#with derek

DEREK: Guess well see when we all fall on our asses.

DEREK: -drifts to his and riley's room. touches on the ground and sets them down too.-

RILEY: -pulls away and angrily (and dramatically) starts....picking up? it's something to do. she doesn't know where any of this should go-

DEREK: So uh. DEREK: Im gonna go take a shower...

DEREK: -RUNS TO DO THAT BEFORE ANYBODY CAN OBJECT-

DAVENFORTH: -Dusts himself off. Uncaptchas a bottle of whiskey. He's earned this.-

RILEY: -calms down once derek is in the shower, taking a deep breath and looking over at davenforth- you're so damn lucky you're not pregnant.

DAVENFORTH: -Gives her a thumbs up. Qirin said some really heartfelt things...it was weird-

RILEY: i'd have that whole thing in me right now. -sighs- that was a fucking nightmare.

RILEY: i can't DO this shit.

DAVENFORTH: Yeah no clue what the fuck that was but i want no parts

RILEY: same. -huffs and just...collapses on the bed- that was the most potent shit i've ever seen. RILEY: that's really fucked up. something that could just touch you and make you like that? -it's scary, honestly-

DAVENFORTH: Yep -Mind wanders off a bit, but he snaps back soon enough with the whiskey dulling everything ever so gently. He finds a seat- Never seen anything like that

RILEY: -glances over at him- it's goddamn terrifying. RILEY: i'd be fucked if i ran into that while in the industry.

DAVENFORTH: -snorts as he leans back in the chair and takes another sip. Yeah no, something like that would have made things a lot more permanent.- Yeah i feel that

RILEY: -she catches herself remembering what she could of those days. the feelings held longer than the visuals did, and she's quiet for a few moments, glancing at the door of the bathroom and sighing- i uh. didn't think i'd have a problem here.

DAVENFORTH: What do you mean

DEREK: -after a quick shower, he's BACK TO NORMAL. but he's kinda hovering in the doorway. peeping on them. he's not afraid to come out, shut up.-

RILEY: -she takes a deep breath- got into some shit a while back. RILEY: i mean like. hard. RILEY: i don't remember writing most of the songs on one of my albums. RILEY: and like. okay, even though i've been clean for years, being in the same room as ANYTHING with that kind of crawl back effect just... RILEY: brings back the itch.

DAVENFORTH: Oh -He goes quiet- Yeah

DAVENFORTH: -He lets out a long sigh but takes an even longer sip-

DAVENFORTH: How many years clean

DEREK: ... -continues to hide-

RILEY: since the last time i relapsed? uh. -she realizes how much she hasn't counted--numbers made it more difficult- about 7?

DAVENFORTH: Damn good shit

RILEY: yeah. -she pauses- doesn't always feel like a victory i guess. RILEY: -glances over at him- why, you been there too?

DAVENFORTH: Oh yeah and in a big way

DAVENFORTH: Its hard not to when no one says no and you can buy anything

RILEY: fuck, i know right? RILEY: jesus. everything was just...right there.

 DEREK: -hearing this is awful. it isn't that hard to believe they both went through this, but he wishes... that he had been around when it had. he finally steps out, quietly.-

DAVENFORTH: Oh yeah holes in memories and week long binges

DAVENFORTH: The itch never really leaves but havin a doc tell you you were dead on the table really dulls it -Takes a hearty swig-

RILEY: -she's surprised to hear that- damn. i never made it to dead. -glances at derek as he steps out- my ex grew up in a family of addicts, so...she pulled no punches. but also didn't leave me alone. RILEY: even when i relapsed she came back. RILEY: i was...not fun to be around. from what i can remember. ugh.

DAVENFORTH: Damn at least you had someone good in your corner

RILEY: -she nods.- yeah. -she's still watching derek, though. the sass has returned- you feel all better now?

DEREK: ... No.

DAVENFORTH: A hot shower usually helps shake it off although it might not help whatever the fuck that was

RILEY: wow. making out with roxanne AND a shower and you still feel like shit? unbelievable.

DEREK: I wasnt-- -SIGHS, rubbing at forehead. he has such a headache.- Riley I didnt want any part of that either.

RILEY: i mean, you sure let it happen for a while. whatever. -she exhales- back to normal. that's a quick ass come down.

DEREK: -goes to sit with her, roughly- ... Im sorry. DEREK: I wasnt trying to-- Get involved in all that. -sighs again- ... I really wasnt.

RILEY: -she looks over at him and her expression hardens before it softens- i know. RILEY: and now you know our dirt.

