SWEET LIKE SUGAR

Leo’s lips curled into a grin as Ilia played along with their game. It had been difficult to actually feel like Lian’s parent rather than accidental father. But days like this, when they were all together, laughing and joking as a family made it feel more real.

“He doesn’t like candy anymore?” He repeated in shock. “I have so much at home that I’ve been waiting to share with him, now it’s all going to go to waste! As if on cue, Lian peek out from behind the curtain and bounded towards him, clutching his legs as if they were the candy the were slowly slipping from his fingers. Leo picked him up, spinning him around the small kitchen a few times before settling him back on the ground. “5 more seconds and your Mom and I would’ve eaten all of it. You got lucky. But you know the rules, not until after dinner. You’re gonna have to wait a little longer, okay?”

Reaching for the bottle of wine, Leo moved to the fridge and placed it gently inside. “So,” he started in a sing-song voice, “how was school today? And I’m talking to the both of you.”

Ilia watched as Leo picked Lian up and spun him. She loved that they both had such a bright smile on their face. In moments like these it made it seem as they were always together like this. “Oh you know, I was the nicest kid in the play ground today and Lian was having trouble teaching his class social studies today.” Ilia picked Lian up and put him on her hip, “Right buddy?” “What about you Leo, how are all the garages coming along, Mr. Business Man?”

💔 - How would your muse react to losing a romantic partner? How would they cope?

“Like a breakup or like death? Cause if it was death I would be extremely devastated. I honestly wouldn’t know what to do or how I would react.” 

⛔️ - How does your muse react to others breaking the law? If they would do it themselves, what is their reasoning?

Answered here. 

👻 - Does your muse believe in an afterlife? What do they think it’s like?

🎭 - How does your muse handle their emotions? Do they bottle them up or pour them out as soon as they start to feel?

“Not well at all, i’m like a ticking time bomb. I tend to bottle everything up and then once that happens I tend to explode. I’m trying to not do that though.”

💋 - How does your muse feel about people who cheat? Do they see a reason for it, or is it completely immoral?

“I don’t think it’s right. Like if you’re going to cheat then don’t be in a relationship.”

🌠 - Would your muse make a wish on a star? If so, what would they wish for?

⛔️ - How does your muse react to others breaking the law? If they would do it themselves, what is their reasoning?

“If it’s a petty law, then fuck the rules but if you’re like out doing shitty things to innocent people, that’s different. I would if it’s not hurting anyone and is not something too big.”

🚑 - If your muse was the only person around and someone was injured, would they help? Would they have the experience needed?

“Oh my god, of course. I might not be able to actually help much but I would try to do the best I can in whatever situation.”

📢 - Does your muse have a loud personality or a quiet one? Do they enjoy being the center of attention, or would they rather watch and listen?

“I think I’m like an in between person I don’t like making waves but I also don’t see myself as a background wallflower type of person.”

⏰ - Does your muse feel like they need to do things quickly or do they take their time?

Opening his door, Oscar was greeted with the best reminder that some things never did change. Well, Rose, might argue. A full smile cracked its way through his facade. “You had me at tequila.” Standing aside so she could enter, Oz grabbed the atrocious substitute with a snort. “Where in the hell did you manage to find this thing?” Closing the door behind them both, and leading the way into the kitchen, he gave her his full attention. “How you been Lia? And how’s my favorite little superhero?”

Ilia laughed as Oscar grabbed the fake Rose. She stared to die of laughter again as she watched him hold the basically nightmarish looking balloon. “Oh you know Home Depot. Get all my toys from there,” she said as they walked into Oscar’s kitchen. “I have been good. It was a little chaotic for a while but things are seeming to fall in place again now. Lian is now a villain apparently, so don’t mis-career him. I’m happy you’re back, OzBorn.” 

↳  INSTAGRAM: @ilia-yun uploaded a new photo             56 min ago

#throwback to one of our first family outings. The matching was Leo’s idea even though he denies it to this day. @leochoii

ilia-yun​:

Leo was a pretty punctual guy, showing up to meetings on time, always been the first to the garage and paying his bills before the due date. But there somehow, despite living on the same street and being no more than a short walk away, Leo was often late to their weekly lunches, dinners and nights out in town. After his morning meeting he picked up a few things at the store including a bottle of wine - Ilia’s favourite of course, jumped in the shower and got dressed before running over. Their weekly family days were always the highlight of his week and although their pregnancy was unexpected and one he hadn’t known about for the majority of young Lians life, he was beyond thankful to have them.

