alright, everyone, fresh start.

who: @joyyyfullll where: the emotions house

The knock that had been on the door was one that had startled Joy, but the opening of the door they'd been keeping chronically unlocked actually came as a concern. They were getting robbed, and she was going to be the first to go from the living room, and--a voice, one familiar shouted in greeting, and Joy poked her head from behind the couch to be sure the visitor was who she'd thought. "Riley?!" she shrieked, her body nearly leaping over the sofa to greet the other blonde. "What are you doing here? I thought you were--oh, my god, I was going to stab you, or something, you scared the heck out of me!" Joy exclaimed, throwing herself into her friend's arms. "I missed you more, I'm sure of it. No one's ever missed anyone as much as I've missed you. When did you get back? Oh--we have a new roommate! You have to meet Avery, she's kinda shy, but she's gonna love you, because I love you, and so does everyone else here--they're all gonna be so happy you're back."

Tilting his head a bit at the same time that he raised his shoulder in a shrug, Michael couldn’t deny that she was right. It certainly was far easier for him to talk to the boy because they were related. If it weren’t for the shared blood that coursed through their systems, he was pretty sure neither of his siblings would really want anything to do with him. He was so different from both John and Wendy, that it was clear the biggest and strongest thing that bonded them together was the simple fact that they were family. Without that tie… well, he wasn’t sure how he’d fit in with them both. “Super secret girlfriend doesn’t really seem like John’s speed,” he agrees at least with that point. “We kind of tell each other everything, there aren’t really any secrets between the three of us.” Or at least, that was what he truly believed to be the truth at this exact moment in time.

If there was anyone she trusted to know whether her crush had a secret girlfriend or not, it was definitely his brother, who claimed that this wasn't the case. It was with a sigh of relief that Joy dramatically accepted the information, wiping imaginary sweat from her brow. "Thank goodness. That's so cute, though, that you guys are so close, even though he was away for a while." Meanwhile, Joy had no secrets she hadn't told her housemates, though it remained to be seen whether they had things they kept from her. She liked to think they were close enough that there wouldn't be anything the other girls wouldn't tell her, just like she wouldn't keep anything from them, either.

The routine chat between a frequenter at the library gave John's schedule a nice pause to the workday. He didn't mind it as the conversations usually consisted of small talk. John had grabbed the book from her hand, ready to scan the barcode on the back. "It's got a controversial ending, some people loved it and some people hated it. The ending really makes it for me, but everyone is entitled to their own opinions at the end of the day. No matter how wrong they are," he added with a slight chuckle to follow his joke. He'd though that was the last of the conversation but Joy had stuck around. That usually meant that he had to think of another book recommendation on the spot, of which he had dozens to suggest, but today the conversation had turned to something he wasn't expecting.

~timeskip to the deville halloween party~

It may be true that Michael knew his brother better than most others might, but that hardly meant he was actually qualified for giving advice on how to talk to the older boy. It was easy to talk to him purely because of the fact that they were related. John had no choice but to listen and like him, even when they had very little in common anymore. “Just talk to him like a normal person. They way you talk to me,” he suggested, even though he knew that may not be the best way to catch the boy’s attention. But it felt wrong, telling Joy to pretend to be someone she’s not just for the sake of a potential date. Especially not all for John, of all people. “He’s really not that special, and I say this as someone who loves him dearly. But if you want to go for him, of course that’s okay with me. He’s never really dated anyone before, so he’s probably just as clueless as we are.”

It was a relief to get the expressed permission from her friend that it was perfectly okay to go after his brother: it had been a great point of stress for the five minutes since she'd found out the two were related. Joy didn't have much anxiety, but the thought of disappointing a friend was up there at the top of the list of potential stressors. Trying to impress someone she liked was probably next. "Okay, now you're just saying that because you're related to him," she argued. "But, at least I know he has no one to really compare me to. Unless, of course, he had some sort of super-secret girlfriend when he was off the island." Which, though possible, was highly unlikely, given that Michael obviously hadn't heard of her, and John didn't give her the impression of someone who would keep secrets like that.

