winniepoe

[winniepoe]

While the boys fretted about how Josiah knew nothing of Fleur’s awakening and how there was absolutely no way that he had anything to do with the fiery assault on Marcus- Myra had a concerned frown on her face for a completely different reason.

“Mom... Are you feeling okay?” Myra asked all of a sudden. The matriarch’s gaze flitted over to her daughter, her hands plastered to the table and almost all of her weight leaning on them. To Myra, it almost looked like she feared sitting back down, lest she just collapse the second she tried.

The fact that Fleur looked a little lost for words for a moment, the anger slapped right off of her face, threw Myra off almost in an instant. Something nasty twisted at her gut.

“Ah... Yes, I’m okay-” She lowered herself back to her seat with an almost painful amount of meticulous effort. Once she managed to get into her seat again, she let out a long sigh of strained relief. “I suppose I’m just... Not what I used to be.”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Their father knew.

As much as Myra’s face had contorted into a mortified expression at the realization- It paled Fleur’s face and almost turned the normal warmth of it into a sickly green shade. She could feel the gazes of at least Myra and Nero flitting up towards her to gauge her reaction. She only wished she could provide them some form of comfort in her expression. 

“If... Josiah knew...” Fleur murmured, “But did nothing to stop it... It’s... Something of a real possibility that he had a hand in it...” As the words left Fleur’s lips, her expression shifted. Shock and fear that almost mirrored Marcus’ whipped around on a gale to almost palpable maternal rage. She clenched the spoon in her hand. Sophie lifted her head from her bowl, whimpering a little.

“That man...” Fleur almost growled through gritted teeth. She hefted herself up to her feet- And it was obvious in just how her face contorted in a wince how much her strength had waned as of late. “Where’s my phone? I need to have a word with him.”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Without any further explanation, the other souls at the table understood exactly what he meant. Normal fire was one thing. Absolutely capable of the same kind of damage of elemental fire, for sure. it behaved more like a scared animal. Burning as hot as it did was only following its natural instincts. Sometimes that meant harming another being, but it wasn’t the ultimate goal. However, elemental fire was... Unrelenting. Intentional. There was no true escape from it, resulting in wounds that often took twice the amount of time to heal.

“Ah....” Fleur breathed. She set her own spoon down for the moment. “I mean, at this time of year, it would be hard to imagine that it would be some freak accident of nature... Do you... Know any fire elementals enough for them to have some kind of vendetta against you-?” She hated asking it. Hated the very notion that someone would have a vendetta against one of her children. But with how they had gotten themselves entangled in their father’s business... It almost seemed natural that some grudges and hard feelings would sprout up.

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Completely contrary to their natural birth order, Myra sat on Marcus’ free side. She only scooted back enough to slip in while still avoiding bumping the smaller bowl of the thick, hearty stew just behind each of their chairs. The familiars in the room, too, took the signal. Each one rushed over to their respective bowls and ducked their heads down to start gobbling up the morsels of beef, carrot, and potatoes.

Myra couldn’t help but smile. That was always one of the things she loved the most about her mother; she never held back on making sure the family familiars felt as loved as her children.

With a grunt, Fleur, too, lowered herself into a chair across from her three children. Her face twisted a bit with the effort- But she settled down with a relieved sigh. Sophie, too, had gone to her almost human-sized portion and started eating, tail high and wagging back and forth like a giant fan behind Fleur. Of course, though, there was one familiar that couldn’t make the meal...

“How is Artemis doing, Marcus?” Fleur asked, not so much a small-talk question as much as it was a genuine expression of her own worry. “I imagine she’s in good hands with Abi. But, still.”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

By all rights, Myra had projected herself into a place of not only stability, but even success of her own accord being a lawyer. But nothing in the world could take away the pride she felt at receiving praise from her big brother. It showed on her face in the form of a glowing beam, and she set down the scissors on the edge of the counter.

“Don’t tell Dad, but I still take on a couple hair clients when his back is turned.” With an impish wink, he nudged him back onto his feet. “Now- Come on. I love you, but right now I miss mom’s cooking just a little bit more.”

The two of them, with Apollo right on their heels, abaondoned the little litterings of hair clippings for the moment. Myra tried to draft a little reminder for herself to get back to those after their meal. They walked in, though, to a classic of Fleur’s sitting in a crock-pot in the middle of the dinner table. Myra recognized it by scent alone in an instant.

“Beef stew~” she crooned. Fleur chuckled and looked up just as she set down the rest of the bread for ripping, dabbing, and dipping next to the vessel.

“Oh, yes. I still need to eventually teach one of you the recipe.” In that moment, the matriarch looked towards her eldest. Surprise flickered across her features, only to be replaced with a soft warmth.

“My, my... Don’t you look all spruced up,” Fleur hummed. She kept a hand on the table to keep herself steady. her weak legs just refused to gain all their strength back for some reason.

