* / 𝖚𝖓𝖘𝖆𝖎𝖉

“New projects? Oh, god forbid no. I already have enough on my plate with the unfinished ones waiting for me at home. I definitely shouldn’t start a new one… but I probably will though.” Ana answered keeping her eyes focused on the each passing street light from the passanger’s window. “For the last week or so, I couldn’t find my muse at all. Do you think she can be in the light house? Taking some lessons from yours?” Suddenly, she turned her head to Etienne, as if she asked a very serious question.

   chuckling at her response, etienne nodded - imaging the various unfinished pieces of artwork scattered around her home. “ it seems that’s always house it goes, “ the man hummed, knowing he too had half finished projects thrown throughout his studio. pressing down on the break with his foot, etienne glanced over in the woman’s direction as he heard the shift in her tone of voice. “ i think you’ll find her in the light house - whether she’s rediscovered or rather channeled through those bottles in your hand, or maybe the sights below, “ the man added, his gaze turning back to the road ahead as he switched on his blinker - moving left towards the lakeside. “ i’ve been thinking about trying my hand at sculpting. “

  Sebastian sleeps really well—not exactly a deep sleeper, but if there’s a flat surface and he closes his eyes? He’s asleep. Simple as that, Morpheus’ son and all that slumber-jazz. He’s dreaming about having a chat with Ayrton Senna and how drinking dry wine while driving Michael Schumacher’s F2004 World Champion car was the ideal ‘ride’, and Mugello was the supreme track for ‘cruisin’. Senna was about to tell Seb about his secret love for Alain Prost (this dream’s turning into a freaky soap opera), and the latter was about to say I absolutely ship this—when a random voice, a terrible version of one classic horror villain, a not-superior-Freddy… echoed in Seb’s dream. He should’ve woken up. Instead, reflex took over, arm moving from his side, upwards, palm smacking Etienne Freddy on the side of his face and finally, opening his eyes.

  Colorful and variants of German expletives left Sebastian’s lips. He’s haphazardly sliding off the bed and grabbing the hockey stick under his bed (the one signed by Gordie Howe, its value is super high, fyi), and brandishing it in front of him as though he’s ready to fucking duel. “FOR FUCK’S SAKE, ETI!” Realizing who it was behind the mask (also noticing the splint). “That’s a terrible mask and that bladed glove, honestly,” Seb ranted in French-speak, pointing the blade of his hockey stick at his best friend. “Why are you even awake, it’s not even five in the fucking morning!”

   as the other’s hand met the rubber mask, au fond etienne’s cheek, his nose scrunched at the sudden contact. despite the various and rather extensive reactions that he’d imagined on his way up the staircase this was one that he hadn’t intended on - a rousing sebastian combatting him. “ oof, “ he gasped, his head bobbing back as he stepped backwards from the man’s bed. with blurred vision, etienne blinked madly in an attempt to adjust the mask that was now obstructing his sight. hand raising to potentially fend his best friend off, etienne used his shoulder in an attempt to correct the rubber mask. “ salaud, “ he huffed, the faux talons clanking together as his fingers wiggled. “ i was watching infomercials, “ the man answered simply, shrugging his shoulders as his hand dropped back down to his side. “ but i gave you a good SCARE didn’t i ? “

cat: i am honored to say that you are my first subscriber!

cat: thank you so much

cat: LOLOL oml that is too funny! I definitely need that bumper sticker

cat: I have to get it, I shall google for it

etienne: and i will be your subscriber until the end of time.

etienne: i ordered it for you already !

etienne: should've left it as a surprise for olive's next visit, but i wasn't sure if you'd like it!

etienne: but glad to know that you do. i'll just have to remember to bring it.

