Relentless You Survive

Milkshakes were sometimes the one and only thing that made Kat feel better when they were feeling down, which is exactly what brought them to the diner today. The frustrating part is that they couldn’t tell exactly why they were feeling the way they were… they only knew it was a problem that had to be fixed with chocolate. They hadn’t been expecting to run into anyone they knew, certainly not anyone they got along with, and so they were a bit surprised when Preston called to them from a nearby booth. They did a double take, checking behind them to make sure he wasn’t calling to someone else. They weren’t even in their usual attire or makeup at the moment, and Kat was always surprised when people recognized them out of drag, but it seemed that he was indeed addressing them, and after the shock wore off they let that fact wash pleasantly over them as they smiled genuinely for the first time that day and moved to join him.

“Hey, it’s good to see you!” they said, leaning across the table to peck his cheek affectionately. They hardly remembered if the two of them were on those kinds of greeting terms, but Kat did that to practically everyone anyway and simply hoped they weren’t offending anyone by doing so. “What have you been up to? Other than the streaming of course…” They rested their chin in the cup of their hand, propped up from the surface of the table with their long tattooed arm. “I have to say, I haven’t played a lot of video games in my life but you always make it look like so much fun! I think I’d even have a blast with Fortnite although I’m sure I’d get picked off right away…”

Kat hadn’t been someone he was expecting but he was excited to see them either way. There was just something about their energy that he always felt drawn to. Seeing them come over, his smile only grew bigger. “Hey Kat! Good to see you too.” Preston was a bit surprised by the small cheek kiss but not bothered in the slightest. He actually found it quite endearing. “Other than streaming and giving people coffee? Not much. I mean I’ve been listening to Tristan yell at the TV about the world cup for a while. Fútbol just isn’t my thing. Well most sports aren’t. All I can really do is run.” He laughed and shook his head. “That’s about the best compliment a streamer like me can get! You’re gonna make me blush.” He was sure his face was a bit pink but it was mostly said as a joke. “If you’ve got someone like me watching your back I’m sure I could help you make it a bit farther than that. It’s all just practice. So what about you? What’s new in the amazing world of Kat?”

Nina stops frowns, looking around confused and then back at him. “Me? Well I was…” Almost stalking the man she’s having a secret affair with who has been avoiding her for weeks now? Sure. But she can’t say that. Not only because it’s a secret and all that, but also because she’s pretty sure that if she says it out loud, she’ll sound certifiably insane. And at least definitely obsessed. Not exactly something she wants people to think she is. “You know what, why not? I could use some company anyway and I don’t think my sister is going to come over even though I called her like ten times already. She might have buried herself in scrapbooks, glitter and highlighters,” she nods and sits down by Preston’s booth, drumming her fingers over the table. “What are you doing here all by yourself by the way? Seems kinda depressing. I mean, I am too, but I was trying to get some family time here.” She chuckles.

Preston laughed lightly at the confused look on Nina’s face. Sure, she definitely wasn’t someone he usually, or ever really, hung out with, but she was friends with Denna and that was enough for him. “Yeah, you.” He smiled at her and waited to see if she’d come over or not. But she did, surprising him a bit. “Sounds like quite the night. I mean I wouldn’t know. I’m totally an only child. I couldn’t imagine what having a sibling would be like.” He shrugged his shoulders at her question. “I just really wanted a milkshake honestly. Plus I texted a few of my friends but they’re probably sleeping or busy by now. But that’s why I called you over. I figured company is always better than being alone.”

“Yes?” Thea turns, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Actually before you ask, no, I cannot give Amanda your number, since that’s all boys like you seem to care about.” She wants to say nerds, but the message is probably obvious anyway. Being the daughter of the town’s chief of police meant, for Thea at least, that she knew about everything and everyone in Mount Wells. Who they are, what they do– maybe not who their families are or that much detail, but she tries to remember as much as she can from what her father tells her and what she hears him talk with her mother, it might come in handy at some point, even if they’ve never met her or don’t know that much about her. And besides, who doesn’t know the town’s resident attempt of a Youtube gamer, or whatever in the hell he tries to be. “What’s your deal stopping strangers in a diner anyway, Carver? People are going to think you’re a stalker or something, it’s pretty weird.”

