#mctionsick

"you know that's... stupid, right? when you've got a sure thing right in front of you?" of all the times in her life to be suddenly modest, elora was picking her moment. seldom was she ever shy but she suddenly felt as such, shrinking in on herself ever so slightly.

"Happy birthday," The greeting comes with an unsure smile, and Mari wonders if this was a good idea after all. "I just...wanted to stop by and give you this." Before she can lose her nerve, she pushes the gift box in their direction, not wanting to linger beyond her welcome. Ever since their Talk, it had felt like things had been better between them, but it's also like they are in this strange in between place, and she doesn't know how to navigate that with grace. Still, she couldn't not at least stop by and give Finley her good wishes. She's sure that there is a celebration planned for them later, as they deserve. Inside the box, if Fin is to unwrap it, they would find a stack of band t-shirts, all of them merch from the bands that the two of them had ironically seen in concert when they had been together.

for a woman who prided herself on her independence, on her indifference towards relationships and her vow that she never needed anyone, denise was awfully disappointed to wake up in the bed alone. it felt colder than she remembers and her stomach flips uncomfortably, as she searches for a reason to actually get up and out of bed. it was rare she bought people home. she'd opt for public toilets or alleyways as opposed to bringing anyone home to her sanctuary, her safe place. yet here she'd been, bringing them home secretly and silently hoping that they'd be there the following morning. clearing her throat, she winces over the ponding in her head. he hadn't drunk much, but every late night gig ended with an early morning headache. slipping from beneath the sheets, she wanders towards the kitchen where she knows she'll locate her medical box. that's when she smells it; it smells good, and her stomach grumbles -- reminding her that she hadn't eaten till the morning before. "...oh, hello." she smiles gently, attempting to disguise her relief and excitement that they are still there, just a little.

“ but if you ever need a place to stay, come around my way. ”

She waited a beat for a response, brows furrowing at the ultimate lack of one. “...Nico?” Noelle piped up once more, walking farther into their shared space. Instead of the greeting she was used to — his boyish grin paired with an all too enthusiastic kiss — she had simply been met with the sight of him look utterly lost and dejected. It had her heart dropping to her stomach. “Nico? What’s wrong?”