“thirteen.” carmen clarifies with a confident nod, gliding the shoes from the counter and holding them firmly in her fingertips. she starts leading the way without a second thought, arms swaying comfortably by her side though she’s sure she would’ve hit one of the children flying by if she weren’t paying attention. honestly. “hopeless. absolutely hopeless. i somehow seem to get a couple strikes in a row, then a spare in the very beginning and then fail drastically. you may be in with a chance here.” she teases, a giving etienne a raise of her brows. “probably a good thing we’re down here and they’re ─” carmen comes to a halt at the seats of their lane and pauses to gesture down the way they came, to the league bowlers. “over there. i don’t think i’d like that kind of pressure of them looming over me.” 

vada pressed her lips together in thought for a moment before shaking her head “no, i don’t think you do” she teased “but thank you, i only do what i can” bashfulness setting in just as the timer went off on the stove. turning around quickly she turned the alarm off and grabbed her oven mitts to pull the freshly baked pasta out and set it on the countertop to cool. “well look at you go” the blonde sang as she turned around to see etienne frosting away “you’re probably the best kitchen helper around” the loose hair that had fallen around her face was pushed back, shrugging at his words “you can say it, i’m crazy.” she exhaled “well, yeah..he won’t know i’m going. he probably won’t even recognize me, so this is probably just a stupid idea.” vada could feel him staring at her, she didn’t want to look at him, feeling so vulnerable all of a sudden. “it’s been ten years and i’m tired of hoping that one day he’ll walk through the door. i hate him for me not allowing myself to be fully happy.” 

   feigning surprise at her response, etienne’s jaw dropped, his mouth hanging open as he glanced in the others direction. “ then i’ll make sure to tell you every time i see you - HEAVEN sent, “ the man repeated, enunciating his compliment once more. “ your oven mitts practically swallow you, “ the mean teased, eyeing the mitts adorning the woman’s hands, “ that reminds me i need to get myself a new pair. last night the tray was so hot coming out of the oven, it practically burned my fingers through the cloth, “ he mumbled, eyes glancing down at the tips of fingers that had been reddened as a result. lowering down, etienne turned the plate holding the cake around, ensuring that he was covering every inch of it in frosting. “ make sure to tell your friends, i’m a man for hire - just keep me locked in the cupboard, “ he teased, his hand stilling as vada continued on. “ hey, “ etienne spoke, his voice sounding more firm as continued on, “ v, you’re right - he probably won’t recognize you. you’ve grown so much over the last couple of years, i mean, look at you. you’re incredible ... and he’s missed out on having the privilege to get to know you. “ at her admission, the corners of the man’s mouth tugged upwards to form a sympathetic smile, “ what do you think would make you happy ? “

“That is very true.” Klaus agreed. You only did get one chance to really live your life. Why not try to make the most of it, right?” Klaus chuckled softly before looking over at the other. “Turns out, his mistress actually ratted him out, due to her being pissed that he actually didn’t leave his wife for her like he told her. She knew everything and she’s being charged for harboring a fugitive but she won’t get long, due to her helping us find him.”

   hearing the details of the bust, etienne’s brows raised, his eyes widening at the theatrics of it. “ it sounds so picturesque, “ the man laughed, shaking his head at the thought. “ i always thought that was more movie route bust, but in the end, so it seems the mistress always prevails, “ he teased before taking a swig of his beer. “ shall we cheers to his mistress then ? or would that be frowned upon ? “

“Ah it’s ok, I’ve done it a million times and I’ll do it again.” Anastasia said feeling somewhat proud of herself as she took her seat. “Since it means having a view of the night sky like no other, I don’t think anything can ever sound better.” Then she proceeded to open the radio, switching between the stations until she thought she found a song they both would enjoy. “You like that one?

   grinning over at the other, eitenne nodded approvingly - it hadn’t been the first time she’d slipped into his car clutching expensive bottles of liquor and he knew, as with her own remark, that she’d do it again. “ there’s no other place in town that’d get you closer to the night sky, “ etienne mused, switching the car into gear and taking off down the street. “ the strokes ? yeah, of course, “ etienne answered, the tips of his fingers tapping against the steering wheel. “ what were you up to today ? “ the man questioned, glancing over at the woman beside him. “ working on any new projects ? “

