I've taught you both everything I know Ava: Even if me hitting a girl is more acceptable than you, I think everyone draws the line at a pregnant one Buster: Fine, I don't wanna pick you up off the floor once she's knocked you out and do a concussion test after someone pours a pint over you to bring you round Buster: I was trying to soften the blow of how it'll play out since I'd be powerless to stop the actual Ava: And I thought you were in the festive spirit Ava: 🙄 Ava: I'll take back this virgin cocktail, like 😏 Buster: Not without any spirits in me Buster: You'll have to take what you can get Ava: Few folk songs and you'll be well into it Buster: Voice of an angel, obviously Buster: Could've been a choir boy if not for everything else Ava: You took living vicariously a wee bit hard with the name already Buster: You'd have preferred me to name him after a silent film star, yeah? Ava: That was pure wishful thinking 🙊🤐🤫 Buster: Fucked over as my boy's been by not being named Rudolph Valentino or Roscoe Arbuckle, I reckon he'll be alright Buster: Cheers though Ava: I think Fatty murdered someone Ava: so as far as aspirations go, you're in the right direction Buster: I always am Buster: Never a misstep made, no matter what mum and dad say Ava: Alright 👼 its St Paddy's not confessional Ava: and the priest would be rare pissed off if you waltzed in and said you'd never done anything wrong 😂 Buster: He'd be a fine one to talk Ava: The drama of it all Buster: Again, I don't need to be told Buster: There's a kid here asking for you, except shouting's more the word Ava: He gets it 👏 Ava: 💃 Buster: Come out before he legs it in