bakerstreet | Get your gen texts here

I love your hair!

It is simple braids.

It's so pretty!

It's hair.

Can you braid mine?

No.

Okay!

You're ... peppy

Thank you!

It wasn't a compliment

That's okay.

Why is it okay

Even if you don't like me, I still like you.

Why?

Because I just do!

...Odd

I get that a lot!

You use a lot of exclamation marks

I know!

Are you constantly in surprise to be doing so?

Nope. Just excited.

I see.

I'm Riley!

Wednesday Addams.

It's so nice to meet you!

It is ... something in regards to meeting you.

Cool. You're really nice.

Highly debatable.

I think you are.

You think wrongly

Maybe so.

Exactly so

Hi, you're Wednesday, right?

Edited 2017-02-27 12:53 (UTC)

Correct, Veronica Lodge.

Guess you've heard of me.

I make sure to never be caught unaware.

That's smart.

What do you want?

Can't a girl just say hello?

Yes. But considering the circumstances of Riverdale at the moment, it is not unreasonable to assume that 'a girl' contacted me to inquire about some matter?

I just wanted to let you know I've heard some...things about your family. And I know first hand how that feels. So I'm not like listening to everything people are saying or whatever.

Why? The stories of my family are entirely true.

Even if that's the case, it doesn't mean people should be assholes.

They're not.

I just meant whether or not it's true, it's not their business.

Why do you care?

Because I know how it feels.

And how I am supposed to feel? As currently I believe that you think I should be feeling something other than what I am, which is ambivalence at best.

I don't know. Annoyed at least?

No. People will speak. It's what they do. I am not people.

You're not?

I am an Addams, that is enough.

And Addams aren't people?

Not entirely.

What makes you say that?

I know my family.

Why show concern now? We have been spoken of in town long before, and will be for long to come.

You do know I'm the new girl, right? Surely you've heard what's being said about my family.

I have. Your Father sought to keep your family well situated. Only a crime in recent years, and of course, no one speaks of those in power who have done similar and kept their positions.

Gossip is dull.

Thank you, that means a lot to me.

I heard what of your revenge on the former captain of the Riverdale High football team.

You and Miss Cooper show promise.

That was mostly Betty, but he had it coming.

Want to hang out at Pop's sometime?

I do not 'hang out'.

Do you want to come eat at Pop's sometime with me?

I suppose I could make an appearance and terrify the town.

Cool.

Be warned, Veronica Lodge, being in my company will cause the rumour mill to turn to you. If you care of such things.

I'm pretty used to it by now.

It will be different than you are used to. To court the presence of an Addams is to welcome death into your family.

Ridiculous, of course. Death comes to all. Best to greet it as an old friend.

Thanks for the heads up, but I think I can handle it.

Good to know. I'm under house arrest for the immediate future, so I will need to rain check the meeting.

House arrest? Why?

Letting alligators loose in the sewers, defacing public property, stealing manhole covers, arson... There's a few things on the list.

Okay then. Well whenever you're free.

It may be some time. I'm to be questioned for the murder again. An insult. I would never use a gun

Did you even really know Jason?

Vaguely. But I am a natural suspect. Rival families.

Why do you think someone killed him?

Why wouldn't they?

Most people don't just kill someone.

Someone isn't always a person who split opinions very violently.

The Blossoms...they have a lot of secrets, don't they? I was witness to the horror show Cheryl has to call her life.

Nearly all the families in that town do

Who do you think killed Jason?

I don't think. I know.

How do you know?

Jason told me

That's not possible. He's dead.

Yes, he is. I spoke with him.

You spoke with Jason before he died?

After

You spoke to his ghost?

Yes

Huh. Guess the cops wouldn't believe you if you told them that.

Of course they don't.

And you're sure it was Jason?

Yes

I just mean...people in this town, some of them like to play pranks on people.

[ It's also easier than believing ghosts are real. ]

Edited 2017-02-27 18:42 (UTC)

This was no prank

Okay. I didn't know ghosts were a thing, I guess.