DAVENFORTH: -HI, I died once-

DAVENFORTH: So uh

DEREK: ... DEREK: Well I aint about to think any less of you two if thats somehow an issue. DEREK: Think weve got enough dirt piled up between us that it hardly makes a difference. DEREK: -dares to make an attempt at holding her. p l z.-

DAVENFORTH: I guess nows a good time to tell you that daves actually my kid sorry bro

RILEY: - she surprisingly lets him. she's tired and exhausted. Doesn't mean she's not gonna frown about it though- plot twist. RILEY: -lets her head rest against him-

DEREK: Eh... I guess two outta three aint bad. DEREK: Unless you got more you wanna tell me Riley.

RILEY: this baby is the result of an immaculate conception. RILEY: meaning i am probably giving birth to satan. i'm sorry to tell you.

DEREK: Definitely not surprised Satan chose you to be the vessel for his child

RILEY: -punches him in the stomach-

DEREK: Doof.

DEREK: -clutches stomach. worth...-

RILEY: fucking rude.

DAVENFORTH: Goddamn lovebirds

RILEY: i know. disgusting. RILEY: where's your lady?

DAVENFORTH: Probably spoilin the grub i dunno shes doin her own thing

RILEY: didn't peg you the type to have a kid. RILEY: but i didn't think i would either and here we fucking are.

DAVENFORTH: I didnt choose the parent life the parent life chose me -Literally-

DEREK: -snorts- Thats how it goes.

DAVENFORTH: No for real

DAVENFORTH: Jin just up and fuckin chose lif or some shit

DEREK: Huh.

RILEY: true destiny. RILEY: what if human babies worked that way? RILEY: maybe they already do. it's just the sperm that chooses what the fuck it wants to do.

DAVENFORTH: -Dirk has chosen me-

DEREK: I mean technically.

RILEY: i didn't choose anything, that's for sure.

DAVENFORTH: You chose him

RILEY: gotta question my decision making skills sometimes.

DEREK: -he shrugs. that's fair.-

RILEY: -pats his leg-

DAVENFORTH: Alright thats enough third wheeling for one day -Hoists himself up out of his chair-

DAVENFORTH: Ill talk to yall later

RILEY: haha, okay. thanks for keeping me sane out there. sort of. i mean, i still bit someone but anyway.

DAVENFORTH: Sometimes you just gotta bite a bitch

DEREK: True.

RILEY: preach. get some sleep, dave.

DAVENFORTH: -Sleep? Girl please.- Sure -He out-

[08:38] DEREK: im when he realizes they're empty.*

[08:38] DEREK: *he lurches forward to sit, his heart pounding all the way up into his throat. it takes him a long time, too long, to remember where he is and what time, what fucking /year/ it is, and during that moment of irrational panic he's spamming her phone with messages and calls. he doesn't understand why she isn't answering. what else could she be doing, where else could she be, when they're stranded on

[08:38] DEREK: cowpoke island?*

[08:38] DEREK: *leans over himself, fingers curled into his hair as he tries to tread against wave upon crashing wave of crippling fears. she didn't leave. she couldn't have left. don't be stupid. don't be a fucking pussy about it, derek. get a goddamn grip, derek. but his breathing just won't steady.*

[08:45] RILEY: -all this time, riley has been on a walk. thinking. walking around avalon and taking in the scenery. she felt the heavy weight of sadness when she woke up, and she has been trying to beat it when she notices the first symptoms. sometimes walks help. derek was sleeping, so she figured she didn't need to bring her communicator. that would only be distracting. might as well silence it so any notifica

[08:45] RILEY: tions won't wake him up. she ends up walking and thinking and also quietly monologuing to the baby who can't even hear her, much less understand her. but she needs to clear her head. she doesn't realize that two hours have passed since she left, and she doesn't want to stay in these clothes for the rest of the day anyway. also, she's starving. she hits up the cafeteria to grab something to go and

[08:45] RILEY: heads back to her room, punching in the code, opening the door, and entering-

[08:52] DEREK: *startles when he hears the door opening, and he immediately feels worse. even more foolish than he already did. he rubs at his head while ducking it away, hiding his tear stained face.*

[08:54] RILEY: -she doesn't notice he's upset yet, so she goes to start changing- you just wake up, sleepyhead? you snored a little. but i kicked you and you stopped. works like a charm.

[08:54] RILEY: also i think i drooled a lake on my pillow so...sorry about that. too much damn SALIVA.