While that plan seemed a bit convoluted to him, when Joy could perfectly well just go up and speak to his brother like a normal person, Michael really wasn’t one to judge. He’d lucked out that his first real crush and person he’d caught feelings for had already been a part of his friend group, so no awkward attempts at introductions or trying to get to know him. Then again, though, it did leave things awfully awkward once things ended between them and they still had to see each other on the regular. So maybe he would have been better off finding someone outside of his normal social circle - like Joy seemed to be doing.

"Well, then, that's exactly what you need to give me advice on," she pointed out, "how to talk to him. He's your brother, you must know him better than anyone!" At least, that was how Joy assumed sibling relationships work, not that she had any to compare to from her point of view. Though, if she and her roommates were anything like siblings, she had a good idea of exactly how each of them operated. "But, you're sure that it's okay that I talk to him, right? Like, in a hoping he catches on and asks me out kind of way? If it's weird, I promise, I can drop it. I care way more about staying friends with you than a boy--no offense to John," Joy said sincerely, making herself crystal clear before upsetting Michael in any way.

It wasn’t often that anyone ever asked her for her complete open and honest opinion, as Joy had stated as much, and normally she would jump on the opportunity to freely speak her mind on any and every topic that she could… but this time, truth be told, Davina genuinely didn’t really have much to say beyond what she’d already commented. “She’s weird as hell, but like not the weirdest I’ve ever come across,” she repeated the sentiment with a shrug. “Her nerves were obvious, but like I guess I understand that. It was too quick of an interaction for me to really take away anything else.” Which was actually not that bad of a thing, better an average first impression be made than a horrible one.

Considering how Davina felt about most people, it was practically a glowing review. Indifference was much better than feelings of extreme annoyance or hatred, so, Joy had to count it as a win for their new roommate. Though, after how much she'd talked Avery's ear off, she wasn't sure the two had had the kind of lengthy, meaningful conversation Joy would've hoped to hear about from two people who were about to live together. Regardless, she would accept the small win as a victory, at least for now, until she could plan some sort of bonding night. "Okay, that's good! Nice and neutral, exactly what I like to hear from you," she commented optimistically, trying to keep the patronizing applauding to a minimum in front of Davina.

At her loud and bubbly laugh, Michael was quick to join in the stranger that had hushed her, reaching over to smack Joy’s arm lightly and shaking his head. Not that he usually really cared about following library rules or worried about being too loud - but the last thing this conversation needed was for John to come over and interrupt it with a speech on library etiquette. “Yeah, he’s my brother,” he repeats, fighting back the smile that was trying to make its way on face at her reaction to this seemingly shocking information.

Joy nodded at the revelation, understanding now how and why she hadn't met his brother before. How was she to know about the family history of her crush, whose nametag at the front desk had simply said John? It was a fairly common name, too, one that hadn't raised any red flags when she'd decided she would pursue him. "So, he works here now? I need to start coming with you more often, so you can say hi to him, and he'll start to recognize me." Her eyes narrowed in the direction of the desk as she pondered on her plan. "If you're okay with that, of course. I don't want to make things weird. I had no idea, truly, when I said that that he was your brother," she added, placing the importance on her friendship with Michael first and foremost.

From the moment she had her first conversation with the new housemate, she had known that she would be hearing from Joy sooner rather than later about how it might have gone. So it’s not a surprise when she spots the blonde happily entering the kitchen, nor is it a shock when she plops herself down into the seat right beside Davina. And though he knew exactly what the other girl wanted, she continued scrolling and acting as if she had barely even registered anyone else was there. It’s not until Joy’s face covers her screen that she finally gives in and acknowledges her. Sighing heavily and dramatically, she sets the phone down on the table and simply raises an eyebrow in the blonde’s direction until she finally cracks and continues on the little speech Davina knew had been just waiting under the surface.

Joy didn't know what more she was expecting out of her roommate, knowing just what the reaction was going to be before she'd even asked the question. At the very least, she was happy to hear that it had gone fine from Davina herself, though she wasn't the one who Joy worried about most when it came to Avery's introductions. To know Davina's actual opinion on their new housemate was more so what Joy had come in search of, despite the common courtesy of having to ask whether it had gone well or not.