Very much a thing

Huh. Well I don't suppose you want to share what he divulged to you with the rest of the class?

There's more tying him to the mortal realm than just his murder.

Like what?

That is not for me to share

Fair enough.

A pity. He wasn't the total inhumane person people implied.

That's the thing about rumors. True or not, someone will always believe them.

It's annoying.

That's something we can definitely agree on.

Most do.

I've a stupid question.

I've heard plenty of them

Is there a reason boys get so aloof?

Testosterone poisoning.

That sounds unpleasant.

It's their lot in life. Comes at the onset of puberty and they never recover.

Poor things.

Don't pity them. The worlds gives them many advantages over us.

I think I must be bad at recognizing those.

A lot of people are

Why is that, do you think?

Society is run by them?

Oh, yes.

That's unfortunate.

It happens

SOS

ANOTHER DEAD BIRD.

I found ANOTHER dead bird.

More proof that the world's a sorry place.

I'm very sorry for the discovery of the dead bird.

I'm very sorry for the world.

And the bird.

It did nothing to deserve so sorrowful an end, splayed out across the concrete as it was.

Did you give it a proper resting place?

What do you take me for? Of COURSE I did. I found a quiet space beside a tree, and gave the poor bird a tiny tombstone.

Then congratulations: you've taken a step towards making the world a better place

If only I could believe the world were so readily mendable! I'm afraid it's too far gone for small measures.

Small pebbles create big waves.

In ideal worlds, they do. Here the water is rough already, and no pebble can calm a storm. Would that it were so simple! Oh, but our fate is much grimmer than that.

And how do you come to that conclusion?

I need only look around! Every day the world presents new tragedies. Every day we assuage ourselves with thoughts of progress, all the while tearing down all means for our lasting survival. We've scorched the earth horribly. We've seared our own minds, too!

Okay. Ease off the despair pedal

Do you think I can so easily forget, ignore, or otherwise diminish the calamity we inhabit? Do you think me so changeable? I refuse to turn my eyes from what I know is true!

I'm not saying to forget or ignore. I'm saying take a rest. Recharge

I haven't the talent.

A shame you find yourself lacking in an area so many are proficient.

It is my curse, one of many, to be so afflicted. If I could but rest my soul, what might I not encounter? What might Jaques not be?

Still. No use in dwelling on what cannot change.

[ As if she doesn't dwell on everything. All of the time. ]

A wise statement

Thank you! There are few enough who recognize wisdom - or truth, wisdom's close-caught cousin - when they hear it.

Well, and after all my melancholy, you must tell me how the day finds you.

Busy. There is always work to be done.

I suppose so.

What is it you're working on?

I'm a professional critic. I'm working on stuff to do with that. I won't tell you what in particular, as I need people to read my articles to prove my job as useful.

Aren't you an enigma.

I wouldn't be as fun if I weren't

You'd think with her teleporting powers Pixie would be more willing to get our food order for us.

Did you ask her nicely? I am told that is the best approach when you wish for someone to perform a favour for you.

Is demanding not asking nicely?

No, Julian. It is not.

Got a new idea for Magilou's Menagerie!

So you'll need to start studying pengyons.

[ A long. LONG pause, you can just -imagine- the face she's making. ]

... what.

[ She is NOT getting in a pengyon suit, Magi. NO. Bad witch. ]

Think method acting! This has to go beyond a mere impression! You need to BECOME the pengyon. We have to keep improving and outdoing what's come before!

[Pengyon suit? Why, of course not! It's actually more of a cute pengyon inspired outfit, with an adorable hat to top it off.]

[...it'll actually be a Normin outfit, but she got one for everyone and that's going to be more of a surprise. The night of the performance. With sad children in the front row, so no one can say no.]

... [ Why this. ]

Forget it, I'm not wearing some ridiculous looking pengyon suit. [ She refuses to be embarrassed in publ-- aww, sad kids? Damnit Magilou. Even Velvet would have trouble saying no to that. ... though if it's a Norman outfit at least their faces can't be seen...

