"fix it felix!" i can fix it!

Felix’s Costume - Uncle Fester (ft: @sheglitch​ as Wednesday, @rclphwrecksit​ as Gomez, @savwrides​ as Morticia, & @theflynnriders​ as Pugsly )

Being in the shop felt absurd even to Tyler, but the list of people who had motives wasn’t long. After the event, he’d had to work with numerous collected drunken recollections, and when one of them pointed towards Felix? It had somehow felt like the obvious person he never would’ve thought to point towards. The perfect alibi. He merely let out a soft snort at the guy’s apology, neither sated nor amused by it. And, really, most of his anger now was residual, but pangs of annoyance were certainly on the blond. Because, as much as he hated to admit it, there was a decent probability that he’d been falsely identified. He couldn’t even remember who had given him the name anymore, as he’d been in his own drunken stupor the night before, but he wasn’t going to crack. Not until he knew that he was getting the whole truth. “Where were you then?” He asked shortly, verbally ignoring the rest of the man’s words. Nails digging into his palms, his shoulders shrugged dramatically. “If you were so adamantly not there, is there someone who can vouch for that?”

“And what jurisdiction do you have for me to tell you where I was?” The man found himself retorting, though concerned by the way the boy was acting, was also now starting to feel a tad annoyed by the accusations. Now who exactly had he spoken to that would lead the fella to put the blame onto him? Never mind whether Felix has the capabilities to intentionally stab someone, but what reasons where there for him to even want to do so? Wouldn’t it make sense that it couldn’t have been him when the man barely knew much about Nathan, Tyler, or the rest of The Lost Boys, outside of anything Tink had informed him about them? “Not to say I don’t mind telling you where I was, which should really be the obvious here, but you know you can’t be accusing people without any actual proof of me being there besides some word of mouth by another.” Which again, could’ve easily been misconstrued considering the amount of people who attended the Battles of the Bands.

“Jimmy, who?” She asked with a soft laugh. Lightly holding a hand over her mouth to muffle it. Ella would feel awful had it took offense to her laughing at something he said. It just wasn’t something she hard often. Silly though, and something that certainly brought a smile to her face. Ella shrugged softly, a light hum leaving her. “I just like .. to find a different;y view point to things. See the light, and well of course the positive to any situation. You almost have too, or you get a bit lost in the darkness.” Perhaps she was just over sharing and diving into deeper conversations. The idea of that causing her to fizzle out on the small motherly like speech she could be giving Felix. “Everyone has the person they are when they’re alone - and that’s the only secret we can keep to ourselves. So, I don’t think anyone ever truly knows someone fully, you know?” Perking up she nodded. “Well, you see - just by helping others out on their path, you’re opening a door for yourself! A teacher sort of door. You seem gentle, and kind … teaching others doesn’t seem like something that would be too hard for you. I also have a great admiration for how you thought of others and how to help them. Truly, speaks a great deal of your character.”·

“Jiminy Jaminy.” He repeated, humor now evident in his tone for repeating it. “It’s a sorta like a catch phrase, and not much of a who.” Felix then clarified, not at all taking offense in Ella laughing. It was a funny phrase, and he more than welcome being laughed for it rather than being criticized for why he always says it, as he’s very aware how not everyone was a kin to hearing it. “Oh, I completely agree.” He said, going as far as to nod. “Viewing things in a positive manner is also the better alternative to going through life, but unfortunate not everyone likes to think that way. For one reason or another, some people likes doing anything but.” He mused, more than delighted to be hearing all of this from her. It wasn’t everyday where he meets someone who has similar views like he does. “That…has a lot of truths to that. I suppose it begs as a deeper meaning to the whole ‘what happens behind closed doors’ phrase too.” Felix shrugged, only to find himself grinning at her words. A teacher huh? Sure, he had Tink and viewed himself somewhat of a mentor to her and then there was Vanellope, though he was more of a uncle to her, but a teacher new. “Wow, being referred as a teacher is new and I never thought of myself as being one, but I guess that is the sort of position I had placed myself in now. And I do like making sure others can be comfortable when around me and that they could be open without any judgement.”·

