i saw the signs, i ignored it.

Ben nodded in response and truthfully, his own grin remained hearing that she seemed to be doing well being back in town. “So Mystic wins over New York in this case? Good to know.” He couldn’t help musing before shaking his head at himself that Dylan had also shown up at the party. “Wow, I missed out running into you there too, then. But, I… was caught up trying to get in on winning that car though.” His eyes widened at the fact she essentially even knew the supposed game winner. “You know the winner, huh? My friend and I are convinced it was rigged.” To think Cam and hike could have had it in the bag. “It was wild alright.” Ben remarked through a light laugh, his expression shifted into a form of true curiosity that she’d remembered such a detail about him after all the years that passed. To think he thought she’d essentially forgotten him in her life. “It’s still the same, thanks. Is yours?” How much did change or remain un-changing between them? “I bet…that’s good he’s doing well though. I have no doubt you’ve done amazing handling everything, you know.”

        “I think Mystic is winning over New York in a lot of ways lately,” she smirks, shrugging her shoulders some as she begins to pour the coffee. “Were you now? Who wouldn’t be, really.. I mean, I don’t blame you guys for feeling that way. But, I actually sort of know the winner and I have to say, I don’t think it’s rigged. —You know my friend, Oliver, who works at the City Hall? Well, his girlfriend actually won the car, which I thought was really nice. She played her role well, to be honest." Handing over a fresh mug of coffee to Ben, her own in tow, she leans back against one of the counters. “Yup.. just a regular old black coffee, dash of milk and half a sugar. Very complicated.” It made her wonder, though, what was different about Ben other than the inevitable — time. “Thanks.. I mean, I. guess. But he’s been the real trooper in this situation. Pretty strong, I must say. And it’s uh.. been really nice to be home, too. Didn’t realise how much I missed it.” 

                 Jesse wanted to open up. He wanted to believe that he could talk to her without judgement, but the truth was, he was scared. The Everlys had been a second family to him for as long as he could remember, and if they shut him out, he didn’t know where he would turn. Would Dylan feel as though she would have to tell his parents? And even worse, what kind of a role model would he be for her? Next to her brother, he had always been the one to look out for Dylan. The one to set examples. But would she ever be able to trust his sense of judgement if she knew that he was an alcoholic?

                “I love you, Dyl, and I truly appreciate that. But it’s not something you should have to do. I don’t want you to look at me and see all of my flaws.. It sounds silly, but I want you to look at me with pride.” The thought of confessing caused his head to spin, but at the same time, he didn’t know how he would ever make it through this alone. At the mention of a significantly lighter subject, Jesse’s lips curved into a cheeky grin. Truthfully, he hadn’t known about the holiday, but it was nice to think that such a thing existed. “That is if people are aware of the holiday. Either way, I’ll take all the love I can get.” 

       “Oh yeah? That’s good, since I guess I kinda love you, too,” she smirks, nudging him with her elbow some as she pulls away to look at him. There was a sadness about Jesse that she couldn’t quite pinpoint, but she’d make it her personal mission to ensure he was okay, no matter what. He was a brother to her, and it seemed he needed a little tender love and care. “Is that what you think? That knowing all the parts of you, people are only going to see your flaws?” How in the world could he ever believe that? “Well, being that I’m.. quite possibly reviving the town newspaper — you’re not to tell a soul — I may or may not be listing special dates for the month of December. Expect cookies and a shower of love. You can thank me later.” 

              Truthfully, Arya was still rather impressed with herself. She had gone from hating almost everyone from her hometown, to offering up her apartment to a friend in need. Even referring to Dylan Everly as her friend often felt like some kind of strange fever dream. After so many years spent trying to fit in, and then so many years away, Mystic finally felt like home. “Of course I’m serious! Believe me when I say I wouldn’t offer this up to just anybody. I like my space too much. But I feel like… it could be fun. We get along well, and it might be nice to have someone to hang out with any come home to. You know? Now it sounds like we’re getting married.” With a small chuckle, Arya shook her head from side-to-side. She didn’t feel worthy of being anyone’s hero, but she was definitely happy to know that her idea had gone over well. “I’m no genius, but I’m glad you think so.”

       “Wow, you must kinda like me then, huh? I mean to share your space with someone..” A teasing grin encompasses her features, a twinkle in her eye as she looks over at Arya — her potential roommate. There was a part of her that felt hesitant, if only for the fact that she worried about her dad. But, he had her brother to watch over him, and it wasn’t like she’d be too far away not to check in on him. Constantly, knowing her. “We might as well! You’re making this sound like a dream.. but I’m not sure you want to head into that institution,” a grim roll of her eyes, and a taut smile signifies just how she feels about marriage in particular. “I think it’d be great. Let me have a good think and break the news to my dad, who’ll probably be glad to get rid of me and my constant fussing.. but uh, I think since I’ve decided to stick around Mystic a while, this would be perfect.” 

