stardust & sunlight.

they were going to call it a night, and honestly, delilah couldn't wait to grab her vanilla oreo milkshake and head home. tonight called for a bubble bath, with wine and friends playing in the background, and nothing was going to change her plans. or so she thought. she was almost done shorting some of the tables for the morning, when the door opened with the familiar ding catching her attention. turning around to look at the blonde who had just walked in, a small, warm smile formed on her face.

"please don't me you ran all the way here." delilah said softly, shaking her head a little. "pretty sure we've got one on two running still, just in case. you sure you want just some fries? i can have tony throw a few onion rings and nuggets in there.. unless you want mozzarella sticks? for anything larger i'll have to go back there and give him the eyes." the blonde mused, knowing that even their cook wouldn't want summer to spend a hungry night. that alone could give anyone nightmares. "don't worry about it, just take a seat and i'll get everything out for you. would you like something to drink? you know my mom would kick me to the moon if we turned you away. do you think i want to face a petite woman's wrath?"

He let the silence fill in the space for a few moments. Then, involuntarily shook his head slightly. "People say you get a better understanding of your parents' ways when you have children. But ever since Juniper, it's been actually harder for me to grasp our parent's choices. Even the ones that were maybe forced upon them."

"I don't even have a kid, but I already know I'd feel the same way. Every time I think about the future and becoming a parent, it's made me want to do and be so much better. Call it overcompensation, but I want to show up in all the ways I never got." The topic of children had always been rather bittersweet. While Summer often thought of motherhood, nothing about her marriage felt stable enough to welcome a child into the world and her biological clock was only ticking faster. "But it's scary, you know. Sometimes it makes you worry that these things are in your blood.. that you're destined to turn out just like them. No matter how hard you try to fight it."

Kamaria soon got to work. Her attempt at lightening the mood didn't completely stop the bazillion thoughts and questions going through her mind. She would start at the beginning, she decided. "So, were you with him? How did it start?"

"It honestly feels like a bit of a blur. I remember we had both been drinking, and we were dancing to one of the DJ sets. At first, when we saw the police, I don't think either of us thought anything of it... It's a festival, I mean.. I guess it's easy to assume they're there for crowd control. And then next thing I knew, the handcuffs came out and he was being arrested." Sage turned on the faucet, allowing her mind to play through the weekend's events as she began to rinse off the produce. It all happened in a matter of minutes, and yet it felt like slow motion at the time. "I was drunk and feeling a little bold, so obviously I was shocked and outraged. I didn't believe it, so I tried to intervene and they told me that if I didn't calm down, they would have to take me in for interference."

As a chuckle floated out from between the woman's lips, Summer couldn't help her immediate surprise at the sound of Noah's name. Not because it was a shock to hear a familiar name in their small town, but because it was incredibly odd to imagine she'd met the man only a couple of weeks prior. "No fucking way! He came to my rescue the other night when I got a flat tire. We got talking about family and oddly enough, Love Island. He seemed like a total sweetheart! I'm surprised there were no sparks, but honestly? Making a new friend is just as rewarding."

"Firefighter, huh? I'm going to need to see the different months and be the judge of who's best. Are you the hose guy or do you also go in and save people?" She didn't know if they had different positions but she wondered if he was a shower not a grower. In the way that he was stronger than he looked. Summer's flush wasn't lost on her but she didn't know whether it was because they still had that newlywed bliss or because she didn't like that Caroline had heard her fawning over her husband.

"I'm pretty much an open book but there isn't much to know. What you see is what you get." She didn't have solid work, nor did she have some long story about her life. There was a lot of small stories of her bouncing around and staying in certain places for short amounts of time but she wasn't keen on putting the attention back on her, rather this Rick guy.