Wait NO. NO NONO she refuses! ]

[Remember Velvet, you're the one who decided not to devour her.]

Oh come on! You'll look fabulous! You never know if a new style will work until you try it.[She's going to get her way, and she'll use any means at her disposal to do so. She's not even above sending Bienfu into your room at night to cry...]

[ She's REALLY regretting that too. ~~Well, not really. By now everyone pretty much knows it's an empty threat. :3~~ ]

........

[ Another Looooong silence - she may just be ignoring you Magi! But more likely she's realizing Magilou, one way or the other, probably IS going to get her way and she might as well go along with it and get it over with for now. ]

Fine. But I'm not chirping like a pengyon.

[ NEVER. FORGIVING. THAT DOVE TRICK. ]

[Deep down, Magilou knows that Velvet's not as scary as she pretends to be. Naturally, it's a fact she loves to exploit.]

No no, of course not! We can't repeat ourselves!

[She waits a second or two to add...]

Besides, you can't beat perfection. And you, my dear, were PERFECT.

[She ~~might~~ will probably get hit for that. Worth it!]

[ She'd like people to think she was though! ]

..-sigh-..

[ And it's a good thing that this was over their phones via text or yes, Magilou would have a smack coming her way. ]

Didn't you say that you were going to stick to using Bienfu for your ...'performances'?

[ Figures Magilou would have more fun dragging her companions into such shenanigans though. ]

...who else did you get? I know it can't just be me.

[Oh, she'll exploit that as well. Magilou is perfectly happy with using anything and everything to her advantage.]

For the comedy. But we need to expand our repertoire a bit, and that means everyone's got to pitch in!

I've been working with Eizen on providing some dramatic narration. He also does a surprisingly stunning pengyon impression!

[ See, now that Velvet can understand and relate to! ]

Hold on. Exactly what do you have planned for this performance, ...besides Eizen giving dramatic narration..?

[ Also she ...can totally see him impersonating a pengyon well, and giving dramatic narration. ]

[That's why they're ~~bestest best friends ever in the whole wide world, remember?~~ strong allies.]

It's an educational show, all about the life and hardships on Maclir Beach, telling the story of a family that must stay together despite the harsh realities of the natural world. I'm calling it... March of the Pengyons!

See, when we're teaching things, we can perform for schools. Opens up a whole new market!

[Except he'll probably get really into the role, and they'll be hearing random pengyon facts for days... oh well. Sacrifices must be made for art!]

[ ~~Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah.~~ Yep, strong allies~! ]

That's surprising. I didn't expect you to want to break into educational performances.

[ Yepyep, she totally and fully expects Eizen to get too into it and drive them nuts with Pengyon facts. And Laphicet will completely back it up. ]

Are you kidding? They get funding from the community, so they've got lots of money to spend! Oh, and maybe we'll teach some things too.

[She's planning on Laphicet to help research, but... he's also going to be busy playing the baby pengyon in peril. This is very involved, you know.]

Huh. [ Not a complete waste of her time then! ]

So we're just going to stand around in costumes, basically. [ If her face is hidden she may be okay with this. Maybe. ]

... you seem to have put in quite a bit of thought to this. What about Bienfu? What's his role?

Edited 2017-03-02 03:35 (UTC)

[Velvet! Surely you're not insinuating that devoting time to help Magilou achieve a simple dream is a waste of your time! She'd be hurt, devastated and otherwise inconsolable for at least a good ten minutes.]

And act things out. It's not just educational, it's dramatic! You'll be one of the parents protecting a lone baby pengyon against the horrors of being hunted down by a deadly predator!

Oh, Bienfu? He'll be the things you pengyons eat.

[Perhaps it's the perfect atmospheric conditions, or a lingering trace of malakhim magic in the air, but even though Magilou's nowhere near Velvet... when Velvet received that message, she might've been able to hear a mournful "Bieeeeeeeennnn..."]