“Wha- wait uh what? No, no, no.” Preston quickly shook his head. He though Amanda was a nice girl, sure. And he’d like to get to know her better, you know as a person, but he wasn’t interested in her like that. He knew that he was babbling and probably made no sense, so he quickly shut his mouth for a second to try to actually get out what he was trying to say. “I mean, no. I’m not looking for Amanda’s number.” He shrugged, his usual dopey grin returning to his face. “I just figured I’d try to talk to someone. Well to be a stalker I’d have to know you were gonna be here, which I didn’t. I’m actually waiting to see if some of my friends show up. I know it’s kind of late though. Plus I talk to strangers all the time so it’s not so weird for me, ya know?”

One of the things that her and Preston had in common was that they were both pretty much night owls. She remembered vividly the amount of times in the past they had been stayed up until whatever hour playing both videogames and D&D. So of course when she got a text from him telling her to go over the Oracle to get a milkshake, she wasn’t really surprised. In all truth, she should have stayed and finished this god forsaken essay; but she hadn’t been alone with Preston in a while, and she really needed a best friend right now. Not that Nina wasn’t enough, but there were thing she just didn’t understand. 

Denna arrived at the diner within the next fifteen minutes or so, and found him already at the usual spot by the windows. With a huge smile, she walked in and immediately took her seat across from him. “What have you been playing tonight? Please tell me it wasn’t Minecraft. I don’t miss that trend. We need to go back to good and wholesome MMOs.”

It had been a while since he really hung out with Denna. Not that he would put any fault on either of them. They had just both been busy people. But he wanted to make time for her. She was one of his best friends and the time they had spent apart had made her a little different but he still saw his best friend in her and weren’t they all supposed to sort of grow up eventually? His smile only grew when he saw her and he even started to bounce lightly in his half of the booth in excitement. 

“Oh god no. I’m so glad those days are over. If I see another block of dirt I think I just might go crazy. Though those Ultra Hardcore Tournaments weren’t so bad.” He laughed and shook his head. “Nah, the big trend is Fortnite. It’s not so bad, though if you get killed super early it kinda blows. But luckily I don’t have that problem.” Preston placed his arms on the table and leaned on them. “You’re making me want to go back to FFXIV. You know how much of a black hole that is. I’ll get sucked in all over again!” He laughed. “So what have you been doing?”

It was getting late out and Preston had just finished up streaming a long session of playing Fortnite. It wasn’t really his favorite but it was what was popular now and a lot of people were asking for it so who was he to deny them? He managed to pull off a couple of wins too, boosting his ego a fair bit. As he stretched in his chair, he heard his joints pop. While Stay Hydrated Bot kept him hydrated, he was starving. What he really wanted was a chocolate milkshake, so that meant he was going to make his way to Oracle get one. He didn’t really want to go by himself so he sent off a couple of messages to see if anyone was up for going. If not, he didn’t care but some company would definitely be welcome.

It didn’t take him long before he had made his way there. He didn’t see any cars he recognized so he just made his way inside. He took a spot close to the front of the diner. That way if he saw anyone, even if he didn’t text them, he could call out to them as they walked by. It was only a few more minutes before he saw someone. “Hey! Over here!”

Drama isn’t really something he likes to get into but if it involves one of his friends, he won’t hesitate to take their side. Even when he shouldn’t. 

“No way man, people are wild af.” Zac laughs, but then again, he wouldn’t be surprised if either him or Pietro do any of that one day. It’s not like they’re too impatient, but they just don’t really care enough to check the name sometimes. Out of the four of them, the only one who actually pays attention to this stuff is definitely Heath. “I can’t believe they even complain. Also Karen is such a lame name, so if your name is Karen I’m so sorry for you.” At Preston’s next words he lets out a loud barking laugh. Some people behind him just turn to see, not that he minds the attention. “Mike Hunt. No, no, no, that’s perfect. What a fucking genius. I would have died laughing man, I don’t know how you do it.”

