#* [conversations] 💬 ft. aspen

[kaixwinter]

LOCATION: Black Rabbit Tattoos CLOSED for @ravensrevcnge (Aspen)

It was one of those days where Kai wasn't at work and found himself with nothing better to do. So, figuring it would be a good way to spend his time, he'd headed over to Black Rabbit to see if Aspen was working. He often went to his cousin for new additions to the ever growing collection of artwork that was scattered over his body, and this was no different.

Aspen had been busy when Kai had walked in, so he'd taken a seat and waited for his cousin to finish up with the client. Once they were done, Kai got up from where he had been sitting and headed over to them. "So, what do you feel like sticking me with today? I'll take anything, whatever you feel like. If it's something that would disappoint my mother, that would be a bonus."

[riaxnunez]

LOCATION: Near the bar at Midnight Mirage CLOSED for @ravensrevcnge (Aspen)

Ria was starting the evening with a drink. She'd left Sam somewhere across the room to go and get them something, but on her way towards the bar she spotted Aspen and knew she had to go over and say hello to them. "Hey, you. You look dapper as hell." She greeted them with a smile, giving them a once over. "You're kind putting the rest of us to shame, which is rude as hell, so you're lucky I love you." Ria teased, nudging their arm playfully. "You're gonna save me a dance later, right? We could recreate that epic dance number we did at prom. Think you still remember all the moves? I think this party could use a couple of professionals like us to show 'em how it's done."

[edenxmonroe]

"So do I, so maybe you're right." Eden laughed, shaking her head. It seemed that no matter what Aspen and Eden did when they were together, no matter what had happened before they had been in each others company, they would always end up smiling and laughing and having a good time. Whether they were just hanging out watching a movie, or trying a bunch of appetizers, they always had fun.

"There's nothing wrong with things being much the same. Things can't be exciting all the time, otherwise we'd never get to appreciate anything." Eden mused as she put the menu down and tried to get the attention of someone who could come and take their order. When someone finally did approach, Eden was ready. "Okay, so, this is going to be a weird order, but bear with us." She chuckled before rattling off a bunch of different appetizers, more than ready to eat and enjoy the rest of the evening.

Aspen snorts. "I might be getting a cavity just thinking about it, maybe it's best we don't find it. I hate the dentist." They continued to survey the menu, finger running over all the options listened under appetizers/share plates. Truly they though this was the easiest way to make a meal - a little taste of everything. Though, granted, they wished they could actually get everything. But then they might be here for quite a while.

"That sounds like a perfect plan," Aspen easily agreed, setting down their menu as well and folding their hands on top of it. "I guess for the most part things tend to be much the same around here," Aspen agreed. "Which is not really a bad thing, in my opinion. I think there is a certain amount of things that would worry me if they went differently around here."

[kaixwinter]

LOCATION: Aspen's place CLOSED for @ravensrevcnge (Aspen)

Kai needed to talk to someone. Someone who wouldn't judge. Aspen was the first person that came to mind. Most of the time they kept things light, but Kai knew he could always turn to them when he needed help. So, when he arrived at his cousin's place, he went to knock on the door and then stopped, instead just opening the door and letting himself in. "Aspen? You home?" He called out, the fact that he was able to let himself in suddenly dawning on him. Of course they were home.

Making his way through rooms, Kai stopped when he finally found Aspen. "Hey." He greeted them, his tone giving away that not all was right with him. "Can we, uh, talk?"

[riaxnunez]

LOCATION: The White Willow Winery - Movies Beneath the Stars CLOSED for @ravensrevcnge (Aspen)

"You would think that by now I'd be over watching kids movies, but I'm actually weirdly excited for this. Scooby Doo? I mean, who isn't a fan?" Ria said, looking over at Aspen, handing them a drink she'd grabbed for them at the bar. She took a sip of her own drink and looked towards where the screen was set up. "This place is pretty impressive. I never thought I'd ever find myself at a damn winery, but stranger things have happened. Though, I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel super out of place."

[edenxmonroe]

"I'm sure there's something out there, though I'm not sure we'll ever find it." Eden laughed, shaking her head. "If we looked, we might, but do we really want that? Between chocolate and us, I think we've got the sweet quota more than covered in Raven's Peak." Of all the people who could've walked up to her as she looked up at the sky outside of The Golden Spoon, she was glad it had been Aspen. They had always been such a good friend to her, and they always knew how to make her smile.