even though sam felt extremely nervous around etienne he wanted to be around him. some strange pull that he selfishly didn’t want to fight. “i’m curious to know other situations you have to be sneaky” the older male commented with a sheepish shrug. hearing his reasoning for being out and about sam played it off, he knew he was lying but maybe he’d bring it up some other time. nodding slowly sam looked over at etienne and grinned “well I hope to see you there then” that was the truth, sam enjoyed running into the other, it wasn’t often that it was just the two of them around but when it was it was always nice. “yeah, maybe one day you’ll end up having a section of books I’ve given you.” not to sound too hopeful “maybe I should buy a house just to build a library for myself, get all these good books off the floor” he was currently adding that to his master to-do list. “NEXT TIME you’ll have to call before you plan to stop by, I’ll make my place presentable, hell maybe I’ll even put a candle on to make it smell nice” sam moved towards his kitchen, biting his tongue for some of the things he had said. as etienne made himself comfortable, sam found a bottle of wine he had gotten from seb days ago and he opened it, pouring two glasses “oh I know, my window was open and it started pouring in. I’m hoping it rains again tonight, I always sleep better when I can hear the rain” he admitted as he made his way back over to the living room, handing the glass over and setting the opened bottle on the table before taking a seat next to him.

   “ oh, would you ? “ the man retorted, his brows furrowing slightly, having to bite back the smirk that threatened to wash across his features. he knew he needed to tread carefully, not wanting to ruin the nature of their relationship of being far too forward from their typical encounters, that being surrounded by friends. “ yeah, y’know, i saw that they were going to show ghost. have you ever seen that film ? “ etienne questioned, unsure whether this was a ploy of his own to invite the man or rather discuss his favorite flicks. brows raising in slight surprise at the man’s remark, etienne nodded, able to envision a section filled with all of samuel’s loaned, or rather, gifted books. “ it’d be it’s own little nook. get you a plaque and everything - sammy’s nook, “ etienne thought aloud, brows raising at the mental image as he glanced over at the man. “ your own house, a nice library - perhaps a fireplace ? “ the man listed off, his eyes closing briefly to imagine it. “ a candle ? “ he murmured, eyes fluttering open at the mention of next time - he hadn’t anticipated that the man would repeat them back. “ well, that’d certainly set the mood. “ the boldness of his remark sending a slight flush to his cheeks, somewhat hoping that the distance between them would cause for his words to sound more or less muffled. although, there was a playfulness about his tone that could pass without much attention directed towards his remark. as samuel re-entered the room, etienne straightened slightly in his seat on the couch, his attention diverted back onto the older. “ it looked like it was just beginning to drizzle when i came in, “ etienne mentioned, extending his hand to take the glass from the other. “ thank you, uh, i enjoy the rain too - it’s calming, i almost want to get one of the noise machines so it can mimic the sound of rain, “ the man opined, pausing to take a sip from his glass. “ see if it helps me fall asleep any faster, otherwise i feel like i’m staring at my ceiling for hours. “

“Do I need a megaphone?” She asked sarcastically as she entered the coffee shop, shuffling in the line. “I have this recurring dream where pineapples come to life and chase me. Every dream ends with me falling out or off of something. Last night, I was on Mount Rushmore and I fell out of Lincoln’s nose.” She paused,“I…I googled what it may have meant. I got nothing.” She didn’t actually google it - she was too scared it would tell her something she didn’t need to know like when you google your symptoms. “Riiiight! There’s this fun game we could play too.” She beamed, her smile fading and eyes rolling as she tilted her head slightly, getting on her tippy toes to try and see the display.  “Ooohh, yes, yes.” She replied, moving out from under his arm and walking to the glass display to get a better look. “They have pumpkin donuts!” She glanced back at him, not caring that she was practically yelling in the middle of the shop or that people were starting to stare, “Will you have a bite if I get one?”

