articulate:

“Let me relate a little bit, yeah? Don’t have to discourage me off the bat, Theo,” Cleo snipped at him as she waited for him to sign it. It was a joke, but he was kind enough to do it for her. “Thanks,” she said appreciatively as she took it back to read what he’d written. Snorting, Cleo nodded and closed it. Wish she had a bag big enough to fit in there, but it was fine. “If you want my critique that’d mean you’d have to hear from me again, so you gotta give me your number or would you prefer I do it the Aquinas way and get it through different technological channels?”

Theo’s shoulders lifted. He hadn’t meant to discourage he just didn’t think it’d get very far. He watched her read it, snort in appreciation, and push it aside. “I haven’t checked my email in three months, so you’re more than welcome to try and reach me there. Or text me. We could facetime if you wanted or meet up here again.” He grinned, knowing his suggestions were overflowing, figured he’d get it all out before she made her choice. “If you hate it, though, you should probably not contact me. That’d just bum me out. I can give you my home address if you’d like to send a letter via snailmail.”

Diana crinkled her nose as she opened up an envelope, finding her ten year high school reunion invitation inside. Letting out a snort, she looked to her companion, waving the letter in her hand. “Seriously, why are high school reunions a thing? Do people actually have good high school experiences? Do they actually want to see each other ten years after tormenting each other for four years?” She wasn’t bullied or anything too terrible, but she hadn’t escaped completely unscathed. Just thinking about being in a room with friends she no longer talked to, and ex boyfriends-- it made her skin crawl. “Maybe I’m being dramatic and it will turn out to be alright– but what do you think? Would you go to your high school reunion?”

“I’d go to mine just to show everyone how cool I am now,” Theo answered without missing a beat. He had his own petty little daydreams, though he was about the same in terms of personality. “It’s actually next month, in Richmond. So maybe that was a lie, because I don’t want to fly all the way to Virginia but it’s a little bit of a pipe dream. Is yours here, like in Bellevue?”

“Thanks for the lesson, Professor.” Jesse couldn’t hold back his snarky reply even if he wanted to, a satisfied smirk settling on his face as he turned to give Theo his full attention. More often than not, Jesse seemed like the most disinterested one in their so-called supernatural adventures, but if that were truly the case he wouldn’t have agreed to do them in the first place. So as it was, he enjoyed his little history lessons every now and then, and enjoyed even more having Theo freak out on him. “I have a feeling I’m going to regret saying this but, how’s that saying go? Only one way to find out?” 

“Really? Cryptid hunting? Right now?” Theo had plenty of supplies so he wasn’t opposed, but Jesse had just gotten off work, judging from where he’d appeared from. Theo swung his backpack around on his body, digging into it and shuffling various papers around as he continued to speak. “Would you want to grab a bite to eat or something first? I’ve got granola bars, too, if you wanna snack on the go. Just say the word and we’re off, man. We’re totally gonna find a sasquatch out there.” He gestured vaguely towards the treeline. 

“Yeah, you seem like a thorough guy. Maybe so much so that getting anything inconsistent might have you throw the whole book away,” Cleo remarked as she lightly pushed the food around on her plate. She was full, but didn’t feel like doing anything about it just yet. “I do coding, yeah. I’m a software engineer, so I get all the geek stuff.” Theo suddenly started shuffling around and in a flash he had said book out for her. “Really?” She asked for confirmation as she reached out for it. “Wow. That’s amazing. Just gotta sign it to make it official and everything,” Cleo murmured as she flipped through it. “Huh…If you based this story off me, I’m expecting royalties.”

Theo took the compliment for what it was, gave Cleo a vague grateful smile. He watched her peruse Aquinas Code before digging into his backpack, only needing to dig into the front pocket for a pen. “Good luck proving that in court. I didn’t exactly remember you from the first time we met, and Aquinas was written well before that.” he pointed out, reaching out to receive the book back so he could, in fact, sign it for her. To Cleo: It’s no Gadsden Girls, but it’ll do. “Let me know what you think, though. I bet you’ll give me a thoughtful critique since you seem very straightforward.”