"I'll never say no to anything that comes with dip. So, what if we get a bunch of appetizers that comes with different dips, and then we can decide which combination is the best? Then maybe finish with a dessert." As excited as she had been for her date just a few hours ago, Eden was kind of glad that things had worked out the way they had. She put down the menu and looked across the table at Aspen. "Things have been good, much the same. I've been enjoying seeing so many familiar faces back in town after so long. What about you? What have you been up to?"

"Oh shiiiiiiiit, really?" Aspen drew out the word, holding a hand up to their lips in shock. "No way, what is sweeter than chocolate?" Their head tipped playfully, "other than us, of course." Aspen laughed, more than enjoying the playful banter. They felt like they didn't get to spend as much time with Eden as they'd like to, so the night was unfolding perfectly in their opinion.

"Perfect, perfect - what are your favorites? Appetizers really do get under appreciated! What about...spinach and artichoke dip - it comes with fresh pita slices. That sounds amazing. Oh - and a good soft pretzel is always a strong contender, especially when it comes with an array of different dips and things." They set down the menu in front of them for a moment, giving a good once over to her. "I'm glad to see you're feeling better, Eden. You have to fill me in on how things have been otherwise."

[edenxmonroe]

"Maybe even sweeter." Eden said, trying to suppress a laugh at Aspen's bad joke. They really were making her feel better, in fact, a part of her was glad now that she had been stood up, because she was sure the guy she was set to meet wouldn't have been nearly as charming as Aspen was being. They were a good friend, and Eden counted herself lucky to have them.

When they were lead to their table, Eden sat down and smiled across the table at Aspen, picking up the menu to browse the options. "Okay, well, I'm glad I didn't interrupt any big plans, and I'm glad that we're both going to be eating better than we originally planned." The Golden Spoon was good, but the food at The Nouveau Table was on another level. Looking over the menu, she was overwhelmed by the choices. So, when Aspen suggested they just get a bunch of appetizers, Eden put the menu down. "I think that sounds like a perfect idea! Appetizers really do deserve more than they get."

"Just as sweet as chocolate?" Aspen teased lightly, making a goofy face at the bad joke. They were led to an open table in the restaurant and Aspen sat across from Eden, giving her a warm smile as they got situated. They both knew it was just a friendly outing tonight between them, but it was still nice to see her smiling when she'd been so down when Aspen had first encountered her. And they were more than happy to be her date for the night.

"No, no. Listen, I was honestly on my way to grab a bite to eat before heading home, so this worked perfectly, if I do say so myself." Maybe they'd been angling for something more like the greasy diner type thing at the Golden Spoon, but this was a true treat. "So what do you think, should we get a bunch of appetizers and split them? Why are appetizers so damn good I just want them to be my entire meal."

[edenxmonroe]

"Well, everyone does deserve flowers and chocolate, I can't argue with you on that." Eden chuckled, shaking her head. Of course she would love to get some herself, but she was happy just seeing her friends smile. Gifts weren't that big of a deal to her, but she was always appreciative when she did get them.

"In my eyes, that makes you just as sweet." It wasn't Aspen's responsibility to make up for Eden being stood up, but they had come along and happily volunteered to save her evening from being a total waste, and that meant more to her than she could say. "So, tell me, what were you doing before you found me staring at the sky in the middle of the sidewalk? Nothing too important I hope. I'd hate to be keeping you from something or someone."

"Definitely agree, except for the flowers and chocolate. Everyone deserves flowers and chocolate. You deserve flowers and chocolate." Aspen made a mental note to bring Eden a little something one of these days, randomly, to brighten it up a little. She seemed so good at brightening up days for others, she deserved a little bit of that sunshine back.

When she remarked about their charm and swooping in to save the day Aspen only laughed, waving a hand through the air in an 'aw shucks' sort of response. "You're too sweet. I'm just making up for what has been done wrong tonight."