[ ....maybe. There's another long pause between replies, and Magilou can probably imagine that Velvet is just...facepalming so hard. ]

And let me guess, Laphi's the lone pengyon. [ Has to be. If it were anyone else she may not be able to keep from laughing at the ridiculousness of it. ]

How...WHERE do you even come UP with these ......ideas.

[ She may have wanted to say something else. See, she's learning to be nicer to her weird friends. K i n d a? ]

[Oh, no doubt. ~~In Magilou's eyes, that just means she's doing her job.~~]

It's obvious casting, isn't it? But I really don't know that the rest of you would garner much sympathy.

I guess that just leaves me trying to figure out what to do with Eleanor and Rokurou. I'm still finalizing it all.

It's just one of my many, many talents! I'm something of a creative genius, you know.

[ ~~It's what she does best!~~ ]

Poor us. [ Woe that text does not accurately convey the level of 'do not care' in those two words. ]

A creative genius and incredibly modest too. [ Woe to Velvet that text, again, does not properly convey the sarcasm in this words. ]

Why not simply play to their strengths? Make Rokurou a battle-hardened pengyon who's accompanying the pengyons as bodyguard, or some battle hungry pengyon who's fought the horrors of the road ahead or something for all I care. [ No. Velvet. Stop. PLS. DON'T GIVE HER IDEAS. ]

[~~In addition to getting other people to do her work for her, and being a bit of a con artist. Oh, oh! And being the most powerful, beguiling witch on the planet!~~]

It's not the compliments I live for, it's the art. Well, that and being paid well for it.

[You know, that's not a bad idea. But she's not sure you're seeing The Vision.] No no no, that's all wrong! This is more of a nature documentary.

[There's a brief pause... the calm before the storm, really. Then a series of short messages come, all in a quick burst.]

Wait.

WAIT.

We can use dramatic license and craft these pengyons into popular archetypal characters! You and Rokurou are a pair of committed pengyons, and he's almost died for you in the past. And now, he's willing to do the same against a ferocious, evil daemon. It's brilliant!

[You can only blame yourself for this, you know.]

[ ~~She is a multitalented little witch~!~~ ]

[ Poor Magilou, she'll never hear the quiet chuckle that slipped out at that remark. Text to the rescue! ]

I see...

[ Not realy ..but more importantly, she had momentarily ignored that little sense of -dread- that had surfaced briefly during that pause between Magilou's texts. She should have paid attention to it because she's staring at the message incredulously. ]

Wh...

WHAT?

[ OH GOD WHAT HAS SHE DONE. ]

...

[ She's actually stumped for words for a moment there. ]

How.. is any of that part of a nature documentary? [ now it's just performance art~! ...although it'd probably appeal more to the kids. ]

[~~Why hasn't she found a wealthy patron to support her art? It's a mystery.~~]

[She never heard the chuckle, but Velvet doesn't see the fiendish grin that's now crossed her lips. Is she really serious about any of this, or is she just reveling in getting a reaction? Or could it be, *gasp*... both?]

The facts educate the kiddies, but the story keeps them interested and invested. I'm sure this technique will be HUGE in a few years.

Though that means Eleanor would have to be the evil monster? I wonder if she could pull it off.

[That would probably get some major points on the Unintended Comedy Scale, at least.]

[ ~~It clearly is a fault of the patron, and in no way because of anything Magilou has said or done.~~ ]

[ Velvet would probably bet both. Leaning more towards reactions though. ]

... if it's an evil monster you need isn't it be more likely that I should have that role?

[ Too obvious? Of course it wasn't like she disliked Rokurou, he was the first person she met - after Magilou and Seres obviously - after escaping the prison. But having a 'nice' role w hen she was convinced she was anything but..? ]

[~~Yes, and any stories about her taking the money and leaving town in the middle of the night are a scandalous lie by people who are jealous of her talent!~~

[...you know her well.]

You're playing against type in this piece. It's a time honored fictional technique.

[That... and she already ~~stole~~ bought your costume.]

