sideyard.

Amara's mostly bark, but it serves her here, able to talk up a big game when Florence is staring her down, anticipating something spectacular. She considers the hypothetical deeply, teeth flush against her lower lip with concentration. "That seems a little basic. I'd obviously become best friends with her, and you'd, like, be the third wheel. Just to make you, like, suffer a little bit. I would eventually have to get rid of her, though because obviously I'm doing all of this to be your best friend. So then I guess I'd have to kill her. It's hard to even think about because I can't imagine you having a better friend than me."

" jack, of course he likes you. he was your friend first. and it's not exactly like he's mr. extrovert, so it's really special you guys are close. " she tries her best to sound supportive. she loves jack too much to reach the point of exasperation, but part of her does wonder why this seems to be weighing on jack so heavily. it worries her, at the very least, and makes her feel a little guilty that what's causing her so much happiness is throwing such a wrench in his life, and then a little annoyed that she feels guilty in the first place. " and yes, really, really. like, i don't know. you know i haven't exactly had the best luck in love. but this is different. it's like i'm finally more happy where i am than i am worried it's all gonna fall apart. i can't even describe it more to you right now without sounding like an embarrassing, hair-twirly dummy. and that makes me even happier. i really love him. " a softness, for all the love in her life, romantic and otherwise, has crept onto her expression. " and he knows you like him. we should all do something together soon. you, me, him, odette... "

A part of him knows that he's asking her to be coddled — and another part received it without question, because she's so good at it, probably because she has so much experience with little kids. "And I like him too! And you know what, it has opened me up to new experiences. It was fun watching the Superbowl." His favourite part was the half-time show and seven-layer dip. Besides, anyone's better than Mickey. So, in the grand scheme of things, this is a good thing. His expression softens into something sincere, not that he's ever intentionally trying not to be, but sometimes he gets lost in the frills and melodrama of life itself. "You deserve that kind of security. And it's nice to see you all ooey-gooey in love." It nearly makes him misty-eyed again, this time not with the distress of her moving out but just about how happy she looks. "Kai. Did you know that was a thing? Well, you probably did. I'm always the last to find out about everything."

a social disposition yet florence hasn't much patience for the quintessential hangout. the sorority culture working in her favour then—young women moving as one, never straying too far from the pack. the animalistic comparison not an accident but a metaphor for the house's interrelations and politics. one for all and all for none. gigi's latest announcement proved as much.   〝 that's 'cos this house's full of cunts, 〞 she dismisses, laying down atop the thick duvet, reaching out to poke at amara's cheek. 〝 you're so obsessed. 〞

Amara laughs in her face, "And you're an angel." She coos back, wriggling closer. Her cheeks bubble at the touch, pleased by it. This is how she likes it though, when they find themselves nearly pressed close, side by side, looking at each other straight in the eyes. A staring game equally a game of chicken, but neither of them ever back down. "Yeah, I am. So you best not go get another best friend." She threatens, making her eyes all crazy for the bit, "Or you'll see how obsessed I can really be."

"That's fair." He would still kill himself if he heard TayIor Swift when going under. "Do you have a favourite artist?"

dead three times before, and maybe that's why there's a misfire of neurones. his cadence nonthreatening, as is marty as a whole, but when she considers the possibility, its still not fear adorning tepid skin with goosebumps. her hand following the same trajectory, fingers slot in between his. and with a chin lifted, she welcomes this oppression of her windpipe. no force, just a little bit of pressure. a steady drumming against her fingertips, spread through her chest and farther down. that thigh wedged between marty's then lifted, cushioned skin pushing up against his groin. and to match, a wide smile on full lips.   〝 you promise? 〞

claire nods, a smile soft but the implication not missed. no one's been feeling well lately, she'd imagine. not since that night. only he's her boyfriend, not one of her sorority sisters, and she ought to be more tuned in. to him, to their relationship. she's done better. she could do better still.   〝 yeah, 〞 arm hooking preston's again, she resumes their walk. moisturised lips pursed, a silent contemplation as hazel eyes are kept straight ahead. so much time spent on claire and her mountain of issues, little time has been left to preston and his needs. beyond those he makes clear.   〝 is there anything i can do? to make you feel better? 〞

a social disposition yet florence hasn't much patience for the quintessential hangout. the sorority culture working in her favour then—young women moving as one, never straying too far from the pack. the animalistic comparison not an accident but a metaphor for the house's interrelations and politics. one for all and all for none. gigi's latest announcement proved as much.   〝 that's 'cos this house's full of cunts, 〞 she dismisses, laying down atop the thick duvet, reaching out to poke at amara's cheek. 〝 you're so obsessed. 〞

her face scrunches, nose crinkling with the prod like she doesn't like it (she does). "and you're a total angel." she quips back dryly. amara shrugs. "they're not so bad. gigi's neurotic as hell, but she knows what she wants." it's a good quality to have. compared to august, who, while nicer, will probably float through life aimless and untethered. settled on her back, her head turns toward florence. "obsessed?" she pushes florence's face with her palm. "get outta here."