[edenxmonroe]

"You'll be the first to know, I promise." Knowing that she had Aspen in her corner, hoping for the best for her, helped more than she could say. Eden hoped they were right, she hoped that eventually someone would come along and give her the love that she tried so hard to put out into the world. Maybe one day, but for right now she was more than happy to spend some time with a good friend who had swooped in to save her night. "Well, I guess we'll see what happens over the next few days. If I hear from him and he has a good reason and apologizes, I'll be just fine with that. No need for flowers or chocolate. But, otherwise, it is what it is. Someone better will come along." At the end of the day, these things happened and she knew that. It wouldn't stop her from trying, it wouldn't stop her from being hopeful.

"Exactly! And how could anyone be upset when someone as charming as you comes along and saves the day?" She smiled warmly as Aspen, appreciative of their perspective. Generally, Eden wasn't the type of person to let things like this upset her, not for long anyway. Sure, in the moment she'd been upset, disappointed, but by tomorrow it would be a distant memory.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Eden stepped inside when Aspen opened the door for her. "Why, thank you!"

"Well, you will have to let me know when you do actually get your meet cute. I want to hear every detail. I'm nothing if not hopeful." And if anyone was going to get their meet cute, it would be Eden. They just had a feeling about it. "Maybe mystery guy will come through with an explanation that is so innocent and mundane as to why he missed the arranged time. He'll make it up to you with flowers and chocolate like all the good romance movies. Aww shit, I'm so excited for you, Eden!" And even if this guy was a dud, Aspen didn't see any issue with Eden being hopeful, still. She deserved that kind of happiness.

"No reason to be upset when you can choose not to be." Aspen knew it wasn't exactly sound logic. It wasn't as if people chose to be upset by things, and some situations warranted it. But they tried their best to keep looking at the brighter side of things when they could.

As they approached the restaurant Aspen grabbed the door, pulling it open and waving a hand dramatically to usher her in. "After you, darling."

[edenxmonroe]

Hearing Aspen say they would've jumped into it as fast as she had made Eden feel a little less stupid for being so excited about the date. "Well, I did. Now I'm not so sure they really exist outside of movies. But, that's okay. That's why we enjoy movies, right?" She was realising now that some things were just better made for screens, and she was okay with that. The smile that had faded a little as she spoke grew back to it's full brightness when Aspen spoke again. "You're right, if we weren't already cute and hadn't already met, this would've been an incredibly cute 'meet cute' moment."

The deflated feeling Eden had had before Aspen had walked up was almost completely gone. They were right, there was nothing wrong with having hope. "Right." She smiled, nodding her head in agreement. "That's what I'm hoping. I'm sure there's a good reason. He seemed excited earlier today, so it had to be that something came up." Eden knew that this wouldn't stop her hoping that she'd find her person some day. If it wasn't this guy, there was bound to be someone else out there for her. "You're really good at pep talks, you know that?"

"A meet cute," Aspen repeated, their voice lifting excitedly at the idea - though not too excitedly, seeing as it hadn't worked out in Eden's favor. "Shit, I so would've jumped into that so fast, too. Doesn't everyone want a meet cute? Running into one another literally and then all of the sudden heart eyes are flying." Aspen gestured vaguely between the two of them, "we could've had a meet cute just now, if we hadn't already met and weren't already cute."

They exhale a soft sigh as Eden goes on to explain the rest of the story that Aspen had begun to piece together. "Well, I definitely don't think you did anything wrong, here. I mean, a little hope never hurt anyone, right?" Their shoulders rise and fall. "Maybe something happened that kept him and he'll text you in a little while explaining the whole story and it'll be a good laugh later. Or maybe he just wasn't the one. Don't give up all hope, Eden. You'll find your person." At least, Aspen liked to be optimistic like that.

[edenxmonroe]

Eden always enjoyed being around Aspen. There weren't many people in town that could match her energy, but they could. Even when things weren't feeling so bright, they had a way of lightening the mood, and that was something that Eden hoped she could do for the people around her.

For a moment, she thought about whether she wanted to tell Aspen about what had happened, and decided she could trust them not to laugh at her or give her a hard time. "I met a guy downtown earlier today, one of those cheesy 'meet cutes' that you see in the movies. We got to talking and he asked if I'd want to get dinner with him. We exchanged numbers and texted for a bit, he told me to meet him here at 7pm, so I got ready and came. And then her just... didn't show up. So, I waited, I tried texting him, and I got nothing back." As she recounted what had happened, she was suddenly hit with just how pathetic the whole thing sounded. "I guess it was just silly of me to think it was a good idea."