[09:06] DEREK: *he doesn't anything verbally, he just kind of grunts what was supposed to be a laugh but didn't really come out that way. if anything, he sounds irritated.*

[09:07] RILEY: -she hears that grunt and turns around, looking him over. but she can sense something's wrong, even if she can't exactly see it.- ...are you okay?

[09:10] DEREK: *exhales and rubs at his face, nodding.* Yes. *grumbles, voice raw and gravelly.*

[09:14] RILEY: -she frowns and moves over to him, physically trying to peek at his face but she can't get a good look.- baby, are you crying? what happened?

[09:17] DEREK: *sniffs, trying to turn his head away from her some more.* Nothin. Im fine.

[09:18] RILEY: you're not fine. -puts a hand on his shoulder- i don't have fucking amnesia. i know how you are when you're upset. and how you sound. so you're kind of screwed when it comes to hiding THAT from me. sorry not sorry. -her expression softens as she reaches out to touch his shoulder- please talk to me?

[09:28] DEREK: *her touch feels nice. warm, comforting, and he shuts his eyes to let that feeling chip away slowly at the walls he's reflexively built.* ... Its stupid.

[09:35] RILEY: -she sits next to him and just...attempts to worm her way under his arms so she can lay back against his lap and try to get a view of his face. this is the most obnoxious way to go about this.-

[09:35] RILEY: what's stupid?

[09:45] DEREK: *she's like a cat... but it's alright. he's accepted his fate at this point and stares down at her.*

[09:45] DEREK: When I woke up.

[09:45] DEREK: You werent here and I--

[09:45] DEREK: Fuck.

[09:45] DEREK: *covers his face again.*

[09:49] RILEY: -she looks up at him with a frown and understands exactly what he means. and that hurts. it hurts a lot. seeing how this still affects him, all this time later- baby. hey. -a part of her is upset that he still thinks she would leave him, but the pain he's experiencing is enough to cancel hers out. she forces herself to carefully sit up next to him and put her arms around his shoulders, pulling him

[09:49] RILEY: against her chest- i'm.

[09:50] RILEY: i'm not ever going to do that shit to you again. i just went on a walk.

[10:00] DEREK: *sinks into her embrace, draping his arms around her waist loosely. he knows how shitty it must make her feel to hear that, and it's not his intention. he wishes this didn't bother him still, when he knows it shouldn't.* I know-- *says sharply, but then sighs again.*

[10:00] DEREK: I know Riley.

[10:03] RILEY: -her eyes are brimming with tears but she blinks them away and holds him tighter- i...don't want to scare you like that again because that...that just isn't me anymore. i was...such a scared kid...

[10:04] RILEY: it sucks that it's taken me this long to come around, but...

[10:04] RILEY: you and i are ride or die, baby. this time around i am...i'm all in.

[10:17] DEREK: *her reassurance burns at first, filling him with regret that she even needs to say it in the first place. he wishes he wasn't this way. he wishes he wasn't so weak. but there's still a part of him that wants to find comfort in the words she's actually saying, and that part of him is what clings to her a little tighter. that allows him to tremble only slightly.*

[10:21] RILEY: -she gives his head several kisses before running her fingers through what hair he has left. comforting. a lot is on her mind at the moment but she hates that he has to feel this bad. instead of saying anything more, she holds him in silence. closing her eyes and trying to be the most here she can be-

[10:55] DEREK: *the moment stretches on for who can even tell how long, but at some point, his weakness soaks down into his bones and he just feels tired. enough to drag riley down with him onto the bed, continuing to hold her quietly with his head against her chest.*

[10:58] RILEY: -she's doing a lot of thinking in this silence. but when they lay down together, she takes a deep breath and watches him for a few moments-

[10:58] RILEY: are you okay?

[11:06] DEREK: ... *peers up at her* Yeah. Im.

[11:06] DEREK: Im okay now.

[11:08] RILEY: -offers a sad smile- hate seeing you cry.

[11:08] RILEY: i hate making you cry even more.

[11:08] RILEY: that's my job.

[11:09] RILEY: i'm the crier around here.

[11:09] RILEY: and not even the town crier in medieval times or whatever. at least that's like, kind of a cool job.

[11:09] RILEY: i'd be so good at that.

[11:09] RILEY: you wouldn't, though.

[11:09] RILEY: you would suuuuuuck.

[11:26] DEREK: ... The fuck. *now he's just laughing. a little watery, but it's still a laugh.*

[11:26] DEREK: Youre crazy is what you are.

[11:30] RILEY: you love it. and now you can't even deny it if you wanted to. cuz the baby's proof you love it. you love it enough to make an entire baby out of it.