“I know you’re saying ‘just about’ because of me also being friends with Dean Holder, you can just say it, Dyl.” Oliver jested. “I don’t know what else I can say that will make you believe that I’m telling you the truth either, but I will figure it out.” He stated determinedly. “But thank you. It means the world you want her to feel welcome here too.” There were major steps being made in his life, and he knew well that Dylan always spoke with whole-hearted intent. “I always take your word for it, you know. But actually yeah..” He laughed at the mention of the ‘enemies’ they’d gained since Halloween. “I’ve run into a few of the sore losers from that night. Some are really…not taking it well.” Oliver shook his head, having been baffled with amusement over the encounters.  “It’s great your Dad’s doing better now. — No way, that’s awesome, Dyl! Jose is going to be looking for a place soon too, you guys might end up being close by anyway.”

       Dylan couldn’t help the smile that crossed her features, entirely caught out. But she shrugs instead of responding, readily involved in teasing him about Dean whenever she could. “I do.. I can’t wait to get to know her better. —Oh really? Well, I wouldn’t either missing out on such a grand prize but, a game’s a game, am I right?” Raising her mug of coffee to her lips, she takes a moment to enjoy the warmth between her fingers, her fingers cold ever since the first snow fall. Nothing she wasn’t used to, of course. “Yeah! I mean, we’ll see how that goes. I’d love that! —I’m also thinking about reviving the town newspaper.. it used to be something my dad, and I know a lot of people enjoyed in town. I don’t know why they got rid of it, but that’s the plan. Since.. I feel like I might stick around a little longer, anyhow.” 

                It was difficult for Jesse not to laugh at her comment. Not because it was true or because it wasn’t, but because he often wished that he could give himself those same words of wisdom. For as long as he could remember, others has come to him for answers. Dating advice, life advice, and even Nora’s recent conundrum about her fuck buddy. He shouldn’t have been good at this, but he was. And yet when it came down to his own problems, Jesse froze. “I wish I had an answer for you, but unfortunately, I don’t.”

                 With a small chuckle, he gazed down at the brunette, watching her expression change within a matter of seconds. It was nice to know that somebody cared about him, or even worried about him, but he didn’t want her to. Her family had done more than enough for him when his life had become a mess, and now almost ten years later, he didn’t want her to know how little had changed. “I’m hanging in there, you know. Being the best I can be. Things have been a little crazy lately, but I’m surviving.”

       A small, concerned smile crosses her features. How was it that Jesse was so wonderful at giving advice, and yet when it came to his own pain and problems he was a closed book?! Dylan couldn’t comprehend how the man could possibly think he was a burden on others; or perhaps, his pain was too much to deal with. “I get it.. but, I just want you to know I’m here for you, okay? I don’t care if it’s the middle of the night and you need to unload.. I’m here, Jesse. Always.” Their bond had long ago been solidified, and no amount of time had weakened it. That much she knew for sure. “I bet. Did you know world bartender appreciation day is coming up? As everyone’s favourite bartender, I can imagine you’re going to get a lot of love.” 

“How can I not? It is the truth.” For the genuine person he’d known Dylan to be since they became friends, she deserved the praise, and he couldn’t thank her enough for the support she’d provided him, regardless of the situation. “You have no idea how good it is to hear you say that. I know you’ll be amazing, make her feel welcome.” His grin was practically beaming from his features, knowing that she and Josie would easily be able to relate from the get-go. “I know, don’t know how you handle it. I’m sure she won’t mind ragging on me either.” He shook his head with a light laugh. “No lie, she’s staying. But thanks, Dyl. It’s nice of you to notice that. She definitely makes me happy, I know that hasn’t changed. I’m..really lucky for this chance.. — So, this has been all about me. How’ve you been since helping us out with the Halloween victory?”

       “You’re just about one of my favourite people, Oliver Feng. Mostly because you lie to me to make me feel better, and I think the world of you because of it,” she smirks in a teasing manner, although her words bear the weight of the truth. She genuinely adored him and was ever so thankful to have him as a friend. “If you love her, I know I will too. You have pretty good taste in people,” Dylan can’t help but grin. “I think you’re both very deserving of this second chance, and I truly believe that whatever is meant to be, will be. —Ah, Halloween. I heard there’s a lot of disappointed losers ‘round town? Just through word of mouth. You know we hear everything at the diner. But uh, things have been.. surprisingly good. My dad’s doing well, and Arya asked me to move in with her, when I’m ready.. and I’m really considering it. I feel like.. I need my own space now, you know? It’s a lot being at home with the two Everly men.” 

-

Could he eat, he wasn’t sure, but at the efforts the brunette appeared to be making Ian felt almost obligated to try. To order something beyond the tea that he desperately needed to have refilled. Tired eyes watched as she busied herself, the boy unable to keep his eyes from her. That motion something else he could focus on, something easy—something he appreciated, though not as much as her ability to pay attention without giving too much attention to him. That watchful gaze of his picking out the fact that he wasn’t being ignored in favour of that coffee machine. Not truly. “What would you suggest?” he asked her then, wondering what she would think he would want. Curious in his own way to see how she’d answer that simple question. 

       “Well, bacon and eggs are good at any time of day, not just breakfast,” Dylan begins, shrugging her shoulders some. It wasn’t often people asked for suggestions; customers more so asked for the daily specials and her thoughts on different meals. But realisation dawned upon her that this customer was perhaps a little different, and for someone who found it difficult to satiate her curiousity, Dylan couldn’t help but be interested.“Or I can whip you up a soup, if you’re not up for anything heavy?”