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Myra frowned - At a few things at once. One, Marcus’ fidgeting. Just at the end of his little train of thought, Myra gave his hair a little tug to try and get him to stay still. It only earned her a huff and a look in the mirror. Myra couldn’t help her own little chuckle and rolled her eyes, even with the rather serious conversation topic at hand. One hand came up to ruffle his locks for a moment before she started snipping away again near the base of his neck.

“Something, obviously,” Myra muttered in thought. “Uhhh... Maybe something having to do with your involvement with Nero? Like some kind of warning? I know our family has enemies.” Myra snorted, “How could we not?”

“Myra! Marcus!” Fleur called. “Dinner will be ready soon!” Just as she said it, a warm, spicy, savory aroma wafted in through the open bathroom door. 

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Myra rolled her eyes at his feeble attempts at dodging the whole reason the two of them had ended up standing in front of a mirror in the first place. After some musing while he talked, Myra lifted the scissors And started snipping the very ends of the dark curls on his head. Little crescents of black drifted towards the tile floor. Apollo’s ears perked with an instant chirrup. He hopped up onto his back paws, swatting at them as they fluttered towards the ground. 

“My work is boring as hell,” Myra scoffed. “If I had a lot going on, I wouldn’t take as much time as I have so far to come and see the lot of you. I’d be in California or New York or something. He’s basically put all his attention on this little Harvent town for the time being. All other operations basically mean jack shit to him.”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Myra hummed and, setting aside the set of silver shears. It wasn’t quite their time yet. Instead, she too the comb and started running it through his hair to try and sort it out. Stalling. The thought of sprucing up her brother’s hair had come to mind so many times. Yet, now- Damnit, all of her ideas flung themselves right out the window.

“Okay - Maybe it wasn’t exactly the breakdown that was sexy,” Myra mused aloud. “But... I dunno, think a little deeper than that. Reach back to secondary school Lit classes. Y’know... Patterns, themes~” she paused her combing to twirl it in the air like a teacher’s lecture pointer. “Like if you have to look at every interaction you’ve had with her- What stands out to you?”

A part of her really, truly wanted to just spill her hypothesis and hit him with a dose of enlightenment. But- That wasn’t her job. 

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Myra just shuffled around the bathroom, popping open various cabinets and drawers to find what she’d needed. Just as much as Marcus had taken up tinkering with the mechanical bits and bobs of various gadgets, Myra had always had a keen interest in style. More specifically, hair and clothing. Makeup she could do without.

“Because otherwise you wouldn’t sleep and would be miserable, that’s why. And Artemis, if your condition says anything about the severity of the attack, probably needs you to be the least amount of stressed as possible.”

As if to concur with that very sentiment, Apollo trilled a purr and rubbed his face against Marcus’ open palm. The cat seemed just as contented as Myra in the moment. Maybe not with the same energy, but the same general happy mood.

“Also- Come on.  Women are damn good at noticing when a guy puts just that little bit more effort into things both physical and emotional. I mean - Hell. You probably did something different the day you asked that got her thinking. I know I’ve had that happen to me with guys a couple of times before.” She pulled out a comb from a drawer, as well as a towel. She gingerly wrapped it around her brother’s shoulders in preparation to alter his appearance. Hopefully for the better.

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Myra rolled her eyes over her shoulder at her eldest brother. In her excitement to give her brother a touch-up, she’d completely forgot to ask where to find a restroom in the house. Or at least find a room with a mirror. But, not wanting to out herself for such a silly and impulsive move, she just kept going. If she peered into enough doors, surely she’d eventually spot a tile floor with a sink and a toilet nearby at least.

“Oh, don’t give me that,” Myra huffed with a giggle. As she loped, Apollo followed suit. Only through sheer practice was she able to keep from catching her foot on his sleek black body and sending herself tumbling to the ground. “Abi didn’t say yes just because you happen to have good hair. Give yourself a chance, Marcus.”

Just as she said that, she passed by an open door and caught a duplicate of the pair running by. She screeched to a halt in front of it and took a hard left to swerve into it.

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Myra perked up in an instant hearing Marcus finally conceding to go forward. She angled her neck down to let him see her bright face. She gave his shoulders a little playful jostle.

“Relax - I’m not changing you into something you’re not. Just trimming up what you’ve already got to make you more approachable. If your business getup is the only one you have, going to a first date that isn’t at a conference or something. You’re more than a businessman. So let’s get you to show it.”

Her gaze shot up to Fleur, absolutely beaming. “How much time until dinner is ready?”

Fleur’s own brows popped. She braced a hand on the counter. “About half an hour?”

“And do we have a pair of scissors around?”

Fleur reached over, brow perked, and ruffled through a drawer until she managed to pull out a basic pair of shears. Myra giggled, leaping forward to grab Marcus’ hand.

“Come on! I’ve got just enough time to do your hair.”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

“Well I wasn’t exactly going to put it like that, Nero,” Myra huffed. She lifted her arm from the top of his head, though, mussing up his hair in her hands. She knew he hated it. She didn’t care in that moment. This was all just... Fun.