"Rick—I'll call you Rick." She wasn't asking. It didn't suit him but it was better for her memory. "When did this whole marriage happen? How did you meet? How did you ask my baby girl out? Tell me everything."

he didn't think much of her comments. if the woman had any doubts about him or his worth for her daughter, she'd have a field with the man who'd actually gotten down on one knee years ago. the same man who couldn't be bothered to show up when summer needed him the most.

he chuckled quietly when she decided on a nickname. he felt like a pet being adopted by someone who wasn't sure they even wanted him. "sure," he hummed, voice weighted in amusement. her follow up, however, was far less manageable. shit. his smile didn't falter, even when he felt like his whole chest was ready to crack wide open.

"we uh, we've been married for a couple of years. we met through a mutual friend," he started, blue gaze drifting down to summer, an apology swirling behind them. "i thought she was incredible, you know? she was seeing someone else, but i didn't care. i just wanted to be in her life. anyway, i never thought we'd be anything more than friends, but things changed and then for some reason, she gave me a chance." he laughed like it was a distant memory, but this was about selling it, about making caroline believe every word was nothing but the truth.

"asked her to marry me at the record store. it's the place we had our first date." with that false memory planted, he turned back toward the older woman with a boyish grin etched on his mouth. "your daughter is the best person i've ever met. i already know that i'm lucky, that i probably don't deserve her, but i try. i'll always try."

Bracing herself for the awkward pauses, Summer instead found herself captivated by his words. She had to wonder how the man had been so quick on his feet, wondering if he was pulling from a past experience in his mind. Despite the reality of their situation, there was something in the way he spoke of her that felt genuine. Something that flooded her stomach with butterflies and caused her eyes to sparkle the second they locked onto his.

"Don't say that. I'm incredibly lucky. You may not know it, but I do," she responded with words of warmth and affirmation. The story was romantic in theory, laced with elements of reality that felt true to them. They were friends and she had been with someone when they met. They were also guilty of spending far too much time (and money) at Off The Record, bonding over their mutual love for classic rock. But despite the relief that hit her as soon as he had finished, she was also met with feelings of sadness.

If Rhett had been the one by her side, Summer had to wonder what he'd tell her her mother. If he'd choose to express the truth and pour his heart out to Caroline, or tell her more lies and false promises. "I'm sure you can see why he makes me so happy. But it's getting late and we really should be heading off to the campground."

"you don't have to apologize," he assured, a soft smile on his mouth. out of the people in his life that should've uttered those words, she wasn't anywhere near the top of the list. "i trust you. a lot. you've opened up to me and i've always known that i could do the same. i just want you to know that you aren't alone. not in this." not in anything, he wanted promise, but he fell silent the moment her fingers curled around his wrist like a silent promise of her own.

the firefighter exhaled a quiet breath that bordered on shy. when it came to accepting compliments, he was too similar. "trust me, you aren't a failure. pretty far from it." his smile widened and he nodded slowly, a faint flush of color blooming on his skin. he was happy he was there too, but if he dreaded the next shot that would leave another trail of heat swirling down to the pit of his belly. "so..." he trailed off, fingers drumming at the side of the bar. "ready for that next round?"

At the sound of his reassurance, Summer allowed her gaze to drift back toward the line of half-empty shot glasses. If she allowed herself to think about it for too long, she would only get more emotional. And that was the last thing she needed after two weeks of stress and tears.

"Yeah, definitely," the blonde responded with enthusiasm, already curious to know what her friend might choose to toast to. "But don't forget, it's your turn to make a toast. Tell me what I'm drinking to." A lopsided grin tugged at the corner of Summer's mouth as she reached for her second glass, already bracing for the burn of another round.

“She was apologetic when we spoke as well, and I get that hindsight is 20/20 and all that,” Jordan acknowledged. “But,” she shrugged, trying to dispel the awkward energy she felt over being seemingly the only one who wasn't able to look past the hurt that Mallory’s actions had caused over the years. “While I believe she feels all of those things, I do have to say it feels pretty convenient to feel all of that guilt now when Maeve isn’t here to accept it or not." 

She glanced at Sage from the corner of her eye, softening a little, aware of how that might land for her friend compared to what Sage had just described. “I’m not trying to take away the closure that conversation gave you or anything though, I promise. I just haven’t quite gotten there yet.” 