I've got it! You're ALL THREE pengyons! A great big adorable pengyon family!

And I, Magilou, shall play the tragically misunderstood daemon whose tragic fall will bring tears to the eyes of even the most jaded person in the audience!

...or I'll just ask Dyle to do it.

[ ~~Never change, Magilou!~~]

[ As much as she might like to deny it, Little Miss Witchy Poo :D ]

You're... not going to take "No" for an answer, are you.

[ Of course not, silly Velvet. ]

Heh - I bet he'll love that. [ ... actually he might. Or he'll complain about it. With him, he liked to complain but still volunteered for stuff. Weirdo. ]

[Oh hoo hoo, but that means that Magilou also knows the dreaded Lord of Calamity quite well too. There might be a decent tell all book in that, down the line... ~~even though she'd never do such a thing because she respects Velvet too much... WHAT HAVE YOU PEOPLE DONE TO HER??~~]

You're catching on now! And here I thought you were going to make me beg. Dignity saved!

I bet there's a great performer hiding under those scales. [The trick is pouty face. Eyes wide, maybe throw in a little lip quiver, he'll do anything. Not that Magilou ever used that to get food from him...] I guess I could just sit this one out and watch from the crowd like a proud stage mom!

[ Oh no, not that, anything but that! ~~Quick, cover it up!~~ ]

.... fine, fine. ... but maybe I should have held out a little longer, just for the unlikely possibility of seeing you beg. [ Gasp, teasing? Surely the world is ending. ]

[ Is there no level to which you won't sink, Magi? For shame! ]

... are you sure you'd be able to do that?

[ She somehow thinks Magilou might watch the first few minutes, and the moment the actors started ad-libbing off script she'd jump right in to try and restore control to the mess they'd make of it! ... that and can she REALLY resist the spotlight?

Also she can't imagine Magilou as any kind of mom. ]

[She'll just make things incredibly awkward for everyone in the show and pretend that makes up for a few seconds of being a decent person.]

[That's a stunned (text) silence in response. Is Velvet feeling well? Does she need some daemons to eat?] So, you'd enjoy even MY suffering? You really are every bit the monster they say you! [Though now she'll do it when Velvet least expects it, make a big production number out of it. Maybe in the middle of a town.]

Don't worry, I'll be sure to bask in the adoration of the crowd when they give a standing ovation! [Plus if she's not in it and it bombs, she can just slink out the back door and deny everything.]

[Just ask Bienfu, she'd be a WONDERFUL mother! ~~Actually, don't. The thought of a Little Magilou to torment him might just make the poor Normin run away again.~~]

[ Well true, making things awkward was one of Magilou's specialties. ]

Every bit and more. I should think you'd remember that, as long as we've traveled together.

[ ... ohgod if Magilou did that, Velvet would just..WALK AWAY and try to pretend she didn't know her. Just. Magilou why are you so weird! ]

That's... about what I thought. Fine fine, just, let the others know beforehand. And I don't mean on the day of this performance. [ Like usual. ]

[ ~~Poor poor Bienfu. He puts up with so much~ ]~~

Edited 2017-03-06 18:36 (UTC)

[Well, when you've got a talent for it...]

And here I thought after everything we'd been through, I might be spared your terrible wrath! You really know how to make someone feel unappreciated.

[You can just see Velvet grabbing Laphicet by the hand and saying loudly, "Stay away from the strange witch, young man." As for why... well Velvet, you HAVE met her adopted father.]

What do you take me for? [Wait, don't answer that.] They've got to start memorizing their lines, don't they? And then there's rehearsals, workshopping, test performances... It's not like there's anything else we have to do, is there?

[~~C'mon, in return, Magilou... um... er... well... yeah, he puts up with a lot.~~]

Did you really? That was naive of you. [ Oh no, she definitely appreciates you Magilou. ]

Meh. If I really thought you were useless I would have consumed you by now. You're fine.

[ That's Velvetspeak for, 'I value you as an ally and friend.' Kinda.