Ari grinned. He could appreciate a dramatic over-achiever, even if it seemed like Theo was probably a little too versed in sarcasm for his own good. At least he didn’t take himself too seriously. “Former nominee—” he mused, thoughtfully. “As in, you didn’t win, or you did? Both would make you a former nominee, technically speaking, but if it’s the second one that’s one hell of a humble-brag,” he explained. “I’m just trying to gauge what sort of celebrity I’m dealing with here, you understand.” Then he cocked his head. “But… productivity or death, huh? No pressure there, right? Does that actually help you write, the overwhelming expectation? That always shot me in the foot when I was in college. Why not aim for mediocrity like the rest of us learn to?”

“I didn’t. Gadsden Girls lost out to uh, Permafrost,” Theo’s nose wrinkled. “Don’t know what it was about zombies that year, but it sure made me wanna write a better book so...”  he trailed off, considering that he might just need to write something out of spite again. Seemed a little trite but maybe he’d give it a real shot. Forever and a Day had turned out to be one of his favorites. His companion’s suggestion earned a bit of a blank stare, having sidetracked Theo’s original thought process. “If my parents thought I was in a slump they’d be supportive, but I think they’re a little, uh, too sympathetic, a little biased since they’ve never been short on material to write about themselves. My mom’s put out a book of poetry every eighteen months like clockwork since I was eleven. My dad just alternated between books and scripts until he decided to retire. I don’t think we really do mediocrity. S’alright, though, I kinda like the eventualities. Even if it takes me a couple decades I’ll write something, probably.” Theo was slightly less cheerful, but he was warming up more and more. He gestured vaguely towards the counter, since he hadn’t bothered to look at the menu yet at all. 

“Nothing wrong with that.” reassured Zehra with a nod. “You might end up finding what you’re looking for.” She then arched a brow and became curious as to what he had planned. “What are your thoughts and words for if you don’t mind me asking?” From one creative to another, she enjoyed learning about other people’s crafts, especially when they are passionate about it. “I appreciate your kind words! Ah, I’m not, this is just a hobby to be honest. I’m actually an architect.” 

“The microscope,” Stella gave a vague, flippant gesture in its direction. Sometimes her eye for detail needed a little extra help, though it seemed far too clinical even in a pristine workspace. Large windows gave Stella something to look at, though the flow of the city still proved uninspiring as her gaze deflected back to the blank canvas. She was happy for the company and propped the door open, though it was always a game of roulette if Stella Rosenthal was in one place or another. She was particularly happy with the company of an old friend, especially one of her oldest. “It wasn’t worth hearing. Half of the stuff I say isn’t — maybe that’s why I only have one good ear.”

“Ah,” Theo wondered if he was an idiot for not hearing mi-cro-scope clear as day the first time. “Must have a squeaky door hinge,” he noted, swinging the door back and forth to try and prove himself while achieving absolutely nothing. He gave up and moved into the room, looking all around with bright-eyed interest. “But let’s be real, the deaf half is reserved for all the idiotic things I have to say, which is why we’re still friends at all.” He approached the microscope, disappointed that there wasn’t something under it he could give his most intense scrutiny. “Just restoration today?”   

It wasn’t out of the ordinary to see Theo frazzled, something Jesse more often than not found a little too amusing. Looking at him questionably, Jesse couldn’t help the roll of his eyes once Theo started talking, completely missing his opportunity to poke at him for his reaction. Of course. “What? No?” He shook his head like it was the most ridiculous thing he had heard, but still looked around at their surroundings— for Theo’s sake more than anything. “What do you think some old man from Victorian times is here to haunt the place or something? Pissed that his old abode has turned into a shitty bowling alley.”