The past four years had been filled with pain. Some of which anger and some of which sadness. And while she wasn't sure that grief would ever completely leave her, she was sick of holding onto more of it than she needed to. Especially when Mallory was so obviously consumed by similar feelings of loss and heartache. "I know you're right. And while part of me wants to stay bitter, I can't help but feel like this is what Maeve would have wanted, you know? She always wanted to rebuild the relationship they once shared. And I feel like... she would be at peace knowing that Mallory was trying. Even if such a big part of me still wants to be mad that it took her four years to get here."

Though the conversation weighed heavily on her chest, the brunette offered her friend a small nod of understanding. Everyone moved on at their own pace and these things would always take time. "And that's perfectly okay too. If she's genuine, she'll be patient. You deserve that much."

Guillermo sips from the straw of his snazzy yard cup as he lingered near the gates. The frozen cocktail within was hitting the spot right now. The novelty cups have always been a big hit at events like these, and even more so when they’re paired with a fun sticker pack. Sadly, as his drink dwindled, Guillermo toyed with the idea of heading back to the campgrounds. He could use a break before the concert later.

An easy grin lights up his features at the sight of a familiar face. Sage is someone he’s completely comfortable around, and has come to rely on over the years. Their bond is unlike any of those he shares with an ex. Anytime he looks back on their journey together, Guillermo is so glad that things panned out the way it did between them.

"But if you're jealous... We can turn right back around and go in. Don't test me, Garcia." As a playful smile tugged at the woman's lips, she couldn't help but eye her friend's giant novelty cup, partially out of judgement and partially out of appreciation. "Please tell me there's vodka in that thing. But either way you're crazy for wanting to carry it around." Although Guillermo made some rather questionable choices at times, one thing the man certainly knew how to do was keep her entertained.

Lana turned her head slowly, sunglasses still perched on her nose despite the darkening sky, and gave the blonde a once over that was definitely not subtle. "Tourist?" she repeated, like the word had personally offended her. "God, no. I wish. Tourists get to leave." She glanced down at her Louis Vuitton suitcase, then at the cracked wheel currently sinking into the gravel. Perfect. "I'm unfortunately.. a resident now," she said, the words physically paining her to say out loud. What even was her life and when was she going to wake up from this nightmare?! "Or something like that."

Her gaze shifted back to the woman who seemed friendly enough, even if her fashion choices were already raising several private concerns. "And for the record, honey, I would love to be at The Paloma. I would also love air conditioning, reliable cell service, and a fucking coffee that remotely resembles a latte." She sighed dramatically then, for she was nothing if not dramatic. Though this was literally an SOS situation. "But apparently, fate decided I need character development." Lana wasn't about to admit she was literally fundless to a complete stranger, or that even the strange motel was too expensive right now.. ugh, even the thought made her want to hurl. "So unless the hotel is offering deferred payment and emotional support," her smile sharpened, pretty and very petty. "I'm afraid Southpoint is stuck with me."

"Where are you from and how did you get here? I can lend you my phone and recommend you some good cafes... The rest I'm not as sure I can help you with, but I do know my way around Southpoint." She could already hear the brunette's inner monologue, probably not at all surprised that she was local. From her distressed denim cut-offs to the dust that clung to her boots, everything about Summer screamed 'Arizona Native.'

pride was a devilish thing. he had too much of it and when paired with his stubborn nature, it made for a lethal combination. so, while he wanted to tell her that he'd missed her, that he thought about her a lot, he didn't say a word of it. instead, he carried on like this was their normal, because for two years, it had been.

"i was thinkin' i'd do some hobos," he shrugged, the meal something they'd made plenty of times around a campfire. "chicken, veggies. i'll put 'em together, all you gotta do is have a drink and supervise," he teased, an answer to her question. without giving her a chance to counter, he dipped into the fridge, pulled a second can out, and offered to it toward her. "what's it gonna be?"