The sound of a bag thudding to the ground and Joy’s voice was a welcome escape from the singular paragraph on microcell biology that he had been not so successfully attempting to read for the past at least ten minutes. Looking up at his friend, a bright smile grows on his lips as he eagerly closes the textbook, not even bothering to pretend like he was going to continue with his studies. “Usual spot was taken,” he explained with the raise of a shoulder in a shrug. He lets her go on about her dilemma with this spin class she has to take over, already pretty sure exactly what advice he plans to give her before she even finishes, but her next comment has him doing a bit of a double take and already forgetting all about the explicit music she seems so against.

Joy looked from aforementioned librarian, back to Michael, and between the two once more before letting out a laugh so loud that someone at the table behind them immediately gave her an aggressive hush for. With her hand flying to cup her mouth, Joy continued to chuckle silently, the idea that she had developed a crush on one of her closest friend's brothers too hilarious for her to fathom. But, if she remembered correctly, this brother of his was supposed to be off the island. So, she could hardly feel bad that this was the first mention of their relation amidst the development of her massive crush on him.

"Oh, they're here..." It wasn't an unwelcome change in her life, Vanessa knew very well that there was going to be a new roommate, she had agreed to the arrangement and everything. In fact she hoped a new friend could be made. Still, change was change and it was going to be different having someone new around. There was so much suddenly having to acclimate to, she had to keep her glooming abilities to a minimum as to not disturb Avery so soon that they would even consider leaving and think of only herself to blame. And even by the very fact that she had to keep herself from going down a shame spiral, there was a lot of pressure that she couldn't exactly be herself. This thought process alone was something she could tell Joy wouldn't enjoy, nor would she probably indulge in so she tried to refocus her thoughts onto making sure neither Joy or Avery would have to endure. "Well first, I think the lack of pets thing until now might've been because Davina refused to clean up after animals. And second," she sighed, knowing she was about to disappoint the blonde. "I dunno, I've had a long day and I'm not exactly sure interacting would be good."

If it were up to her, Joy would've physically pulled her roommate out of her bed and gotten her downstairs to greet their new addition. But, as she'd learned over blood, sweat, tears, and time, things weren't entirely her decision in their house. If Vanessa wanted to stay upstairs and be a sourpuss to herself, so be it. "No, no, I promise, it will be good! They'd be happy to meet you," Joy insisted, trying her best to sway her roommate from spiraling downward like she'd seen countless times before. "Also, so true, actually. But, now that we have one pet, do you think she'd be open to a second? Like, how much more mess could one other animal cause? I've always wanted a cat--like, a true kitten, and maybe now she could be convinced," she wondered aloud. She already knew what kind of answer Vanessa was going to give: one that was noncommittal and less than enthusiastic, but Joy was used to it by now. Regardless, trying to get her on her side for a second pet in the house hadn't been the primary reason Joy had ventured up to her roommate's secluded corner of the house. "Anyway, you should totally come meet her, if you're feeling up to it. Or, at least, in the morning, if you had a long day. Did you have a bad session?"

∗∗ 🌪️ ∗∗

Her new roommate had a strange aura about them--it wasn't the same energy that Vanessa had, or Davina either, but a more tightly-wound demeanor that Joy simply wanted them to feel like they could unravel. She knew it was overwhelming, stepping into a new space, but Avery seemed more reluctant than Joy had been expecting, especially when she'd done so much to get the place ready. "No, it's okay! I like your punctuality." With a grin, she gave her roommate a nod of her head, glad she could tell who she was just from her first impression. "That's me, and then we have Vanessa and Davina, who are. ... around here somewhere. They were too busy to help me with decorations, but I typically tend to have more enthusiasm around celebrations, anyway, so, I'm used to it. I have a whole questionnaire for each of them, and me, I made them fill out ready in your room, with their basic likes and dislikes, y'know, just for fun! And, if you wouldn't mind filling out one of your own so we can get to know you, too, that would be amazing, but, obviously whenever you get the time," Joy babbled. She peered behind Avery's shoulder, seeing the full car on the street. "Do you need help unloading anything? I'm all yours for the afternoon, whatever you need. As long as you don't mind that the decorations will be finished later!"