“You wouldn’t believe the type of people who come in here. I could totally do a blog about the crazy people who come in here. Sometimes I spell their names wrong on purpose, a little bit of petty revenge.” He shrugged and gave Zac a brief smirk before it changed back to his normal smile. “Oh yeah, but to be honest people complain about anything they possibly can. It’s even worse online, honestly. And they have even dumber names sometimes.” Preston was a bit taken aback by Zac’s loud laugh but started laughing himself. “Eh, I get a few kids in here who think they’re big shots, so it becomes less funny after a bit. Like someone calling to ask if your refrigerator is running. Come on man, get some new material.”

Preston is an only child and that’s part of why he got so into video games and just gaming in general. Even being as shy as he was growing up, he always wanted to be around people, he just wasn’t good at actually interacting without getting too nervous. So games in general were how he started picking up and learning personal skills. 

location: thalassa beach date: june 12th status: open

Today was going to be a good day. That was habitually Naia’s motto every morning, but today needed to be a good day. After how hectic the roaring 20′s party and Miss Mount Wells had been, she demanded at least one day of peace. One day without hearing all about Thea’s mischief or anything about that night. Today…she wanted waves.

Relief exhaled from the designer’s lips after a great hour of surfing, it was like the ocean knew she needed a break. All the best waves were hers for the taking and Naia did not miss a chance, times like these it seemed the salty breeze knew her better than she knew herself. Of course, her thoughts were interrupted as she felt someone getting closer, wetsuit already halfway down her body before Naia looked up and noticed the other. “Coming to catch some waves?” The brunette asked a small grin itching upwards on the corner of her lips. “Sorry, I think I got all the good ones.”

Preston wasn’t really athletically inclined. Anyone who met him knows that. But for some reason he found himself at least trying to run around town every once in a while to keep himself in shape. He had read in an online article once that the resistance from running in sand made it better, so that’s what he was doing. Though about 15 minutes into his run, his headphones had died so he was stuck running back to where he parked his car, with just the sounds of nature. That made it easier to her the person calling out to him. He didn’t even notice that she was there and slowed down, a grin on his face. “Nah, I wouldn’t know the first thing about surfing. It’s better you caught them all.” He laughed a little before he continued. “Trust me, you don’t want to see me try.”

“Oh thanks, sorry man, duty called, if you know what I mean.” Zac winked. He probably did not know what he meant, but still. Out of all the nerds out there, Preston was one of the best. He was sort of Internet famous, he was best friends with Denna, and also he was a gem at Mario Kart. That kid was like Neo when it came to video games. “Wait, really? People just come and steal other drinks?” He laughed, grabbing his coffee and taking a sip. “That’s savage. - Okay but, listen, what’s the weirdest fake name someone asked you to write on their cup? Like, a dirty joke or something.”

“Uh right. Yup. I totally know what you’re talking about.” No, he didn’t at all. Well, he could definitely infer as to what Zac was talking about but he’d rather not. It made things a lot easier on his brain that way. “Oh yeah. People are usually super impatient for their coffee. As soon as something looks like it could be theirs they pick it up and come back complaining to me that it’s the wrong drink. Well is your name Karen? No? Then you picked up the wrong drink.” He shrugged and laughed. “Weirdest? Well I had a guy tell me his name was Mike Hunt. I gave him a look but wrote it down anyway. Turned out to actually be his name but I bet he was just being an asshole about it.”

location: asphodel café date: june 12th status: open

“You should absolutely come, yeah. What? The List? Don’t worry about it. I know someone, I can totally hook you up. It’s going to be bomb AF. I’m writing some new songs that are going to sound so good. Who knows? Maybe I’ll sing one especially for you.” Zac winked at the blonde girl he was talking to. “Remember, just say you’re there to see The Olympians. You’ll be hearing from us soon.” Yet another favor he had to ask Heath for. But come on, the club needed hot people to be a success, right? Actually, he was the one doing the favor here. Suddenly he hears a voice behind him that seemed like it had been calling his name or something. 

“Sorry, I was spacing out. What were you saying?” 