[11:39] DEREK: Yeah I know. *kisses at her collar.* Im just statin facts.

[11:41] RILEY: -she giggles at that and sighs, content- publish a book on it. and then read it to me.

RILEY: -she's napping when she's woken up by weird knocking and singing, and she knows who it is. she's half asleep and barely remembers getting herself up to answer the door- oh, good. a caroler.

DEREK: -leans on the doorway- Damn right. Its motherfuckin Christmas up in here.

DEREK: I brought you a gift...

DEREK: Its me.

RILEY: -can't help but laugh at the way he's leaning against the door- lucky me. just what i always wanted. my guy drunk at my door.

RILEY: nothing tops this shit.

DEREK: How did you know I have been drinkin a lil bit? -like, BESIDES the slurred speech and the stench of alcohol and every other very evident sign of it-

RILEY: just a hunch. -steps aside- get in here before you embarrass yourself.

DEREK: Im too cool for that. -stumbles on in and crashes in her bed. sprawls out.-

DEREK: Come here baby.

RILEY: -shuts the door and watches him with an amused expression before moving to join him- you gonna leave any room for me or just take up the whole thing?

DEREK: Theres plenty of room. -pats his middle. he will be her bed.-

RILEY: -climbs on top of the bed and just deadweights on him- oh yeah you're right. plenty. what was i thinking?

DEREK: Hork. -ok, that was a mistake... that didnt feel very good when he's full of alcoholic liquid, but he pats her all the same.- You werent-- Clearly.

RILEY: -rolls to the side of him for snuggles- clearly.

RILEY: any occasion you're pulling out the day drinking for?

DEREK: Im just... celebratin how beautiful you are. -makes kissy faces at her-

RILEY: liar.

RILEY: -smacks his arm- if that were the case, i'd be drinking, too.

DEREK: Um why aint you then? -chuckles-

RILEY: i mean...-laughs- i could.

RILEY: if that's how you want to spend today.

RILEY: and if you're sure this ain't just because you're upset.

DEREK: Pbbtt... What do I got to be upset about...

RILEY: -kisses his chest, sliding an arm across him- plenty.

DEREK: -quiets at that, squeezing his arm around her shoulders.- ... Suppose I can admit my life aint all sunshine and rainbows.

RILEY: -snorts a little- you suppose.

RILEY: when's anything ever been sunshine and rainbows, anyway?

RILEY: i think that whole concept is bullshit.

DEREK: Heheh. I can pretend I know what its like.

DEREK: I mean... My life aint all bad of course. -kisses the top of her head- I got a lil bit of sunshine at least.

RILEY: you're cheesy as hell, you know that? -she grins despite her words-

RILEY: hey, you got any more on you? don't have any alcohol in here and it's a sin.

DEREK: Let me see. -thumbs through his sylladex and produces a bottle of hard liquor.- Oh shit there we go.

RILEY: oh shit, there it is! -sits up so she can take it from him and remove the top- man, you're not even joking. how much am i gonna have to drink to catch up with you, anyway?

DEREK: Uhh... Fuck if I know. Enough where you cant remembered how much you drank I guess. -chuckling-

RILEY: -looks down at him judgmentally- how am i supposed to measure that? -takes a swig and makes a face after swallowing- god damn.

DEREK: -laughs in earnest at her reaction- Look at you takin that hard shit like a champ.

RILEY: i am THE champ over here. you don't even take it this well. -attempts to stop laughing long enough to take another swig- fuck. what IS this?

DEREK: ... I dunno. I stole it from Daves room. -snorts, but then sinks back into the sheets a lot more-

RILEY: -her expression softens at the mention of his brother, and she pats his arm comfortingly before taking another.- whatever it is, it's got a major kick. but he's always had good taste in alcohol.

DEREK: Yeah. Hes always got more refined taste then me.

DEREK: -turns to snuggle her a littlle better now that she's sat up- Cuz hes an art ho.

RILEY: and you're just a ho, so good pair. -she rubs his back with her free hand as she sits there, looking down at him with a smirk-

DEREK: I dont even get to be a specialized kind of ho? Im just your average every day ho? And here I believed you thought more of me.

RILEY: you're my personal ho. it's an honor, babe. -another drink-

DEREK: Oh fuck... Your own personal ho... Thats not just an honor. Thats like... the highest honor. -says so sarcastically, but he's grinning-

RILEY: -smacks his arm- you're a huge jerk ho.

DEREK: Ow. -snickers and clings to her tighter- Thats the most accurate type of ho for me Id say.