“Yes, I do,” she insists, more firmly this time so he wouldn’t argue again. Because even if Felix felt like he wasn’t owed anything, she knew that it was what he deserved. To finally be told what exactly had happened between them and why she had ended things so suddenly those few years ago. He’d deserved to hear it a long time ago, actually, but there was nothing Poppy could do to change how long it’s taken her to open up, so she tried her best to ignore the guilt over that. It was only a recent thing - this realization of just how messed up she still was from Creek and how deeply that bled into all of her relationships since - but with it came enough guilt for the things that she’d done that she couldn’t be adding on anymore on top of that. Taking a deep breath, she nods her head a little bit and gives him her best smile - one that once again isn’t much, but even in the hardest of times she’s always been good at putting on at least somewhat of a happy front when needed. “I want to tell you. It’s just… it’s not the easiest thing to talk about, you know? I’ve never… You’re the first person that I’ve told that wasn’t someone who was there at the time.” Or well, she supposes that wasn’t necessarily true since she’d confessed to the entire island about it - but this was still the first time she’d willingly opened up further than that. And even then she’s yet to really get into anything - still unsure how exactly she’s supposed to go about this. She wants him to know everything - or at least everything he wants to know - but also doesn’t want to actually admit to anything. “So I guess… I should probably start with my ex? The one I never really wanted to talk about?”

“...Alright” He quickly gave in, his shoulders slacking a tad when he found no use to argue with her. It was rare whenever he made an argument over something and it was even rarer when he went against another person’s wishes and if Poppy desired to explain this to him, than who was he not to let her do so? Granted, Felix had no warrants to an explanation if she had a reason as to why she never done so prior to the public knowing, and he more so didn’t feel obligated for it. But he knew of why Poppy felt like she needed to explain, the reasoning appearing within his mind more than once since learning about the truth, yet all it resulted in was the handyman feeling guilt once again over it. Guilt for ever bringing that question up. Even as seemingly innocent as the intent may had been when he had done so, there was an alternative meaning behind bring it up that he always figured was why Poppy reacted the way she did that led to their enviable break up, but after rethinking it, he could now see there was a deeper meaning to that. When she gave him that smile, one that was much too perfected to be real and a thing he knew well enough to demonstrate on his own, Felix comforting smiled at her in return “If you’re sure.” He reminded while making a small nod of encouragement while doing so. It was a little conflicting to hear that he was the first she came to about this, once again understanding as to why he was the first yet it didn’t exactly make him feel any positive emotions when just seeing how making an introduction that led to her explanation was already much of a struggle for her. The man didn’t enjoy seeing Poppy like this, and chances are, it was only going to get worst from here. “Just take as much time and pauses as you need when explaining. I won’t rush you.” And he won’t, not when this was so personal to explain. He fell silent after that, his gaze fixed on her as she tried to gather herself some more to continue on, and when she did by bringing up a certain ex, the man’s brow knitted together. “Yes, I…remember you mentioning him once, and I never questioned any further…..”·