   “ i think i’d prefer it if you had one. should we skip the coffees and go buy one ?  “ etienne teased, bumping his hip into the others. “ pineapples ? “ the man repeated, his lips pressing together in a firm line before reaching into his pocket for his cell phone. tapping against the screen, ettiene’s brows furrowed, rocking back and forth on his heels as he tried to look up the significance of the fruit in dreams. knowing that there must have been somebody looking into the significance of the fruit somewhere in the world. “ alright, it says here that pineapples are a happy symbol .... yada yada ya ... uh, it is meant to signify that all your troubles will likely soon be forgotten, “ the man read off, peering up from his phone at the woman beside him. “ oh, “ he began once more, clearing his throat, “ success awaits you just around the corner, “ etienne spoke, his voice deepening for a dramatic effect. tucking his phone back in his pocket, the man stepped forward, “ do you think you’re afraid of being happy ? or afraid of lincoln’s nose ? “  at the mention of playing a game at the vintage value, etienne’s eyes widened in surprise, “ a game ? what kind ? “ he questioned, stepping forward once again as matilda stepped aside to get a better look at the display of treats. “ pumpkin donuts ? y’know, i’ve never really tried any of those pumpkin flavored treats, “ the man admitted, the corners of his mouth tugging downward at he realization. “ have i been missing out on anything important ? “ his voice rising in volume due to their newfound distance. 

hearing etiene’s response that he was starving she clapped her hands together in excitement. she loved feeding people almost as much as she loved cooking, nobody would ever be hungry around her. “thank you, you know how i am though..there’s always something yummy cooking” vada closed the door behind him before following into the kitchen “i’ll let you frost the rest of the cake if you’d like” she smiled kindly as she handed the spatula over “lasagna should be out of the oven in a couple of minutes.” the blonde moved over to her desk that sat in the corner, grabbing a couple of papers before heading back to the island “call me crazy, but i found out he’s going to be in new york for a work conference in two weeks.”

   ” you’re heaven sent, v. do i tell you that enough ? “ the man remarked, the smell of tomato and basil wafting from the kitchen as he wandered further into the house. his eyes immediately settled on the cake on the counter, brows perking at her mention of frosting the remainder of it. “ i’d be happy to, “ he hummed, dropping his bag down in one of the chairs. taking the spatula from the other, etienne grinned, making his way towards the cake and bowl of frosting laid out on the kitchen island. dabbing the tip of the spatula in the bowl, etienne worked carefully to distribute the frosting evenly across all layers of the treat. “ i’d never call you crazy, “ etienne began, his eyes raising to meet the other’s, “ more along the lines of determined or PASSIONATE ? “ he continued, his gaze turning back down to his task. “ and you’re thinking of ‘ surprising ‘ him there ? “

“they don’t need a zuri test.  they’re the ones who trained me to be as aware as i am on the job.  maybe it’s their age getting to them, though.”  zuri shrugged.  she knew her parents relied on their kids a lot, and she didn’t mind that.  she liked the responsibilities they gave her with work.  but it wasn’t like she didn’t have other things to do in her time.  “oh, he was not thrilled.  i might have scared him off, though.  but, what do you expect with someone who’s so blatantly oblivious?”  zuri rolled her eyes at the thought.  she wasn’t the kind of person to take things lightly and wouldn’t have stood by even if it wasn’t her that was involved.  but she liked her job with her parents, and hated people who didn’t take the work seriously.  smirking, zuri nodded, “i feel like you’re trying to sound sarcastic but you’re absolutely right and everyone would approve of your fashion.”  she grinned, chuckling at the thought.  she was sure of her fashion, that was all.  her eyes moved as she thought and hummed, thinking of the look.  “well, probably a nice little tie or something, to hold it together.  depends on the day, maybe a belt to accent the waist.” 

  at the mention of their age, etienne nodded, his lips pressing together in a tight line as he leaned back in his seat. " perhaps, " the man mumbled, offering a slight shrug in response. chuckling at the thought, etienne shook his head, " it seems the only thing you can do is give them a swift kick in behind and send them packing, " he answered matter-of-factly, his brows raising at the end of his words. awareness was something important to the man, unable to imagine being so oblivious, or more so careless as the woman was describing to him. “ i can’t imagine having such little regard for those around you, “ the man mused, his head shaking once again at the thought. tossing his hands up in the air, etienne laughed, “ no - no, ‘m not being sarcastic, promise. “ he grinned, leaning forward against the bar. “ you could be my exclusive designer off the ice, “ the man continued, his brow raising as he reached for his drink. “ i could go for a belt, cinch the waist and what not, right ? “ glancing around at the other patrons, etienne took the woman into full view once again, “back to you though,  at least you’re not wet, right ? there’s still a bit of promise for your day ? “