RILEY: -giggles- a huge jerk off ho. that's you.

DEREK: Its me. -nuzzles his face into her lap. casually.-

RILEY: -she starts singing at that- hello...it's me...

RILEY: -and abruptly stops, looking down at him- hey there.

DEREK: -sings into her lap- I was wonderin if after all this time youd like to meet.

RILEY: -laughs and squirms a little at the vibrations of his voice when he sings- to go over everythiiiiiiiing.

DEREK: They say... Fuck.

DEREK: I forgot the words. -peers up at her- Somehow.

DEREK: Well I guess cuz Im fuckin sloshed but.

DEREK: Hard to forget that song.

RILEY: -leans down to kiss his head before taking another drink and setting the bottle down because DAMN this stuff was strong- well, duh, it's adele.

RILEY: sang it at a few of my shows.

DEREK: I know you did. -nuzzles his cheek against her leg-

RILEY: ...really?

RILEY: how'd you know that?

RILEY: that was...damn, that was after i saw y'all again for the first time.

DEREK: Yeah.

DEREK: I was creepin on your shows.

RILEY: stalker.

RILEY: you missed me. -pauses for a moment- you're the whole reason i sang that song in the first

DEREK: Ive always missed you when youre not around. Heh heh.

DEREK: Guess the feelings mutual.

RILEY: -she smiles at that, leaning down at him to speak in a singsongy fashion- you loooooove me.

DEREK: Of course I love you idiot. -snickering-

RILEY: that's fucking embarrassing. what if i just recorded you saying that, huh? -smooches wherever she can reach-

 DEREK: Do it. I dare you. -the smooches make him snicker more-

RILEY: okay but don't blame me when i got some incriminating blackmail on your ass. -she reaches over for her communicator and laughs, turning the camera function on and directing it down at him- okay, go.

 DEREK: -turns his head up to look right into the camera, pointing at it- I love Riley Strider. And I can only guess she must love me if shes still keepin my name like she is.

DEREK: Either that or shes crazy. Maybe both.

DEREK: But if thats the case then she really is a Strider. -he's so amused by this. hehehe.-

RILEY: -turns it to the front facing camera.- you heard it here first. straight from my personal jerk ho.

RILEY: -she's giggling when she turns it off- hey. we should take pictures. like we used to. remember?

DEREK: Oh shit yeah. -struggles to sit up, but manages, only to lean heavily on her shoulder.- Get my good side.

RILEY: what good side? -makes a sizzle sound- daaaaamn! -before getting in prime selfie position- okay, we look pretty fucking drunk, babe.

DEREK: More like we look... fuckin pretty.

DEREK: And also drunk. -rolling his head back on her shoulder. he is barely even trying to pose.-

RILEY: -takes the picture like that- what the fuck was that?

DEREK: Dont question my methods. -lifts his head again with a cheesy grin.- Just keep takin pictures.

RILEY: -snorts and takes more, this time making a GOOFY FACE. fucking beautiful- fine, fine. oh, that's cute.

DEREK: -pushes at her face whenever she tries to take another.- Get dunked on.

RILEY: -she makes a noise akin to a screech and pushes his face back with her free hand- RUDE.

DEREK: You know whats really rude? -squeezes her into a wobbly hug and plants a big wet one on her lips-

RILEY: -makes another surprised noise but attempts to take a picture of that, too as she kisses him right back-

DEREK: -these pictures are probably blurry as shit, but he doesn't really care because as soon as she's returning his kiss, he's sliding his hands up to frame her face and deepen it... it's a little messy.-

RILEY: -she's giggling against his mouth a little but that stops as her finger slides to attempt and catch a few more pictures but she doesn't realize that she drops her communicator all together for the sake of pulling him closer. he tastes like this particular brand of liquor and yet it's never tasted as good as it does right now-

DEREK: -with her arms around him, he unabashedly slumps against her to lay them both back down again... Or maybe he's just too drunk to tell what he's doing. All the while meshing their lips together, careless but lovingly so.-

RILEY: -regardless if it's intentional or not, she hums against his lips and while they're both being sloppy in their affections, she doesn't give a single shit. It's hard to not smile when she feels so goofy and hot at the same time, but she somehow manages, hands sliding up and down his back with no rhyme or reason other than just wanting to touch him-

DEREK: -their bodies are a tangled mess of warmth and loving disorder -- it's a rather appropriate metaphor for their relationship as a whole, actually, and somewhere in the back of derek's mind that isn't blotted out by a haze of alcoholic effects he's aware of this and his kisses slow to a more tender pace.-