When compared to her own sorry excuse of a mother, there was a reason she had yet to introduce them. One that went far beyond any worries or embarrassments she felt about the state of their marriage. Sure, Rhett had loved her and chosen her, even as the poor trailer park kid. But he had never been given the opportunity to cite the source of her trauma firsthand, and that was probably for the best.

"Oh, she's trying. Hasn't gotten very far, though," Summer confessed, knowing fully well that her reluctance and stubborn nature were the only things standing in Caroline's way. "I do. If you'd asked me back in high school, my answer might've been different. But it's been a long time. She clearly hasn't changed and there's nothing left for her here. At least not as far as I'm concerned."

As the man explained his dinner plans, a smile eased its way onto Summer's lips, her weight shifting from foot-to-foot before finally stepping forward to accept the condensation-covered can. "Fine. You've got yourself a deal. I didn't exactly feel like cooking tonight anyways." With a soft chuckle, the blonde popped the tab on her beer, cracking it open with ease before holding the rim to her lips. "Besides, it's been a while since I've let you spoil me. You sure you've got enough for two?"

"a little, but i learned a long time ago that you can't always believe what people are saying." as they got closer to his car, he motioned her toward the black bmw and opened the passenger door. "i'd much rather hear about it from someone close to the source." with that out there, and once she'd slipped into the seat, he closed the door and rounded the car to slip into the driver's seat.

the quiet pur of the engine accompanied them and when he started to type in a location for their next stop, he paused. "are you hungry? we can stop and grab breakfast." it was an offer and a gentle suggestion all in one.

As she slipped into the passengers seat of her friend's BMW, Sage ducked her head, ensuring she was seated comfortably before fastening the seatbelt tight across her hips. Truthfully, while food hadn't been the first thing on the woman's mind, the mention of breakfast caused her stomach to rumble. It had been over 12 hours since her last meal and yesterday's alcohol consumption certainly hadn't helped the pounding in her head. "You know... Food might be a good idea. That is, if you're not afraid to be seen with me. Please tell me I don't look like I crawled off of a street somewhere."

Far too afraid to pull down the sun visor and take a look in the mirror, Sage instead turned to face Ozan, black eyeliner smudged around the corners of her eyes and a few dark strands springing free from the braid she'd pulled her hair into the previous morning. "I feel like I'm back in university, doing a walk of shame the morning after a bender."

Not this. The guilt, the pent up emotion, anger directed towards her. Not because she didn't think she didn't deserve it but because she'd hoped they'd just missed her more than they'd hated her for it.

Still, there was a bit of pride there. Even if they pointed out that she hadn't been around to raise them into the girls they were today, they were still half her and she was proud of them. Of who they'd become despite her and maybe because of her— even a little.

It took a moment for her to speak, allowing them their own moment to feel the pain and let it linger. She was taking it in. But still, caroline wasn't one to settle on the negative or bad situation for long. even less when it was because or pointed towards her.

"You're both right to feel how you feel. I did leave and i didn't come back. There's a lot about that time that you girls won't remember or won't understand. I'm not going to sit here and give you excuses as to why i did what i did." Maybe because she knew it would feel more like bullshit she tried to feed them to get the attention off of the simple fact that she'd left her girls in a bad situation. "Maybe one day you'll let me explain but it doesn't change that i'm here and i'm going to make the most of it."

Her hands went wide as she looked them over. "I'm here to spend time with you and get to know you girls, and you might fight me each step but i'm gonna keep trying. I won't say that i won't fuck up some more but i'll try not to. "

She wasn't gonna push her luck with trying to get an hug or ask some questions right now. Emotions were high and no matter who and what their father had done, they'd still lost him. "—but i am sticking around for now, at least." Her gaze moved between the two of them, trying to gently let them know that it was going to happen whether they believed her or not. But also, whether they wanted it to or not. Caroline had made up her mind.

