respairs.

Guillermo nodded in response to the question. He’s quite a seasoned pride festival attendee at this point. Unfortunately for this guy, Guillermo doesn’t know if his idea of fun will align with theirs. So he doesn’t know exactly what activities to recommend. The Ramp Agent bites into one of his crispy cheesy beef tacos as he mulls it over. 

“I don’t know about you, but I like watching people,” he notes, even if it sounds weird. People often show who they truly are without having to speak. “It’s entertaining,” he admits. Being the strong and silent type, throughout his life Guillermo easily became a keen observer. He’s never one to care about what people think, because he already defaults to thinking the worse of himself. “Plus, you’ll be able to figure out which activity seems worth your while,” he explains with a shrug.

"Sure." He replied after clearing his throat. He took a few seconds to grab their bag again and put it behind Juniper's head so she could properly lay down and use it as pillow. Only then he did what the woman had asked, planting himself on the ground so her leg could be more elevated. When he was done, he saw her arranging the ice inside the washcloth and closed his eyes for a few seconds. Thank God. He watched as Jasiri spoke and Juniper closed her eyes, her voice low as she simply replied "Okay". "It's alright, kiddo. Gonna be over real soon." He turned his head to face Jasiri and nodded, as if signaling for her to keep going. "What else can I do?"

“Oh, so basically about twenty fiii–” Jasiri started off rattling statistics then stopped herself. Current audience and setting considered, she pivoted. “Don’t worry, I mean, it happens more often than you think.” Jasiri smiled warmly at the father and daughter duo. Juniper is in great hands. “In about a week or two, you will be back to normal.” Once she’s prepared, Jasiri sets the makeshift ice pack against the swelling of Juniper’s ankle. “You can start a timer for fifteen minutes,” she responded to his question. “That’s how long we need to keep the ice on the area. Then, in roughly 3 hours you repeat this, but by then you guys should be back at the main area and able to get proper help.” Thankfully, there’s medical help on site that they could take advantage of. “June’s a brave girl, and once she gets some tylenol and rest, she’ll start feeling better.” 

But at this point, he knows there's no winning. He's not going to convince Darius just as much as Darius isn't going to convince him. So he keeps walking, refuses to turn around and let Darius see just how much his disappointment in him was the one thing that almost got through. "Funny, I don't remember asking for any of y'all's permission," is all he throws over his shoulder as he finally reaches his vehicle. Dre yanks the door open, grabs his overnight bag, which he's been making a lot of use of lately, throws the strap over his shoulder, and slams the door shut again, before whirling around and storming back in the direction of Le Rouge, refusing to look over his shoulder at his brother again. He can't risk it.

When Iyana came up with the brilliant idea of getting Bella back via dunk tank at Pride, Jake had been only too happy to be involved. His best friend's meddling had gotten him into more trouble than he would have liked at the speed dating event and while it was all in good, harmless fun, she still deserved a little payback.

"Take a look at this line up they've got for this, Bells. It's crazy!" Jake comments as he steers the trio a half a degree closer in the direction of the dunk tank. At the same time, he holds his phone up at exactly the angle that would make Bella have to tilt her head down and away from the giant dunk tank looming twenty feet ahead with a sign that says SIGN UP HERE.

Iyana  returned  with  three  churros ,  standing  in  front  of  them  with  a  wide  grin.  Disappearing  and  returning  with  a  sweet  treat  is  the  way  to  go  to  avoid  coming  off  as  suspicious.  She  hesitates  briefly  before  giving  Jacob  and  Bella  a  churro.  ❝   We  should  watch  who  will  get  dunked ,   ❞  a  hint  of  curiosity  in  her  eyes ,  coming  off  as  being  nosey.  Something  Bella  is ,  unfortunately ,  a  little  too  aware  of.

The prompt from her bestie was enough to pique her interest. Bella’s attention went from a parent trying to wrangle their kids to Jacob’s phone. At first glance she couldn’t believe the listing. Sedona had dug pretty deep in pockets for this year’s pride weekend. “What?” surprised she reached for his phone to get a better look at the flyer. “Elton John– in Sedona? Hell, Chappell too? Hmm…” The lineup for the concert was hyped for quite some time, but she didn’t think it would be that stacked. Bella returned Jacob’s phone to him. “Here I thought I was going to skip that show for something else.” Now she’ll have to plan an outfit for the concert. Her mind had already begun spinning through the options in her mind when Iyana returned. 

“Churros, yes!” If there’s one thing about festivals, is the opportunity to indulge in foods she doesn’t normally partake in. “Oh, that’ll be funny,” she comments before biting into the treat. “Let’s go see what idiot signed up for this travesty.” It would never be an attraction that she would do, even for charity. Bella would rather donate the funds to the cause and not have to sit up there to be stressed out. Would it be a ten year old or Doli sending her plunging into water? Is not a question she wants to ask herself.

The commendation from Kama has her grinning. “I wasn’t at first, this was one of those things that I discovered later on” Bella learned a lot about herself much later in life, and in fact she still is. In some aspects it’s like she’s playing catch up, but she doesn’t view it that way.

“Aww!” Now she’s sad that she missed it. “That’s as loud as you can get, Kam,” she laughs lightly. “I’ve been so busy with the installation that I’ve hardly had a chance to check my notifications properly.” There are many red badges on apps awaiting her attention. Bella made a mental note to interact with the post later. It would be at the top of her list once she gets a chance. 

“Now, it goes without saying but if you need anything, please let me know.” To say that she was proud of Kamaria would be an understatement. Of course she believes in Kamaria’s ability to stand on her own, but Bella can’t help but be a tad protective of her. If Bella ever sees what’s his name again she will be punching first and asking questions after. There’s cold feet, and then there's what he pulled at the wedding. “That kid’s going to be so spoiled.” Bella affixed the photograph she held to its stand, before retrieving another from the folder. “Do you want to help me? Or are you busy?” There were a few more stands without photographs that she needed to put on display.

I want you there. 

A surefire assurance fell between them. What better answer was there? He’d much rather go than stay back in Arizona this time around regardless. “You’re right.” Knuckles loosened their grip around his empty glass, nodding affirmatively just when the waiter swung by the table once more, dropping off more incredible food. “I’ll go.” He insisted. "I want to." Deep blue eyes didn't leave Jas,' as if sealing the answer definitively. There were too many instances over the prolonged separation period that a Florida trip, to try and see her again, had backfired. Not now.

Once dinner reached an unfortunate wrap, from the main courses through an elaorate dessert, Levi already removed his blazer before standing upright entirely, draping the dark material over Jasiri's stunning garment. In case the evening's outside air held a chill. Reaching the restaurant's ornate doors, they both stepped through, an un-restrained, outside atmosphere engulfing them. "You mean, after this.." Purposely, his gravely tone trails off, arm firm around her only shifting so he could face her. Reaching a palm upward, resting it on one side of Jas' cheek, head dropping downward enough to press his lips against hers for an intent, sweeping kiss. Didn't matter who would be passing by. All that did was the culmination of their celebratory night, underneath the oranges and yellows lining the sky that burned wild above them. With much more awaiting where that came from.