“I’m glad,” she states at his own affirmation to being okay, genuinely happy that his at least sounded a lot more convincing than her own. But that’s besides the point. Poppy would be an idiot to not be aware of the fact that he had probably picked up on something being wrong with her since the moment he opened the front door. But he wasn’t pushing her on it, just like she knew he wouldn’t, and that made things a little bit easier - even if it also brought on a small wave of guilt as well. At the reassurance that it was fine for her to be here and that she wasn’t interrupting him, she nodded her head before smiling a little at his offer to stay for dinner. “Maybe,” she answers, not wanting to commit to it in case things get too overwhelming and she has to leave. Which she’s determined to not let happen - not again. Over the past few days as Poppy had been evaluating her emotions and past relationships, she’d started to realize just how big of a mess she had left behind her in nearly all of them. Leaving and ending things suddenly without so much as a proper explanation for why every time. It wasn’t anything she could undo, she was well aware of that, but what she could do is try to at least make some kind of amends now. And the easiest start was with Felix himself. Or well, maybe not the easiest, considering the conversation with him will likely be the hardest to have, but at least she’s certain that she has moved on from him completely… No residual desire to be with him will spark itself as she explains what had gone wrong. Of course, the need to explain things to Felix first also sprung from the fact that she had already opened the door by admitting publicly to her miscarriages. That had never been the way she had wanted him to find out about that - not that she had wanted him to ever know in general, but regardless he didn’t deserve to find out in such an impersonal way. Moving further into the kitchen so that he could still keep an eye on the chowder, Poppy lowers herself into one of the chairs at the dining table and takes a deep breath. “So I owe you an explanation…”

Once again, Felix nodded as a response. Maybe was as good of an answer as any, and one he expected for her to say given their current situation. Whatever it is that this situation actually was, but he would have to be pretty dim minded not to put two and two together on how it was just recent since the news about her miscarriages came to light and now suddenly, here she was. And if Poppy was here to speak to him about than, Felix has to already confess that gave him some sense of solace on how she thought of him to talk about it. He doesn’t have a single clue if she already done so with anyone else, the handyman at the very least figuring she had this conversation with Branch being how she was currently with him and all, and not only that, but it really would not make much sense to him if she wanted to speak to him first before anyone else about this. Well, no it might make sense as if she came to him first to explain about her miscarriages, as Felix had another hunch to why she felt like she needed to explain to him, despite by now he had no unresolved or hurt feelings over what had happened or anything else that occurred back when he and Poppy were together. And she knew that. But it sure will finally be nice to hear the answer to what he’s been wondering throughout the years from her and not just from the public. Pulling out the chair from the seat across from her, Felix sat down and shot her a small yet comforting smile. And there it was, the beginning of her explanation. “No, you don’t.” Felix unintentionally interrupted, with a small frown though it didn’t last long until another small smile came back in place. “If it's about the…newly confessed·news, then you don’t owe me nothing if you don’t want to tell me. This is your personal business, and know I’ll keep respecting that.”·

The forced smile turned genuine, if still small, at the greeting. Despite having known Felix for so many years and having heard his little semi-southern accent plenty of times, it was always enough to cheer her up. There was something so comforting in his mere presence and attitude that just hearing a word as simple as howdy from him helped put the seemingly never-ending nerves somewhat at bay. “Thanks,” she says softly as she steps inside. Poppy doesn’t go far, only walks in enough that there’s space for him to close the door easily and a few feet of distance between them. Normally she’d have already made herself at home, but not today. Crossing her arms over her chest as if she were trying to hold herself together, she bites her lip and glances away. “I’m okay. How about you?” It’s only polite to ask and she isn’t quite ready to jump right into what she came here to talk about, so pleasantries it is. Catching the smell of food cooking, she frowns a little and takes a few steps further into the home to glance into the kitchen. “I didn’t interrupt you, did I? If you’re busy I can come back later…” Oh she really didn’t want to come back later - didn’t think she’d have enough nerve to do this all over again - but she also didn’t want to be bothering him with something so serious if he had wanted just a nice quiet night in to himself. 