She'd totally do that. Or Eleanor would. Though really, Melchior having anything to do with Magilou being... Magilou? -.o ]

... workshopping?

[ A slight pause. ]

Well... not at the moment but... [ STILL. ]

Awww, so you really DO care! Not that I'm going to stop locking my door just in case you want a midnight snack... but still!

[That true, Eleanor's gotten a lot harder to trick lately. They've been ~~great~~ terrible influences on that poor girl. As for Melchior, well... probably not, but it gives her something, or someone, to blame it all on.]

You know, read the script out loud and see how we can improve it. It's all a very important part of crafting a hit show!

So... relax and have fun for a change! Don't worry, we won't tell anyone and ruin your rep.

... you really think a door would stop me if I wanted a midnight snack?

[ Well she can allow Magilou having someone to blame for everything. It was valid, probably everything she blamed him for he likely was responsible for it. Melchior to Magilou was kind of like Artorious was to Velvet. With some differences. ]

*sigh* I can't shake the feeling that you're putting too many hopes onto something as frivolous as this.

[ It's not going to end the way you want it to, Magi! ... Unless that's your plan for amusement to begin with! ]

[Okay, that's a very good point.]

I was hoping you'd at least respect my privacy! We'll have to put "lack of manners" at the top of the list of your transgressions!

[She'd never admit as much, but Melchior IS the reason she can be a little... odd. But even Magilou would admit she'd not lost nearly as much as Velvet.]

One can't go on playing the greatest hits forever! If you don't take chances, you'll never grow as an artist.

[She'll find the humor in it, should things go poorly! But, deep down? Maybe she's just a teeny tiny bit proud of this. ~~Don't laugh at her baby, Velvet!~~]

Heh, heh.

[ Gasp, you actually got a laugh out of her! (more than that, actually, she might have even smiled! ]

I've done much worse than breaking and entering.

That actually makes sense. [ Pause. ] Are you feeling okay?

[Score one for Magilou! Just... don't bring up her record of "smiles versus threats", because it would look really bad.]

Yes, but entering the room of your bestest besty without her permission? That's beyond cruel! I'll have you know, I'd never invade your privacy. [Let's... forget that she once encouraged Laphicet to do just that, shall we?]

Of course I am!

[WAIT.]

Actually, I'm feeling very sick. *cough cough* Perhaps you could be a pal and bring me some soup? And bread? And maybe something sweet for dessert?

[Yes, she really did type out her "coughs".]

[ To coin a phrase, the number of threats Magilou's gotten is probably OVER 9000. ]

When did we ever become bestest besties, exactly?

[ Clearly, the day they met. IT WAS FATE. And she's about to point out that Magilou wouldn't hesitate to do just that, when she pauses at the (clearly fake) confession of illness. ]

[ Long silence at that too, debating just how to respond. MAYBE she'll be nice this one time and humor the fake-sick. Or maybe she'll make something extremely bitter and godawful to teach her a lesson.. yeah.. YEAHHHHH... MAYBE THAT. ]

Sick, huh?

[She should probably keep track, so she can record that for posterity at some point.[

Somewhere between the different performances and trying to save the world. I mean, get your vengeance. Those things have a way of bringing people together.

[Poor, trusting Magilou.]

Very! It's a sudden bug, but who knows how long it might last?

[ Yep, it was all for vengeance the entire time. NOt for pure vengeance. ]

I devoured the last 'best bestie' I had.

[ Ignore her Magilou. Velvet's just being difficult. Then again, it may be one sided Magilou! What if! WHAT. IF. ... well Velvet actually likes Magilou fine - enough to go along with the lunacy anyway. Even if she won't admit to being best besties. ]

You poor thing. Maybe I should come and check on you. It'll be inconvenient for me, if it's serious.

[But what would a grand adventure be without having to take out at least a little time to barter for items and run errands for random strangers? But... oy, why did you have to be such a DOWNER, Velvet? Now she feels bad. ~~Well, worse because she's still totally and really VERY SICK.~~]

I suppose you're right, but I'll take my chances. [Magilou's not going to come out and say it's not her fault, but... she's actually not scared.]