"I think so, too," Aspen agreed with a bright smile, guiding Eden down the sidewalk in the direction of the restaurant. They were already fantasizing about what they would order for dinner. Previously they had been figuring they'd make their way home and dig up something from the fridge or freezer to cook up. A frozen pizza, or the like. This was a far better treat your self surprise.

"Jumped too soon?" Aspen repeated, skeptical. "I guess I don't really know what happened - and you don't have to tell me if you don't want to - but I don't think any of this is your fault. You're allowed to be hopeful, Eden." And since she clearly hadn't had a proper dinner yet, it wasn't hard for them to put two and two together - but maybe those assumptions were wrong. Maybe the guy had showed up and Eden had scared him off. Since Eden was such a scary person. "I'm sorry, though. That it didn't work out. But seems like maybe that's for the better?"

[edenxmonroe]

The disappointment that Eden had been feeling only moments ago seemed to have vanished, and was replaced with a sense of gratitude. Had Aspen not come along, she likely would've gone home and spent the rest of her evening ploughing through a pint or two of ice cream in bed, watching some sappy movie that would only make her cry. Instead, they had swooped in and saved the evening, and she hoped they would at least let her pay for their dinner as a thank you.

She smiled widely as they gave her a squeeze. "My car is just down the block, but it's a nice evening for a walk." Eden had only driven because it was too far to walk from her house in the shoes that she'd chosen. She was realising now that maybe she had put too much effort into her appearance for a date with someone she really didn't know. It was the hopeless romantic in her. "Dating apps? I think I'll swear of dating for a while, clearly I jumped in too soon with this. But, we can definitely look for someone for you."

There certainly was a question of what this date of hers was thinking, suggesting the Golden Spoon. Or perhaps it wasn't meant to be a date and all, and Eden had just gotten her wires crossed? Nah, Aspen didn't think that could be the case, either. As much as the Golden Spoon was a good place to meet up for a comfort meal, it definitely wasn't date material...Perhaps she wasn't missing out on much in the end.

"Well, thank you, I try to have that effect on people," Aspen said, throwing their arm over her shoulders and squeezing her. "Did you walk here? What do you say to a stroll?" Aspen did have a truck, but typically they chose to walk when it was an option. There weren't all that many places outside of their downtown bubble that required a vehicle, really. "We can even pull up the dating apps and give a go together, if you like. Or fuck men entirely and just enjoy ourselves."

[kaixwinter]

"It is what I want." At least that's what he kept telling himself. Anything more than that would require him opening up in a way that he just wasn't comfortable with. Kai had always liked to keep himself at arms length, close, but still far enough away that he could protect himself. What he was protecting himself from, he wasn't sure, but it just felt like the safest option in the long run.

"Well, when you figure it out, you just let me know." Kai said in a way that sounded final, like he was done with the conversation. He relaxed back, letting silence fill the air around them as Aspen continued working on their art. Kai let their words sink in, let them turn in his head. They made it sound so simple, but was it? Surely not. At least, not the way Kai thought about it.

"No, there's nothing wrong with that," Aspen says, as if it were that simple. But nothing really was that simple. Relationships hardly came with only fun, no matter how much one tried to play it that way. Even friendships took some work and weren't always positive experiences. But people choose to stick it out because they care. "If that's what you want."

Apsen shrugs a little as they straight up, looking back at their cousin for a moment. "I don't think you have to know how to do anything. You just kind of...do it? I expect with the right person it sort of just comes naturally. But it isn't like I have all sorts of experience in the relationship department, either. I'm just makin' it all up as I go."

[edenxmonroe]

There was something about Aspen that never failed to make Eden smile. They had a way of lifting her spirits with ease, and she truly admired that. "Yeah." She admitted sheepishly, figuring that Aspen had probably figured out why she had been standing on the sidewalk the way that she was. It didn't take a genius to see that she was dressed up a little more than she usually was, that her make up was a little nicer, and she dabbed on some of her favourite perfume. "Oh?"

Her question was answered almost immediately when Aspen took her hand. "Of course I'll have you. Nouveau sounds lovely." Honestly, the first sign that her date probably wasn't a keeper was the fact that he'd chosen The Golden Spoon over somewhere nicer. Not that there was anything wrong with the diner, but for a first date, somewhere like Nouveau would've been nicer. "I say, let's do it." Eden smiled warmly at Aspen, doing a spin under their hands when they lifted them up. "Why, thank you. You really are saving the day."