Once she was inside, the man closed the door behind him before once again turning his gaze back at her. The confusion he felt at the sight of her was still rather evident on his face, but for the moment, Felix thought to push that to the side as it would’ve been rude of him if he were to outright question Poppy to why she was here. Not to say it was rare whenever she visited nor that he didn’t enjoy having her company, but usually when she did, she often would've had Lily Rose with her and with there being a lack of her daughter with her, Felix could make only one suspecting guess as to why Poppy came over. With the reaffirming question of ‘are you sure’ at the tip of his tounge at her stating she was fine when he can see by the way she was acting how she wasn’t, Felix instead nodded. “That’s good to hear, I’m doing mighty well myself.” He replied. While he has a guess as to explain her reasoning for being here, the man kept himself from assuming until she admits to it at her own accord. A small laugh then escaped his lips when she moved a little closer towards his kitchen, only for him not only follow after Poppy but shake his head within the process as well. “Not at all. I’m just cooking myself some freshly made chowder, but I still need to let it boil for a little while longer then let it cool, so no need to leave.” He reassured, only to tilt his head at her. “In fact, if you’re hungry there’ll be enough for the two of us?” he then offered, not sure how long she was planning on staying or if she even wanted to eat but he felt offering some food is the least he could do if only to help ease any of the tension he tell she was feeling. 

“I think that’s just human nature. Though, I wouldn’t say we’re reading it wrong, we’re just… reading it in our own language. Something only our eyes can see and think. The beauty of everything being so different, yet so similar at times.” She mused out loud, the thoughts just coming out as they crossed her mind. Ella didn’t worry too much on how Felix would take it, if anything he felt like empty pages of a journal she could safety fill out. “Mm, easy people are also very complex. Because you assume, and just think you know all that’s being shown on the surface.” she reminded him gently. “Oh! That’s wonderful, that it could open so many doors for you.Just don’t let that be one door, always keep your eyes open for the next adventure too! You have a kind caring heart, and with your hard work it can take you anywhere.”

“Jiminy Jaminy, that's one way to put it.” Not knowing what else he could say in response to that, Felix stared at Ella with a marveled look at her words. But huh, she was right, it’s somewhat like that saying of ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover,’ when you never know exactly what a person is like until you finally get to know them. Ironically enough, kinda like how he initially judged Ralph due to his stature and intimdating demeanor, when Ralph was far from that. “You’re right, I’m sure there’re things about him I have yet to know.” He nodded. And vice versa, though Felix likes to think that he is pretty easy to read himself. About most things. He laughed before shaking his head. “I don’t know what other doors there is for me to open, but I can’t imagine there’s too much of them, and besides, I’m rather content with where I am.” He stated. “If anything, I reckon where I’m at would be of use in helping others with their own paths.” 

“Perhaps the honesty of a stranger can be taken a bit more seriously. We having all to gain, but nothing to lose. No judgement, or truly anything - so the words are still pure enough to be as meaningful as they are. I”m glad you take them that way.” Ella could tell her company had a warm heart, one that was kind and caring. Which made her instantly feel safe to let her hair down and enjoy the evening. At least he wasn’t twisted, or even mentioned the likes of her step siblings - which was truly  even more freeing. “Oh, gosh. I couldn’t imagine you reading anything wrong. Or anyone not really valuing your friendship.” His laugh was rather infectious, and Ella let hers chime in right behind his. “And now I won’t..” she repeated softly to herself. As he looked forward for the direction to be found she smiled up at him. He was rather charming, and his efforts didn’t seem to be dripping with desire to rush a single thing. They were just the actions of a true gentleman. “So, you own a shop does it go hand in hand with your career or just something on the side?” 

Sure , a small sadness would keep in when she thought about parents. Ella missed her greatly nearly every day , but talking about them kept them very much alive as well. Nodding as she gave him her full attention Ella took note. “Everything can be a bit too much at times. For what it’s worth and most likely not a great deal given we just met … I think you’re doing wonderful.” And Ella would have to drop by baked goods and lunches of sorts to ease her mind on him eating enough . Or just taking a break. “Friends help the process move along wonderfully. I’m sure Ralph is equally as appreciative of you, Felix.” Grinning she gave a little nod. “Well, since you promised I’ll believe you.” She teased softly. Looking at his arm she smiled softly to herself. It felt like such an old fashion move unseen sometimes. Which wasn’t something Ella was really against, not in the slightest. So she took his arm, and nodded. “I’d hate to lose you in the crowd.”

