All the voices in my head always try to break me.

Even though they’d discussed it a bunch and had tentatively made plans before, it wasn’t until now that Finn and Marley had actually been able to coordinate their schedules enough to get together and hang out. He’d promise to help show her the tricks of making his patented grilled cheese sandwich; the truth really was that he didn’t do much special with it but nevertheless was happy to be able to spend time with her and that she seemed interested to spend time with him as well. And being invited to her apartment for the first time was pretty cool too, Finn figured she might feel better about being on her own home turf rather than coming over to his place instead. Making sure to clean up after work and change into some better clothes than he normally would have worn, Finn went with jeans and a simple dark grey t-shirt so at least it wouldn’t look so obvious that he’d dressed up.

Thanks to a town with a very active rumor mill and some even more active busybodies there was word around town that perhaps he and Marley were keeping it secret that they were dating. It wasn’t true, but that didn’t stop Finn from wishing there was more legitimacy to it. A couple of years younger than him, Marley had just entered high school around the time he was thinking about graduating and they’d never really been been in each other’s orbit much. It wasn’t until both had left school that they’d really crossed paths much at all, usually around town but Finn always noticed how much happier he tended to be after running into Marley. Still, his lot in life was as a simple mechanic, and with her artistic dreams he knew she was destined for bigger things and not to be tied down to Lima, Ohio for long.

Knocking on her door Finn took a deep breath, and as Marley soon answered his knock and greeted him her smiled brightly back at her. “Marley, hi!” Her words were sweet and as she stepped back to let him into her apartment, he scanned it quickly before returning his gaze to her vibrant eyes. “Me too, I’ve been hoping we could make it work out. And hey, I love your place here. It’s very cool!” Finn groaned inwardly, hopefully he didn’t come across to Marley as too exuberant that it was off-putting, but gave her another smile. “It looks great, and so do you.”

That she and Finn both came from modest upbringings eased a little of the concern Marley had about inviting him over. It also helped that Finn was an extremely kind guy that wouldn’t look down on someone in a lower class. Even if they hadn’t been able to hang out too often, she always felt at ease around him. While his usual work uniform and grease-coated hands were pretty ruggedly attractive to her, Marley also appreciated his more clean-cut appearance. He had made an effort to look nice for her, as she did him. Never would Marley put any weight on words of the gossip blog, but maybe Finn was a little interested? Though likely not as much as she was.

“Oh I would have found a way to squeeze you in,” she promised giddily, making room for him to step inside. Not that she kept a busy social calendar-- it was mostly work that consumed Marley’s schedule. The closest thing she’d had to a date in a long time was the blind one at Breadstix, and she didn’t think that really counted. Though, Finn’s night may have been more promising than hers. “Thank you! You think so? It’s quaint, but I’ve done what I can with it.” Marley was beaming, proud for once of what she had managed to pull together. A guy like Finn complimenting was something she could get used to. His impress not only with her place, but Marley’s look made her brighten further; cheeks blossoming into a blush. She wasn’t sure if he was just being polite or not, but either way, the butterflies were already stirring inside her.

Still smiling, Marley bit at her lower lip, her expression becoming a little more shy. “Thank you. But you do too! I mean, you always do, but... I like being able to see your whole face. Without grease all over it.” She probably looked like a tomato now, with her awkward rambling. Hopefully Finn didn’t seem to mind. She’d had a crush on him for years, but was pretty certain this was the closest they’d ever been to each other. She could smell his intriguing cologne wafting under her nose. “Are you thirsty?” She piped up after a moment as she attempted to collect herself. “I’ve got water, tea, soda... and a few hard ciders. What goes best with grilled cheese?”

Marley didn’t have people over to her apartment very often. Despite it not being the fanciest of places, she was ashamed or anything. It was a small studio, but cozy, and it felt like home to her. She just had a tendency to stay busy, and when she did spend time with others, usually opted to at one of their much nicer homes. She was at least glad to have acquired an apartment outside of Lima Heights, where she had ended up when first moving out on her own. This was a step up for sure. Either way, she hoped Finn wasn’t expecting anything extravagant. Comfy and clean was more her jam. With such little room to work with, it had to be one of the most organized places she could have ever dreamt up. And Marley was a little proud of that.

The rumor mill had been abuzz with gossip that she and Finn were secretly a thing. While Marley knew that was far from true, it further fueled her long-time crush on him. She knew better than to think Finn would ever consider her as more than a friend, but regardless, she was happy they were spending a little time together. If he really did teach her some cooking skills, well, that made it even better. Still, Marley tried to look her best. Her favorite pair of jeans were paired with a flowery camisole that perfectly suited the summer weather. Her hair hung in long, golden waves, and she’d only used minimal make-up for a more ‘natural’ look. When she heard a knock at the door, Marley checked her reflection once more before dashing to answer it.

Greeting Finn with a smile and hoping he couldn’t hear the way her heart picked up in pace at the sight of his handsome face, she drew back to let him inside. “Hi, Finn! Welcome to my very humble abode,” she mused warmly. “Glad we were able to finally hang out.”

Thanks, and that’s what I kinda figure too, it’s close enough. I consider it to be a win! You’re welcome, and that’s great then too. I get that, at least you got to have a few days away then, and glad you had a good time. Awesome! You’re welcome, and things are going well actually. Yup, I actually did.