Stepping into the kitchen, Leo set down the bottle of wine on her kitchen counter and wrapped his arm around Ilia’s shoulder, pulling her into a quick hug and placing a gently kiss to the top of her head. At first, he felt weird being this close with his ex-girlfriend. But in the same breath, he wanted Lian to grow up around two loving parents, getting along with each other and treating each other with the love and respect, regardless of their current relationship status. And though it took some time, now things like this were second nature. “Smells good. I’m starving, he said, stepping back and looking in the pot she was stirring.

Leo searched the kitchen for Loan who often liked to hide when he arrived. His eyes scanned behind the kitchen table and behind the curtains when he noticed toes poking out from the panty. With a smirk spreading clear across his lips, he tapped on Ilias shoulder to get attention before nodding towards the direction of the pantry. “Oh Lian’s not here?“ he started, speaking louder to ensure his son could hear him. "I guess I’ll just go home then. Too bad too. I brought all his favourite snacks and so much candy.”

A smile appeared on Ilia’s face as she watched Leo walk into the living room. Leo’s presence always seemed like a breath of fresh air to her. She enjoyed his company and when they had some sort of skinship; it would be a lie that her heart didn’t skip a beat. But she knew the real reason as to why he was doing it. She shook her head and the thoughts that rattled around in her head as she said to him, “Ah yes, I have been slaving away at this hot stove so I hope it smells good.” Ilia couldn't help but laugh at Leo starting the little game he had with Lian. Watching them interact was one of her favorite things now. As the days passed and the more Lian grew, she was starting to see more and more of Leo in him. “Huh? Didn’t you know Lian’s not here and doesn’t like candy anymore. I guess we’ll just have to eat it all instead.” Just as the added fuel left Ilia’s mouth, Lian peeked out from behind the curtain and ran full speed into Leo’s legs hugging them. Ilia smiled at the interaction as she looked at them “Damn Leo. I guess we cant have his candy now.”

Peyton was always the one bold enough to break through awkward interactions. She was strong willed enough to make every room manageable, not exactly comfortable.  So as she pushed passed the other girl and sashayed through Ilia’s house as though it was a fine art gallery, examine every surface for a trace of any update on her new life, Peyton kept the conversation flowing. “Was just in the neighborhood, doing my pageant waves and return introductions.” She hadn’t been in the neighborhood at all but solely showed up to Ilia’s with the intention of surveying the scene. “How’s Lian? He’s in school now, yeah? I was hoping he was here so I could see him but it seems like I’ve found you alone. Which is good in the interest of sisterhood and girl talk.”

To say the least Ilia was absolutely shell shocked as she watched Peyton push pass her and walk into her house. Peyton being in her house was bringing back memories from the days that they use to lounge around, drink wine, and enjoy each other’s company. But that seemed to be lifetimes ago in this moment. “Lian is good. He’s in 1st grade now.” Ilia was very skeptical about Peyton’s being here. She wasn't sure what the correct reaction to have was. “Sister hood and girl talk? Is that why you’re really here?”

One of the best things about coming home from tour, was having an actual house to live in. Not a tour bus, or a hotel room, but an actual house with an actual kitchen that Jen always took advantage of immediately when she got home. She’d always loved baking, and genuinely if her band hadn’t taken off like it had, she’d seriously considered a career in baking treats for the town. But now, it was more of a hobby and a way to say hi to her neighbors and friends after she came home.