“This part of Bellevue was settled in 1870ish, and that’s the Wild West, great time for spirits,” Theo shot back, most of his surprise wearing off so he was comfortable bantering-- or as close as he got to bantering, which was just rambling and looking hopefully over at Jesse occasionally for input. Should’ve brought his EMF reader, but it was definitely on the kitchen counter he knew it. “Besides, I don’t know what kind of energy it is. Maybe our local sasquatch treats this thing like a dive bar.” His arm extended to almost touch the dumpster, but then he caught himself. 

That was not promising at all. Cleo hated scary things. So maybe. But definitely not anytime soon. Her face probably told him exactly what she was thinking. However, at the mention of the two books, Cleo’s face emulated his exactly. Maybe even more. “Are you serious? I loved those series. I met both of them and went to all the midnight premieres,” she gushed, leaning in. “Alright, Garza, you sold me. I’ll buy your book and I’ll even read it too. Hope you got all the tech stuff right. I’ll know.”

“If it’s wrong I have to humbly apologize and then assume creative license over all computers in the Aquinas-verse,” Theo informed her seriously, then he grinned a little. “Should be pretty spot on I asked a lot of questions. My friend Dex was definitely tired of me texting him at all weird hours asking all kinds of stuff. What is it you do, like hardware or software? Coding?” That was gaining popularity and Theo liked the look of it, but it really wasn’t built for a rambler like him. No room to be verbose. “Oh, and if you wanted it--” he doubled back, digging into his backpack. He slid a paperback copy of Aquinas Code across the table,wincing a little to show it wasn’t a big gesture, even though it might’ve looked like one. “You can keep that one if you want, I know what happens.”

Jesse knew he regretted his life choices the moment he saw a little girl hold on to her stomach and puke right in the middle of the bowling alley, watching for only a second from his place before deliberately looking the other direction and making his “Not it.” statement loud and clear to the co-workers around him. Picking up the shift had proved to be a mistake, but at least he only had one hour to go before the PM people walked into the building.

Thankfully, that hour went by fast and soon enough Jesse had gathered his things and made his way back out into the general alley to say his goodbyes after punching out, which is when instead he found himself doing the complete opposite. “Oh, hey.” He sounded only slightly confused, looking around aimlessly before focusing on the other person. “What are you doing here?” 

Theo was startled by the voice that broke through his reverie. He turned on his heel, nearly lost his balance and did his best to act like he’d not been thrown by it at all. Then he saw it was Jesse and quit pretending a little-- Jesse’d seen him worse off. “Oh, hey. I was uh, just thinking. This is a pretty good shortcut back towards Crossroads, and people don’t usually just pop out. Do you think this spot has a weird energy?” He gestured vaguely towards the dumpster at the end of the alley. 

With her offer rejected, Cleo slowly slid the dessert menu back into its place. Either he enjoyed just sitting awkwardly or he wasn’t planning on staying long. But whatever it was, Cleo just kept on with her own meal that was half eaten. “What does that mean?” She asked, knowing whatever story he was withholding was going to scar her some when she did visit. God, she couldn’t go alone. Maybe Adrian and Darcy would be inclined. Would be if she asked. “Uh, yeah, I don’t think I’ve read that one.” Cleo would’ve asked what it was about, but she didn’t think authors like to have to give a shitty summary to a stranger. Speaking of, “By the way, I’m Cleo. Slipped my mind.”

His shoulders lifted, glad she continued eating after a beat. Theo hated being a distraction from people’s normal flow. “I just don’t like it there. Too spooky for me, even, and I live for that stuff.” His tone was entirely serious, but brightened considerably at her response. “If you liked Gadsden Girls, that might be the next best thing that I’ve written. Kindof in the vein of Hunger Games and Divergent ? Women rightfully kickin’ butt.”

Zehra shook her head, “No worries at all.” she replied as she still went ahead and made some space next to her. She then returned her attention to her task and briefly finished up her drawing while she listened to the other’s inquiry. “I guess you can say I’m enjoying my day.” She then lifted up her sketchbook and added, “Just free handing some sketches before I head back to the office.” She paused and assessed the items that he had and asked, “And yourself? Are you out finding some inspiration or wandering around?” 

