The Sunset Inn & Bar

“Here, I saved some for you. Try it?”

“I just really need a hug right now…”

“You. Me. Movie marathon. Get all the snacks you can carry.”

“Join me in the blanket fort. We play until dawn.”

“It’s cake, how difficult can it be?”

“Sure, it *looks* safe, but watch what happens when I do this.”

“I had a nightmare… can you stay up with me?”

“We’re going to have to raid the neighbors if you want more pillows to turn this into a Pillow Fortress Castle.”

“This would look so cute on you!”

“Okay, but if you turn the lights off for this playthrough, I’m not being held accountable for anything I do when spooked.”

“I said we could share a blanket, but if you put your cold feet on me *one more time*…”

“You’ve been working too hard and I’m calling a Netflix intervention. Not taking no for an answer.”

“I’ve got a gallon of ice cream and if you don’t get a spoon my tummyache will be all your fault.”

“Fight me. Pillow fight. And by fight I mean cuddle.”

“My hand is cold. Unless we find somewhere to stop soon, it’s going up your back.”

“Oh my god, just pet my hair already.”

“After that movie you’re staying for a sleepover. I know you don’t want to go home and sleep alone anyway.”

“Is there a reason you’re gnawing on me?”

“C'mon, I need a Player 2.”

“I bet you can’t make it all the way through the movie without screaming at it.”

“If you put that in the microwave uncovered I swear I will beat you to death with a plastic spoon.”

“What was that flavor of cake you liked? I need to know because reasons.”

“When we get that house you’re handling the spiders.”

“Going to the mall alone is boring. Besides, I need someone to tell me how great I look in all the clothes I try on.”

“It’s not MY fault you scream like a schoolgirl on a rollercoaster.”

“It’s an arcade, do you need more reasons to go?”

“Please tell me why you were napping in my freshly dried blankets *while they’re still in the dryer*.”

“Can we please take cheesy best friend pictures in that photo booth? I promise to keep silly faces to a minimum.”

“I’m singing along to this song and you can’t stop me, so either deal with it or join me.”

“C'mon, with anyone else this would be too weird.”

“I hate this game so much. Here’s a link, you should totally play it.”

“I take no responsibility for any smells you may or may not encounter from this point forward.”

“HELP I HAVE A SPLINTER”

“Okay, but consider that if you don’t watch this show with me, I’ll still rant to you just as much about the feels it gives me.”

“If anyone turns that fan off again I swear someone’s going to bleed.”

“Help me, the computer’s making sad beeps again. Make it happy, please.”

“THIS MOVIE MAKES ME CRY EVERY TIME WHY DID YOU LET ME CHOOSE IT?!”

“I have in front of me: One DVD, seven remote controls, and an entertainment center. This will be a voyage of discovery.”

“If I die, you get my cat. So make sure I live through this.”

“I need someone to cling to in the haunted house, and you’re it.”

“Yeah, but you’re *my* nerd.”

“The remote is two feet thataway and I don’t feel like moving. We’re stuck with this.”

“You are aware this was the worst idea ever and you’re lucky you’re my best friend, or else I’d leave you alone to deal with this.”

“I’d say sorry my mom tried to adopt you again, but it was kind of my idea.”

“There is a perfectly good reason I’m eating these mini marshmallows right out of the package, I’m certain of it. Probably.”

“Okay but hear me out: Fluffy. Sharks.”

“Please keep your sick away from me and get better soon. I made you soup.”

“That sounds like a bad idea. I’m in.”

“If you don’t come up and sing with me, I will sing and point at you. The entire. Time.”

“As you say.” Jade only smiled while enjoying his drink. When his question was to be answered, Lucette arrived home and explained that she had gotten caught up. Jade looked over his shoulder at her before once again setting down his glass and standing, walking over to her with his right hand in his pocket.

“Lucette, what held you up this time? You do know your dear sister was worried sick and continued to ask me to go get you.” A blantant lie meant to tease Antoinette, which he knew he would get told off for later. As he was about to tease her, he saw them.

Bruises. Fairly new ones. Jade took her arm by the wrist, gently yet firm, and raised it to get a proper look at them. He returned his attention to her.

“Who did this?” There was anger in his voice, not directed at her. Jade tried his best to mask it as he continued to speak. “I’d like to know. It’s not a very good thing to be all beaten up like this.”

“Lucette!” Antoinette went over quickly to her sister at the mention of bruises. To her dismay, her younger sister had them spread out on her arms and legs. “Please do answer him! Who did this to you?”

Flattery? “Dear me, Antoinette. Flattering an old man?” He teased while still sipping his drink. Not a day over twenty-four? Jade set the glass down, the small thunk on the table not damaging it. Customers seemed to give him a strange look as they came and went but he paid it no mind. Though she inquired about Peony, Jade let the matter go.

“You’re far from old, Jade.” Antoinette wiped down the counter a little and had stopped at the mention of her sister. She should have been home by now.

“She’s been out for several or more hours. Now that you mention i--” Just then the door opened.

“I wouldn’t worry so much, Antoinette. Though your concern is appreciated.” Jade sipped at his drink, enjoying the flavour of it. It was an interesting taste and one that he would need to add to his palette. The fizz and bubble tickled his tongue and reflexively made him swallow. “It’s old age, I’m afraid. My body just isn’t quite how it used to be.”

She laughed softly and nodded. “Old age? Darling, you don’t look a day over 24! You’re quite charming for someone who calls themselves ‘old’.” Antoinette had to pause for a moment to serve another customer and then she turned her attention back towards him.