Preston never tried to be nosey. Really, he didn’t. But he had a knack for listening and multi-tasking and that often lead to him overhearing conversations. Especially since he worked at Asphodel, where people were always talking about the latest gossip. Though how long he actually retained that information, was a completely different story. He sighed after the second time he called out Zac’s name but he did say sorry so he guessed it wasn’t all bad. “Oh, yeah. That was me. Your coffee’s done. I didn’t mean to try to interrupt your conversation but you never know who might come and take the wrong drink. I’ve seen it happen all the time. Even with names people get impatient and take whatever might look like there drink.”

“That’s for me to know and you to worry about.” Dera’s voice dropped and she tried to be all sultry, which of course just came off as a mockery of it, “I’m pretty sure I would of caught you and cradled you in my arms, staring lovingly into your eyes as I slowly fall in love.” She giggled at the thought, “But alas I’m am not nearly coordinated enough to catch you. I’m sorry!” Any lingering feeling of nervousness went away at the man’s words. He was a swirl of bright yellow and lavender, with occasional flashes of white. 

Another unexpected bubble of laughter left her throat and her voice became teasing, “Well, that’s basically the same thing!” A smile was affixed to her face as she slowly became more delighted by the conversation, “It’s not for everybody but it’s a good place to start exploring a world outside your body by looking within.” With a twirl of her top hat she returned the bow, “An honor to meet you too Mister Preston.” Her arm looped around his as she guided him to one of the tables in the periphery, settling down in a quieter part of the room. “It’s like swimming in the ocean I suppose, but being able to see and feel all the currents and understanding what each temperature change and each pull might mean if that makes sense. It’s a hard sensation to describe.”

“Now that would’ve been a sight to see. Not that I doubt your strength but I’m a bit of a mess of limbs and arms when it comes to doing pretty much anything other than running. Or hand and eye coordination as long as it’s not both at the same time.” Preston laughed. “Though wouldn’t that be a plot twist! They should definitely make a movie like that.” He was glad to have run into someone who wasn’t as stuffy and stuck up as the last few he had met.

He shrugged and laughed again at her laughter. “Then I guess I should at least be pretty good at it.” He let her lead him to the empty table and he sat down, a smile still plastered on his face. “Man, I don’t even know what that would be like. I mean I’ve heard of people doing it but I never really thought about it myself.” He listened carefully as Dera explained the feeling and he wasn’t even sure if he he knew what she was explaining would feel like but it sounded so interesting. “I mean I don’t know what that would feel like but I think I understand. So have at it! Do I have to do anything? Or just like try to open my mind?”

“Honestly, I’ve never seen The Great Gatsby. I sorta looked this up and asked Amanda and my mom for advice so that’s mostly it,” Tristan shrugged. Neither he or Preston worried too much about fashion, mostly preferring comfortable clothes than stuffy suits but they had at least managed to look presentable enough for the party. “Hm. You do have a point. Alright, Mr. Carver. Let me serve you a drink while you tell me all your dirty gossips. You know how it goes in movies, dude. Bartenders know everything,” he winked and started moving around to prepare Preston something to drink. 

Despite most people preparing drinks with a flourish and a show, Tristan always tended to be quick and efficient. Sharp movements, cool and practiced as he mixed everything together but the moment Preston said he saw the appeal in soccer, he stopped cold in his tracks, looking at his best friend with the most unamused expression he could muster. “Don’t play with my heart like that, Preston. I love you but the fact that you don’t share my love for soccer is almost enough reason for me to dump you,” he teased, knowing Preston would figure out he was just kidding. 

Sliding the drink over to Preston, Tristan chuckled and clasped his shoulder with his free hand to reassure him. “Relax, man. I’m looking towards the crowd, I knew she wasn’t behind you. Besides, what kind of monster do you think I am?” he rolled his eyes, releasing his hold on Preston. “You keep hiding that crush of yours behind ‘friendly conversations’ and you’ll see how another dude with less than friendly intentions takes her away from you.” It wasn’t that Tristan was an expert in relationships, but Preston not telling Mona of his feelings was simply getting ridiculous. “Amanda came by earlier and asked me to dance with her so I might go find her. I… actually saw Denna, a while ago.”