"Ohhh, that kind of sign," Aspen gave a knowing sort of hum, thinking only now that Eden had stumbled out into the middle of the sidewalk for reasons beyond just a little desire to stargaze. All dressed up and nowhere to go, wasn't she? Well, that couldn't stand. "Well, let me be your sign, darling. This night is most definitely not going to go to waste."

Aspen took her hand, considering dragging her along into the diner, but then thinking better of it. "Actually, on second thought, why don't we go somewhere a little fancier, you think? If you'll have me. Let me spoil you. Nouveau? I'm sure they have tables, it's not that late, but still after peak dinner time. What do you say?" Aspen lifted her hand, prompting her to spin beneath their fingers. "We can't waste this amazing look you've got tonight."

[kaixwinter]

As Aspen started working, Kai didn't even flinch. He continued to sit still, waiting as his cousin did what they did best. Kai didn't expect Aspen to understand his choice to keep things casual, he didn't expect anyone to really understand it. Sometimes, even Kai didn't understand it himself. But, it just felt like the easier option. Not getting too attached to people, it was what had worked for him so far. Though, he wasn't sure how long he'd really be able to keep that up.

"I mean, I don't fucking know." Kai said with a roll of his eyes in place of shrugging his shoulders. "I've never had a serious thing before, I don't even know if I'd know how to do it." While he'd been on dates, he'd never really dated someone. The whole idea of having a relationship kind of freaked him out. "What's wrong with just wanting to keep things fun?"

"People who come around," Aspen repeated as they started their work, considering the statement. They could understand it to an extent, having casual things with people. But could it ever really be that simple? Just looking for a good time, no strings attached? Wasn't that why there were all sorts of silly rom coms about how no strings is almost never a good idea? "If you say so," Aspen settles on after a minute of thinking over it.

But it is only another minute or two that passes between them before Aspen is speaking again. "But do you want something more serious? Ever? Or with any of them? And you just feel like you gotta not be serious?" Aspen had never been one to put a label on anything and that included their relationships, but there was still a desire to connect with another person on that deeper level. Or maybe Aspen did so too often. They weren't really sure. But how did Kai feel about that? Was he happy with things just always being surface level?

[edenxmonroe]

"Well, I'll be sure to take that under advisement the next time I step out onto the sidewalk and feel the need to look up at the sky. Thank you for the advice." Eden chuckled, nodding her head. She wasn't sure how Aspen had done it, but she was suddenly feeling much better.

"We're looking for a sign to say that this night wasn't a total waste of time." She'd spent so long making sure she looked nice for her date, only for him to not show up. It felt like a waste, she'd tried on several different outfits, most of them twice, before finally deciding on what she was wearing. Then there was her hair, that had taken about 45 minutes to curl and style. It had been a whole process, and she just wanted to know why she had bothered.

Eden loved listening to people talk about the things they were passionate about, and she could tell by the way Aspen spoke of the piece they were doing that they enjoyed their art. "I'm sure you'll get it. I've seen your work and you always get things looking amazing." If she was more brave, she would likely have more tattoos, but she wasn't, so she only had one small one. "I've got no plans, and since stargazing on the sidewalk is apparently not a good idea, I would love to join you."

"Oh. Well, perhaps someone should. Maybe this can be the time - star gazing in the middle of the sidewalk could be a bad idea." Or maybe it could be a nice meet cute? Though then again, there were shitty people out there. Aspen could only imagine some disgruntled asshole running into her and then acting as if she had intentionally jumped into his path to ruin is day. Yeah, best not to star gaze in the middle of the sidewalk.

"Right, okay," Aspen agreed, their head bobbing up and down a little as they studied the night sky before their gaze shifted. "What kind of sign are we looking for, because I see a whole bunch if I'm being honest." But they did have a feeling the signs they were seeing were definitely not the ones she was looking for.

At her question Aspen clicked their tongue. "I had a long session at shop, they're getting this awesome sleeve but it's taking forever to get all the detail right." They gestured towards the Golden Spoon, "I could go for some greasy diner food right about now, though - if you're not doing anything else...Want to join me?"