Ella could just smile, which only grew at the mention of his mother. It was a highly admirable trait when someone talked about a healthy and close relationship with either, or both, of their parents. Something that just warmed her heart a little to hear from Felix. “Well, thank goodness for mothers, huh? Always taking care of us. You know, it’s lovely to hear how hard working you are. I couldn’t  imagine having all that on my hands and still managing to be a happy person.” Ella teased with a small laugh of her own. “Truly though, that’s remarkable. Just please remember to take care of yourself, okay? Maybe try just cooking a meal a day perhaps?” Looking up at him with a small smile she nodded. “Well if you’re recalling seeing on maybe you should lead the way.”

Ella could only grin. It was a rather lovely surprise just meeting him today and starting what she would hope would be a lovely friendship. “Well, then you’re going to adore this, promise.” And the girl wouldn’t dare go breaking a promise if she had anything to say about that. Frowning just a bit she shook her head. The girl wanted to say how she could cook all the time, but she couldn’t go judging anything. Ella didn’t know a thing about his story or schedule. “Ah - I see. Well, then it’s been a long time over due for a home cooked meal. Do you have a favorite by chance?”  Laughing softly she nodded. “Well, then I guess we’re going to just find out how well it all goes together. Hopefully they have strawberry lemonade. Helps the tartness just a bit.” 

Felix was an enigma, in Tyler’s brain. The man always seemed happy, a trait the Lost Boy didn’t trust, and readily helped others with things he shouldn’t have had to give a second thought to. It was sketchy, in his mind, and he’d informed Tink of such when she’d started working at the shop. However, because she’d not been convinced of such, he’d bit his lip for a lot longer than he thought he’d be able to. Now, though? When there was an unexplained stabbing to a shaggy boy on the streets in pitch darkness? Yeah, Tyler was going to confront the most likely to be a weekend serial killer he knew. “I’m a little bit more serious than ‘jiminy jaminy’.” He stated, eyes scanning back across the room to land on the older guy’s face. Really; who in their right mind casually said things like that? A man with something to hide. Fingertips curling back into his palms where his hands rested on the counter, he shook his head with a flare of annoyance. “I know how he got hurt, but I don’t know who to blame.” Tyler didn’t really have the capacity to think with a level head at this point, and the dirty blond did nothing for his sanity. “If you weren’t around, why did someone peg you there?”

This was a first for him. There ain’t never been a soul around who thought to blame Felix for a crime as even thinking the possibility that he could be a suspect was never done because anyone who has ever gotten to know Felix would know that the handyman wouldn’t hurt even a fly. It was not in his nature to do so, so for this boy to stagger his way into his shop and accuse him for something the man’s never done was confounding. “It’s an expression. But I’m sorry if you don’t want to hear that again.” Felix both said and genuinely apologized in automatic, despite the absurdity of the current situation he was now in. It sorta added to it, with how on edge the boy seemed to be than serious, but if it'll placate him by not uttering ‘Jiminy Jaminy’ again, which the man knew first hand what could happen if he repeats it in front of another who dislikes it, than that’s what he’ll do. His brows knitted together, more confused at the notion of someone claiming he had been there when Felix left long before the main performances. “That don’t make no sense. I wasn’t there.” He repeated. "Maybe whoever told you so recalled seeing me from when I was around from earlier? And if not, did they say they saw my face in full? Or was it from the behind? Because I don’t know how else to tell you, but there’re sure are a lot of blonde fella’s around the island for them to make an honest mistake if that was the case.”·

“Well, I do love to throw a little surprise here and there.” She added with a small laugh. Ella would be sure to make sure the desserts were memorable and left a good impression that was for sure. With a light scrunch of her nose she nodded. “Most people can’t ever say no to a home cooked meal. They’re slowly becoming less and less common these days.” Ella mirrored the smile upon his face and happily turned on her heels. “Well, then I think you and I should get some lemonade. I don’t know how well that mixes with your baked goods  but it was on my mind before having one.”