I have to ask, are you one of those guys that gets all decked out in their team’s gear? Thank you, and exactly! Got a little sun, which was also nice. I’m glad to hear it! I still need you to show me how to prefect my grilled cheese skills!

Private: :) You’re welcome! And good, that’s great then Marls!

Well true, and I’m glad you are, I really do get that. And maybe so, but I think you’re plenty strong already, you shouldn’t have to listen to it. And you’re welcome.

Private: Thank you! I hope so, anyway!

Marley Rose, you’re as stunning as ever. I am indeed back in town to coach the precious, pubescent brains of McKinley’s youth, and I’m genuinely havin’ a pretty good time so far. There’s some talented kids I just need to attract a few more to join the team. I don’t think Jasmine Silva is too concerned by the credibility of her sources but that’s half of the fun of it, no? Picking apart fact from fiction? It feels great to be back, darling. I’d love to catch up sometime.

You know you’re already one of my favorite people, Morgan! No need to suck up! But, thank you. Honestly, that sounds like a lot of fun. So if I hear some of the teens at the rink complaining or praising Mr. McCarthy, I’ll know they mean you! Well, you have me there. That’s pretty much the gist of it. And making some people feel crappy, but that’s nothing new. So glad you’re here, and we need to! When are you free?

So, now that it’s August, I need to start planning my Halloween costume. Last year I was Red from Fraggle Rock so I can’t do another Muppet two years in a row…Maybe Ruby Gloom? Or Euchariah from Halloween is Grinch Night! Ugh, so many options!

Who says you can’t do a Muppet two years in a row? That said, I think either of those are great choices! Is there one you’re leaning toward more?

🔥

That’s … not what that means, Jesus Christ. Learn to read before you start twisting other people’s words. 

It was implied. Screw you, Hope. I really could care less what you have to say or what you think of me anymore. I was trying to be nice, but I am just so over it. You’re just going to keep being a bitch, regardless of what I say or do. I’m tired of going in circles. Have a nice life. You’re not worth my time.

travis: you always have those ones who pretty much never listen to advice about working out and then come to you and ask why it's not working. well damn we are mind twins how crazy is that??

Private: Well, I’m not so sure, but again thank you. Of course, I figured. Good then, because you should.

I can’t even imagine, but it’s got to be. It’s just stupid though, seriously. You’re very welcome, and of course not but you shouldn’t even have to defend yourself from it anyways. Oh well don’t worry about me, and besides everyone else knows it’s wrong too. Okay, good.

Private: Anytime. :) Thanks! I feel like I’m getting a little better at it. trying to stand up for myself more, at least.

Today is Damien’s second day of school. I managed to get through yesterday just fine, somehow. No crying, nothing. But this morning? Crying. Didn’t want to let him go. He’s growing up far too fast and I hate it. It’s like I blinked and boom, he’s going into kindergarten, and Mel isn’t here to see it. This was not how this was supposed to go. 

Aw, Puck. I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine how bittersweet that must be. On the upside though, him being a little older might lead to more things you can do together? I hope you’re feeling better about it now and that Damien is enjoying school.

Thanks, and that’s what I thought too. Agreed, they are! You bet, they’re practically the hometown team. Home state anyways, even more than Cincinnati if you ask me. We aren’t last, which is a step up. That’s cool then, it sounded like a lot of fun. Darn, but did you at least make up for it when you did get up there? Hey that’s all good!

You know, I can see that actually. I think state loyalty is close enough. It totally counts. That sounds like a win to me then. Thank you, it was, though just the right amount of time, honestly. If I had stayed much longer, it would have been really hard to get back to reality. I surely did! Thanks, Finn. How are things for you? Did you rest up this weekend?

Okay, I know that most people complain about their bosses and how horrible they are, but frankly? My boss is probably the reason why I enjoy working at Rinky Dinks so much. Don’t get me wrong, I love my co-workers - especially my work-wife - but April is just… April. It’s hard to imagine working for anyone but her because she’s just a riot to work for… and to watch.

That said, I could definitely do without her asking me about my date and if he was, and I quote, “able to press your buttons and make you want to reach for a cigarette after”… There are just some lines you just… don’t cross.

@limafmstarters​

I definitely can relate. She does keep the place lively and is pretty understanding when something doesn’t go accordingly. She’s also got some stories-- some that are amazing, and others that may have scarred me for life. But I do feel like she truly cares about us and the rink.

travis: getting ready for work tomorrow and doing what i do best watching the office

It feels like summer only just started, but I’m back in my classroom this week getting set up for the first day of school again. The lake trip was great, but now it’s back to decorating my door and putting together take-home packets for my 4th graders’ recorder unit – enthralling stuff, to be sure, but I’m already looking forward to a few dozen new summer vacation stories when the kids get back next week.

@limafmstarters​

How did your first week back go, B? Was it too soon, or do you feel nice and settled for the school year now? I hope the kiddos didn’t give you too much trouble already!

Would anyone like to join me on my birthday 5k hike? Feel like getting into the outside world, and getting some fresh air. I kinda hit it hard last night with the alcohol, so I feel a bit uneasy, but, I’m still ready to go!

@limafmstarters​