"You think it hurts when you say that you're not like me. I'm happy. i wanted you to be better and from the looks of it, it seems to be the case." She cleared her throat and then looked back towards the parking where people had started to leave now. She figured that her late husband wouldn't be one to pull in a crowd. "Maybe when we're done we can go out for a drink and you can... tell me about all the things you've done while i've been away— because of me, in spite of me — doesn't matter."

For being her daughters, there was very little that Caroline actually knew about the girls or how their stories had panned out. And while at times she had found herself wondering if the woman had managed to stalk them on social media, even a thousand pictures couldn't make up for the years she'd missed out on.

She's the one who raised me. She's the one who stayed.

Lake's words hit Summer like a truck at high speed, her heart not only swelling with pain, but with pride. There were times when she wondered whether Lake recognized just how many sacrifices she had made to keep her out of danger. But there, in that moment, hearing that acknowledgement made it all worthwhile.

When it was finally Caroline's turn to speak, Summer had already prepared herself to intervene. The last thing either one of them needed to hear was another sorry excuse from the older woman's lips. But instead, the words 'you're right' nearly sent her stumbling backward.

On a surface level, while their mother appeared to be taking the high road, Summer found selfishness laced between each and every one of her words. Whether the woman was truly sorry or not, she was bold to assume that they'd want to spend even a second of time alone with her when she hadn't done anything to earn their time, patience or communication.

"Look, I'm not going to kick you out. You had your own connection to Russel and that's yours to mourn if you need to. But I'm going to need some time to wrap my mind around all of this. I can't speak for Lake, but it's going to take a heck of a lot more for me to warm up to the idea of you being back in Sedona. And if I don't happen to get there, I think that's just something you're going to have to come to terms with."

When Summer handed him her phone, Noah couldn't help the small burst of giddiness that came with it. It reminded him of being a kid on the playground, finding out another kid liked the same Pokémon cards and immediately deciding you were friends now. It was simple. Easy. And after everything, he had missed that. He typed in his information before saving the contact as Noah K — the car guy. Handing the phone back, he smiled. "Now it's official." A faint blush crept across his face, and he cleared his throat, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed by how much a simple exchange of numbers meant to him. "Alright, I'll let you go," he said, stepping back with an easy grin. "I'm sure you're probably eager to get home and pretend you weren't emotionally invested in my terrible reality TV commentary." He paused, then added with a small smile, "But seriously... thanks. I'm glad we ran into each other."

With a small nod of her head, Summer turned back toward the driver's side door before glancing back at the brunette over her shoulder. "Me too. I'll see you around, yeah? Next time, maybe it'll be on purpose."

𝑹𝑬𝑪𝑰𝑷𝑰𝑬𝑵𝑻 ⸺ anyone (0/3) 𝑺𝑬𝑻𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮 ⸺  streets of southpoint

Solana had been in Sedona for exactly three days, and so far, the town had offered her a suspicious looking motel room, three bug bites, a ranch that looked like it had been abandoned for who knows how long, and the deeply offensive realisation that nobody here delivered oat milk lattes after 5PM. It was, in one word, barbaric. She stood outside the main strip of Southpoint in oversized sunglasses, despite the fact that the sun had already started to sink behind the red rocks, staring down at her phone like it had personally betrayed her. No service. Again. "Ugh. Perfect," she muttered, dragging the word out under her breath. "Love that for me." Her suitcase sat beside her, one wheel cracked from the gravel parking lot, her designer boots already coated in dust. This was less the cute little western town she'd envisioned in her head, and more like a fucking horror movie in real life. The scenic views were kind of pretty, she'd give it that much, but... "So," Lana said to no one in particular, "does everyone around here just pretend this is normal?"

Scrunching her nose in confusion, Summer stepped out from behind the gas pump, unsure of whether to be annoyed or amused by the brunette's remark. This side of town was far from a picturesque postcard, sure. But it had been home for as long as Summer could remember. "Well, as somebody who was born and raised in Sedona... Southpoint is pretty damn normal to me. Let me guess... you're a tourist? I think you may have taken a wrong turn, honey. The Paloma's in Canyon Creek, which frankly seems far more your speed."