She’d finished baking a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies, and was walking them over to one of her neighbors who also just happened to be a friend who she liked. The cookies were both for the woman and her son, so of course Jen had made a double batch just to make sure that they’d last for awhils. Carefully balancing the plate in one hand, and she lifted the other to knock on the door and waited. When the door finally opened Jen flashed a warm smile and held the plate up a bit. “Cookie delivery from yours truly,”

@ilia-yun

Nowadays it seemed like Ilia’s life only consisted of being a mom and being a school teacher. There wasn’t much in between time anymore and she was starting to question as to where the days of just  hanging out with her friends were. Sure she saw Leo often and hung out with him occasionally but that was for the sake of Lian. She was in the midst of exaggerating her sad life in her head when she heard knocking on her door. When she swung open her door, the last person she was expecting was Jen. Ilia was so happy to see her that she pulled the other girl into a huge hug. “Oh my god you’re back! I missed you! When did you come back? How was your tour?” 

closed starter -  @ilia-yun​

       What does one do when they’re overflowing with stress and unable to handle another night of drinking their sorrows away? Shop. Was it something Mercy should’ve been doing? Definitely not– especially when her main goal was to save up enough money ( again ) to be able to leave this godforsaken town for good. But here she was doing it anyway. Dozens of outfit choices hanging within her dressing room; willingly to buy every last one of them.  “Hey, real quick–” her body turning to face the other head on, her hands motioning towards the dress that hugged her figure –”You think this looks okay? I’m in need of a second opinion.”

Since switching careers, Ilia was starting to feel as if her wardrobe was some what lacking or not necessarily middle school teacher material. Plus a never not growing child who constantly needed clothes was the source of her only shopping, so she deserved to treat herself sometimes too. She had just finished walking around and chosen a few choice items that would definitely amp up her weekday wear. She was in the process of trying some on and standing in front of the big mirror of the dressing room when someone spoke to her. Ilia glanced over at the girl and looked her up and down. “It looks amazing. If you don't get it, then I sure will.”

It was very early in the morning and Ilia was already dead tired. It was only the start of the week and she was about ready for it to be over. Not that her work would be any less cause she would still be running around after a 6 year old at home but at the very least she would be at home and in bed. So just like every morning she was in line at impresso expresso for her daily drink. At this point she was a regular and they knew her order by heart but today she was in the mood to change things up. She wanted to try something new and bring some joy in her life or suffering if the suggestion was bad but was willing to try anyway. Ilia tapped the person next to her that was also waiting and looking up the menu. “Excuse me, I’m kind of tired of my usual. What would you suggest?”

“I’m going to lose my shit.” Scarlett whispered bringing her hand to her head as she turned away from her son who played beside them. “I swear I don’t know where he heard it but Ace keeps saying ‘fuck’ and I’m torn between thinking it’s hilarious and wanting to kill Dom because he started saying it after he saw him last week.” she sighed taking her glass of wine and sipping it. “Or he heard me say it and now I’m creating a cussing toddler.” she laughed.”What should I do? Am I bad mom?” @ilia-yun​

Ilia could not help but die of laughter. She tried to imagine adorable little Ace saying fuck and honestly thought that was more cute than it was worrisome. “Just blame it on Dom, no one will know,” she told Scarlett as she tried to stop her laughing fit. “You’re not a bad mom at all. I called someone a fucker once  while driving and Lian thought that was what we called strangers and was saying it to everyone. All I could do was laugh rather than apologize to people.” ilia picked up and swirled her wine glass. If anyone was a bad mom, it would definitely be her and not Scarlett.

Ilia could only wait for so long. Oscar had already been back in town for over a week now but he was so busy running around and setting up the shop and his new home. This only allowed for minimal brief text messages about making plans soon and promises that they’ll soon meet up. She had enough of their long distance friendship these past two years and she was going to change that now. So as soon as Oscar  had slightly mentioned that he was at home for the afternoon (and luckily  Lian was with Leo for the night), she grabbed some items and stopped for another and headed to his place. 

Ilia walked up and banged on Oscar’s door. In her hands carrying a bottle of tequila and a red headed blow up doll. She couldn't help but laugh to herself as Oscar finally opened the door. “Truth or dare night repeat? I brought Rose with me.”

Over the past two years there was a period of adjustment and new experiences as Leo and Ilia tried to balance what being parents together would be like. Ilia couldn’t lie that being a family together did bring her happiness but also wistful feelings of the future that they could of have. She wasn’t going to deny that she had moments in which she thought that they could make it happen but there were just too many other factors that came into play. Overall, for the present they decided that at least once a week they should come together and be a family all together.

She was in the kitchen making lunch for them all as she waited for Leo to come over. Today’s all together play date was at her house. Ilia was just about done when her door bell rang. “Come in! I’m in the kitchen!”