Preston shook his head. “Man you should really watch it. It’s actually not half bad. The book was a lot better though but hey, when aren’t they?” He laughed and tugged a bit at his suit. He was almost certain that after tonight, he probably wouldn’t ever wear it again. Unless if someone got married or something but he didn’t see that any time in the future. “Ugh you saying Mr. Carver just sounds so weird and way, way too formal.” Preston made a face that he wasn’t sure if Tristan saw since he was busy. “I mean I wish I had some kind of dirty gossip to feed to you but I got nothing.” He tapped his finger to his chin, thinking. “I mean unless you want to know that the lady in the peacock hat has the worst smelling perfume I’ve ever had the displeasure of smelling.”

He pressed a hand against his chest in mock shock. “You would never! To even speak that nonsense.” He pouted for a few seconds before he couldn’t stop the smile he always had from cracking through. “Hey, I can at least say I’m learning to at least not totally hate it! I have to say that it is a marked improvement.” He made the motion of finger guns and a long laugh. 

The was an obvious relaxation in his shoulders as he felt his friends hand clamp down on his shoulder. “Yeah but that doesn’t mean you’d necessarily be looking for her. I didn’t think you’d intentionally do it but you’re doing a job here.” He sighed and slumped a bit in his seat. “I know. I know! But I like what we have and I don’t want it to get all screwed up because I like her and it’s not reciprocated. That would make everything weird and I really don’t want that.” He took off his hat, he was already tired of wearing it anyway, and ran a hand through his hair. “See look! There you go!” Though he paused when Denna was brought up. He knew they were mostly okay but he still thought there was something weird between them. “So how’d that go? Did she want a dance?”

His favorite games to play himself are RPG’s. The stories just draw him in and he used to spend hundreds of hours getting lost in them and collecting everything. When he streams though, first person shooters are his jam. 

@preston-carver

A break in conversation and entertaining various guest led to the perfect opportunity to explore the event in its entirety. Each room seemed to hold a unique bar with a bartender dressed in era appropriate attire while guest threw orders at them without pause. Hallways held the endless lines to the bathroom and tipsy guest trying to find company for afterwards. Mona found herself fixing the various portraits knocked off their centers on the wall until the growing sound of jazz music drew her away from her task. She stepped through two french doors to an outdoor patio where various couples were dancing and a small band was performing. An offered tray from a waiter led to her one of her free hands taking a glass of wine, sipping the contents. Her gaze focused on those dancing before trickling to the outskirts of the crowd, catching sight of Preston. 

        “Hi,” Mona spoke between two small sips of her wine while settling into the space next to Preston. “I imagine this isn’t nearly as fun as our adventures.” She mused through their latest DnD session and laughed to herself. “Maybe our next campaign can be based in the 20s. We can call this research over the inevitable torture I assume we are both feeling.”

Preston knew he had told Tristan he was having a good time and that wasn’t a lie. He was. But there were just so many people that it was getting ridiculously overwhelming. That was how he found himself wandering outside, weaving through the crowds of people dancing, to find a spot to sit down and rest his legs a bit. He had finished his beer a little while ago and could feel the slight edge of a buzz starting. It didn’t take long to find it outside and he sighed as he sat himself down. Even the outside of this place had been heavily decorated and to say he was impressed was an understatement. It must have taken so much work and most of it was going to waste because everyone was paying attention to their phones and the rest of the people. It was turning out to be a lovely night.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t even notice Mona take a seat next to him. At the sound of her voice he jumped a bit, but as soon as he realized who it was he laughed. “Man, Mona. You are one stealthy gal.” He turned a bit so he could actually look at her and she looked gorgeous. It look him a few seconds before he remembered to actually respond to her. “Nah, needs more orcs. Maybe a couple of goblins. Though I think we’ve got some people who might fit around here.” He faked looking around before turning back to her. “Who says I don’t already have this grand time traveling feywild campaign in the works?” He raised his eyebrows, almost like he was testing her. “Yeah, I’m definitely not cut out for all of these fancy things but they are nice to look at.” He coughed a bit before adding. “You look really lovely. I heard your name called up there. Nervous?”