what's the dealio?

The “old hag” jab had Orion barking out a laugh, the sound sharp and unrestrained, because of course she meant every word of it. That was Stella’s bite, and he loved drawing it out.

"You... you are a goddamn monster," she blinked at him when he painted a picture of what was unmistakably a nightmare scenario for the woman. She'd suspected it'd be the opposite of a dream for anyone, but it certainly got her skin crawling. "As horrible as you are, I do have free will. I can stop pedaling after you at any moment– it's 2029, Ri, Google Maps does exist," Stella pointed out with a tone that still implied she was fearful of him taking her someplace that she'd totally hate. Especially since she was currently in an area she didn't recognize. Even with GPS as an escape, she felt the need to stick with her brother at the moment given he seemed to know where he was going. "Where... are we even headed? I thought we were just going for an aimless ride but did you have a destination in mind? Preferably a childless one.

🚲 - go for a bike ride

"That old hag hasn't got a thing on me," Stella almost snapped in reply. It wasn't uncommon for them to rile each other up as siblings but she was often an easy target. Especially when any sort of physical or athletic ability was involved– knowing it was her weaker point compared to her siblings. Especially her dancer of a younger sister. "You're an asshole and I hope you get a flat tire," she insisted when she began to pedal faster in order to avoid further humiliation.

🌧️ - get caught in a sudden downpour (@stellamacmillanbcnes)

"Oh, trust me, there have been plenty of times," Evelyn replied, a bittersweet smile flickering on her lips. She gave a small shake of her head. "Though I do think you’re being a bit kind to me there." Evelyn knew she hadn’t always been the best version of herself, not by a long shot. If she had been, things might have been different... things with Stella, at least. The breakup had been her fault, after all. That wasn't something she could simply gloss over. But she didn't think Stella would ever admit that. She was too good. Too kind. To see herself through Stella's eyes ate Evelyn up a little bit inside because she could never be as good as the woman perceived her to be. "Oh, I wish that were the case," she added quietly, when Stella pointed out that she always put her best foot forward. It was a perfect example of just how the blonde appeared to put her on a pedestal. If only she knew...

"I think you're too hard on yourself," she sighed. "And that's coming from me– I'm pretty bad too so I shouldn't go around pointing fingers but... I also can't help but call 'em like I see 'em," Stella laughed lightly as she tried to lighten the mood, a look of concern flashing over her features as she found herself watching Evelyn carefully despite no major signs of any alarm at the moment. Maybe she was just being good at hiding it. "We came her for a good time but if you want to talk about anything, nobody knows better than us how therapeutic art can be. But you can also talk to me, yeah?" she offered up, hoping it didn't seem too pointed or making the conversation turn more serious than maybe Evelyn wanted, but putting it there on the table just in case.

“What can I say? Having someone I want to make happy always brings out the best in me,” Evelyn said with quiet sincerity, her deep chestnut eyes soft as they met Stella’s. The redhead was all too aware that her history with Stella wasn’t flawless she had made missteps, moments she wished she could take back. And yet, through it all, Stella had stayed. Her loyalty had never wavered, even when Evelyn hadn’t deserved it. That kind of steadfastness wasn’t something Evelyn took lightly. Not anymore. She was determined to keep her in her life, to prove she could be the kind of friend Stella deserved. “Extra work, though?” she added with a light laugh, nudging Stella gently with her elbow. “You really are set on completing that tea set, huh? Why? Planning to pass it down as a wedding gift for your future kids?” Her grin was playful, the teasing softened by the melodic warmth in her voice.

"I find it hard to think of a time where you weren't your best self if you ask me," Stella shrugged back. "You always struck me as the type of person who finds a way to put her best foot forward, even in some of the trickiest of times," she added warmly. It had been something she truly admired about Evelyn. She personally found it hard to push through and put on a smile if she was faced with someone she really couldn't stand, whereas Evelyn always found so much passion and grace even for those who didn't deserve it. It was just one of her many wonderful qualities as far as Stella was concerned. "I thought we were making things for one another? It's you who'll have a whole family heirloom to pass down if you so choose," Stella pointed out with a laugh. "Although it is a very Macmillan-Bones thing to be fair. We have shit in our cupboards that belong to great-great-great-to the umpteenth degree-great relatives," she mentioned with a dramatic wave of her hand.

"I think if you're going to have a piece painted by me, it has to mean something to you. Why else to people buy artwork but because it draws them in, in some way." Evelyn explained, giving a little wry smile in her friends direction. "But I think they might close before we get that all done I'm afraid." She laughed, sounding amused.

"That makes sense but is also so incredibly sweet," she acknowledged, trying to think of what she could create that could be half as meaningful to Evelyn as whatever she was going to make was guaranteed to be for her. It was the least the redhead deserved. "Maybe I'll have to do a little extra work in my spare time then," Stella smiled softly when Evelyn mentioned the place might end up closed before she had the time to finish everything she wanted to do.

"I wouldn't possibly turn down the opportunity to have an original piece of your artwork in my kitchen now, could I?" Evelyn smiled warmly as she skimmed through the different pieces they could choose to paint. "I love that idea though. And to paint something that reminds me of you... well that sounds inspiring."

"I didn't necessarily say that whatever you paint has to remind you of of me but I admittedly love that. It's a very sweet idea," the smile growing on Stella's featured when it seemed the redhead was all for it. "I'm going to have such a hard time settling in on only one idea for this. I'm going to want to paint a whole tea set at this rate."

Orion had to snort in amusement about how Stella described his boyfriend but he couldn't necessarily disagree either. Bentley was, at the end of the day, just a devastatingly handsome nerd. "That's the thing. He drinks in books like water so I'd have to search his intimidatingly large selection first." He admitted with a fond smile playing across his face. "I suppose a trip could work but I like to give something physical too."

"You don't seem convinced yet," she replied with a humored look when Orion seemed to ponder over the possible gift options for his boyfriend. "But I have no doubts you'll figure it out. Nobody knows him quite like you do after all."

"Stells, stells, Stells!" Jaiyash sing songed at his friend, a grin playing across his features. "I'm going out to the shops to go try and find some things. You fancy coming with? I'd say I was bringing you to keep me on track but we do the opposite when in one another's company."

"I don't think I've ever seen you so excited to see me," Stella turned around and looks skeptically at the other. "Going shopping does sound fun though. What are you looking to buy?" she asked. "Oh yeah, do not count on me to keep you on track. We'll find something to sidetrack us in every store, I'm sure of it."

Evelyn laughed softly. "You know what I mean." She responded back in a tone that was playful and warning at the same time. "But I agree. Not many would go to this much trouble, especially given how much they've had to drink tonight." It'd be dangerous at best.

"I do, I do," she eased off in good humor. "Definitely not. If anything, I kind of hope that for everyone's safety the super drunk people are not trying to climb up here. That could end badly I'm sure. And it's all the better for us– the view is going to be great."

"Not that I planned to but I shouldn't be surprised you're the type to get possessive over your food." Aaron responded when he was told he wasn't to steal her food, not that she seemed particularly serious about the whole thing. Grabbing himself a soda, they headed to the area where their seats were located. "I could help you with all that but I'm enjoying the will you-wont you of if this ends up covering you."

"You are really so petty, aren't you? Childishly so," she tutted at him unimpressed by his choice in response. Stella of course had to perform a bit of a balancing act as they made the journey to their seats, however she managed to settle into her seat unscathed. "I am a veteran at this sort of thing– game snacks are a staple and everyone goes big or goes home," Stella insisted, popping a fry into her mouth for good measure.