Theo Garza sat down awkwardly and Cleo tried not to think too hard that she made it that way. The dessert menu was still on the table, so she pushed it his way. “We can get something.” Because eating over a dessert would make the conversation less uncomfortable for him. Cleo leaned in as he spoke about a hypothetical sequel. She was joking about it, but it didn’t mean she didn’t want to hear any exclusive content. “It is, actually. But you don’t really have to write something you weren’t really thinking on. I think I’d get enough kicks out just heading to the boarding school myself. I read about it on Wikipedia after I read your book and I was definitely planning on it one day. You stayed overnight by yourself? They have daytime tours nowadays, you know.”

“No thanks, I’m uh, pretty full,” Theo replied, since he’d just been eating. Didn’t matter, really, but he had to walk home and if he was too full he’d be uncomfortable the whole time. “I did live there for like, three months. They were closed to renovate the more dangerous parts.” He remembered writing there, literally would not ever go back if they paid him. “You might like it, though, just look out for the greenhouses.” Uncharacteristically refusing to elaborate, Theo studied his thumbs before pressing on.She had him thinking on something he’d barely considered before, sequels. They felt a little like copouts to Theo, but beggars really could not be choosers at this point. “It’d probably be easier to write a sequel to Aquinas Code-- or maybe a prequel? Y’know, that alternative steampunk history was super fun.”

Ari nodded, chuckling lightly. “In that respect, yep—but hey, I’ll take what I can get.” As though there was another option, like taking what he…couldn’t? He’d never really realized how pointless that was as a phrase, basically just stating the obvious. He looked at the lanky guy, and then jerked his head towards the cafe, heading towards the door. “Coffee there will be, then. So what brought you back to your hometown? Family stuff, job stuff? And a follow-up, since I’m fast-tracking learning shit about you until we’re even—” He added, sounding to his own ears like the world’s most efficient and nosy interviewer, “Where were you, before?” 

“Oh, I came home because I’m a hack.” If this guy could have a pretty positive attitude about his whole shtick, so could Theo. “Theo Garza, former Bram Stoker award nominee. But I haven’t written in--” he paused to let out a low whistle as he opened the cafe door for his new friend to pass. “Months if you count half-hearted attempts, but my last book was published in 2017. I’m planning to adopt a hermitage in the house where I was born until I produce something else of value, or I die.” His eyes scanned the menu as they approached the line, hands slipping into his pockets.

Cleo hadn’t anticipated him coming over, honestly. As a famous author, she figured strangers did nice things for him all the time — fans especially. At best, she expected a raised hand of thanks. So, when he came over, safe to say she was a little unprepared and maybe overly friendly. “Oh yeah, no problem.” At his hovering at the table, she immediately offered a seat. “You can sit…Or I mean if you’re done, you can leave? Or do whatever?” Oh God, she was blowing the second meeting. “Mmm.” Cleo suppressed it, getting a better grip of herself. “Just an overgrown teen girl previously obsessed with cults and death. Maybe still if you’ve got a sequel to ‘Gasden Girls.’”

So, that cleared up nothing besides her being a fan. Which would explain why she was atleast vaguely familiar. For lack of anything better to do, he took the seat opposite her. It took a moment to awkwardly shed his backpack sitting down, but he refocused to shoot down her suggestion. “Yeah, thanks. I think that’d be a little difficult, because of how that whole mess ended,” Theo lamented. “The sequel, or inevitable conclusion, I guess is that the girls get to be rich and powerful as they’ve presumably earned it, is that something you’d be interested in?” Maybe. Maybe he’d try to get some words on paper tonight. "Anyway, I don’t think I could stay at an abandoned boarding school again, that place was so haunted.” Wooden floors creaking on their own still brought hairs raising on the back of his neck, even almost five years later.