“Still- Don’t you wanna look nice and spruced up for a first date? Set a good... Well- First impression in terms of a date. Listen. Abi’s a looker. I can tell she’s gonna put her best foot forward.”

“And you may feel more confident with a new look,” Fleur offered with an encouraging smile.

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Myra snagged one of the slices of bread, ripping off chunks and tossing them up into the air in an arc- only for them to end up right in her gaping mouth. This was probably the most hilarious conversation Myra had gotten to participate in since- Wow. She couldn’t remember. She gave herself just enough time to chew and swallow the warm, buttery bread so familiar to her before she marched over to the sitting Marcus and leaned her elbow on the top of his head.

“Mmmmhm. I bet it’ll happen. Abi didn’t strike me the type to ghost somebody after saying yes. She’s a bit too straightforward for that. But... You might need just a little sprucing up before you actually go on said date.”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Myra blinked a couple of times as the name ‘Abi’ flitted into the conversation. That - And what Marcus didn’t do. That is... He didn’t make jabs, get his temper all flared up... Nothing of what she expected. Sure, he still grumbled and grouched. That aspect of him would probably stick around until the day he died. But, still-

“Wait.” Myra felt multiple pairs of eyes shoot straight for her. She continued without a hitch. “Abi? As in the chick that got her arm broken at that bar party and you paid her hospital bills even though she already had insurance, Abi?” She caught a knowing smile from both Fleur and Nero at once- Though with moods ranging from a happy glimmer to stupid glee. Myra’s own face broke out into a wicked beam.

“Oh- My God. This is pure fucking gold-” she barked out a laugh, just as Nero almost promised she would. “Is this some weird spinoff of Romeo and Juliet? ‘Cause you two just keep running into each other at the absolute weirdest times.”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

If Myra’s brows had already jumped up a bit, now they absolutely soared towards her pulled-back hairline. She pulled away from the embrace from her brother almost as soon as it had started. Her eyes darted over his face in some attempt to try and call him out on some kind of lie. It didn’t work. She only saw an almost sheepish earnest in his eyes.

“Did I miss something? When the hell did this conversation go from burns and your familiar being hurt to you going on a date? Like- Did I have a seizure or something?”

Fleur couldn’t help the maternal chuckle that bobbed her shoulders. “No, darling. Marcus does actually have a date. And it’s somewhat related.”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

Marcus walked right in to see the sight of Fleur and Myra having a long-awaited reunion. The women of the family clung to one another with tearful beams and unintelligible, but happy murmurings. Marcus’ greeting had Myra’s head popping up from her mother’s shoulder. The smile remained on her face - All until she seemed to grasp the true severity of his injuries.

“Holy shit, Marc- I’d say you’re a little more than just a little bit toasty there, man.” She pulled away from Fleur a bit to give Marcus her fully attention. Apollo, too, seemed to notice the drastic difference - Because he came forward to rub the soft fur of his cheeks along his calves. Her gaze shot to Nero, just a little scolding despite her baby status in the family,

“I really hope there was something else to tell me besides just how hurt my eldest brother is, Nero.”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”

[winniepoe]

“Oof-!”

Myra hadn’t expected such a- Zealous greeting the second she walked in the door. Apollo, of course, took the opportunity to hop right on down from his perch on her shoulder to greet the other familiars. He purred, tail lifted high in greeting as he popped up onto his back legs to butt his head against them. Goodness, how long had it been since the three of them had all seen each other at the same time-?

Myra chuckled, though, and leaned back to look her brother in the eye. She popped up a single brow.

“The news-? Way to sound like a clickbait article, Nero,” she sniggered. “You might as well spill. What the heck is going on?”

Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? Mom and Nero will be there.

Myra’s fingers drummed against her steering wheel’s rim as she sailed down the highway. Apollo didn’t seem bothered at the slightest- Not that much ever got him in a tizzy. He laid there, curled up in her lap, tail thumping a slow rhythm against her thigh. A green sign whizzed by, emblassoned with white reflective letters-

Exit 185 - Harvent - 2 miles 

So close.

It was one thing to get called about her brother getting hurt. Impromptu visits didn’t bother her. Their spontaneous nature usually meant that the participants involved were genuine when they spoke, even if they didn’t present their best selves throughout the process. Marcus’ text to her the day before, though- That was planned. 

And plans usually meant that there was some underlying motivation. Especially if they included a few other people.

Thoughts racing through her mind, Myra coasted towards the exit- Up the ramp, turn to the right to head into the little town nestled at the base of the mountain protecting it. It was such an unassuming little place. Old houses lining the streets had been converted to mom and pop shops. Hair dressers, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Almost as soon as she saw them, they were in her rear-view mirror. She left the downtown behind and, whizzing a few miles into the countryside again…

Only to come up to a farmhouse at the end of a long, winding gravel driveway. 

You’ve arrived.

“Thanks, Google,” Myra muttered. She flicked off the ignition. The headlights and the engine cut with an almost disturbing suddenness. She prodded the cat in her lap, “Alright- Up, ya big oaf.”