Oh, you really are a KIND Lord of Calamity. Just make sure you bring lots of food. It's getting worse, I'm having trouble getting out of bed now!

[ ... fair point, she really can't argue that. AND SHE'S SORRY except not really but the mun is. ~~Kicks herself~~ ]

Suit yourself. [ She appreciates it Magi. More than she'll admit to. ]

Yeah yeah. I'll even tuck you in -nice and tight-.

[ You..... you may not be able to move or feel the circulation in your body afterwards... ]

Edited 2017-03-12 00:55 (UTC)

[It's okay, veering sharply away from heavy moments filled with sincerity is one of her skills.]

You're got to have to work a lot harder if you plan on getting rid of me... and by that I mean, earning the money you'd have to pay me to leave.

That's so sweet of you! ...are YOU feeling okay?

[That's okay, um... Bienfu will save her. Right? RIGHT??]

[ No one else does it like Magikins. ]

... I'll keep that in mind. [ Not that she'll actually try. She kind of likes having someone around - even if she does drive Velvet batty and try to get devoured. Weirdo. ]

Oh? Now which bet was that again? [ Yes, feign ignorance. That'll totally work. ]

I'm fine. I just would find it inconvenient if you got worse. You might infact Laphicet, or anyone else.

[ And one of THEM would infect Laphicet. Though she paused -- right, malaks probably don't get sick.... ]

Bienfu? Save Magi? Hahahaah, Not if he values his life. >:) Patients should have Peace and QUIET, and bienfu was anything but when he got going! MWA. HA. HA. ]

[Be really afraid if she's ever having one of those moments. ~~Or cut her off before they happen... that's why she really, legit likes you, Velvet.~~]

There... might've been a few bets, actually. [She DID NOT get tricked into betting on your success. LIES!] But you'd have to pay me at least triple to consider forfeiting it.

Maybe more.

Okay, probably more.

[You can't see it, but she's clutching a hand to her heart in agony.] But how did you know one of them didn't give it to ME? You know how stoic Rokouru can be! And Eleanor wouldn't want anyone worrying about her. So what I'm saying is, I'm probably also the most honest person you know.

[~~BIEEEEEEEEEEN...~~ Quiet? Magilou would just start talking to herself...]

[ Don't worry, she won't let you fall into a brooding moment Magilou! Even if it means putting up with your ridiculous shenanigans. ]

Uh-huh. [ Totally did. Fufufu. ] Meh, that's too much trouble.

Are you suggesting I don't take care of Laphicet? [ Eleanor helps too, but it's all Velvet otherwise. Or at least...she'd like it to be. Even if he tends to go over to Eleanor a lot since she was much ..easier to have fun with. Sigh. ]

[ Though she did have a point - Rokurou only sneezed once and blamed it on something else. Then again Velvet did the same thing then. And Eleanor WAS the kind of person to hide being in pain or ill. ]

So if any of them start showing symptoms I'll deal with them as well. [ She could gag Magilou... Would gagging Magilou even work? ]

[Awww, you know you love her antics! If nothing else, their journeys together are NEVER boring.]

[It's her word against Eizen and Rokouru! Who are you going to trust--wait, don't answer that.] That's what I thought.

No. Not at all. [She does value her life.] But he's totally the type to keep it from you so you wouldn't worry. [Well, ONE of them has to be the "bad cop" parent, right?]

That sounds good, but don't forget. I'm first! [Um... it would muffle the sound for a little while? Though she'd probably find another way to annoy everyone.]

[ Oh sure, she adores the randomness. And.. yeah, she kind of likes never being bored. Somehow, someway, the entire lot of her 'tools' wound up wiggling into being more friends than tools. IT'S AWFUL. ]

[ But she wants to be the cool parent! Or.. well.. yeah. ]

Technically if the everyone else WAS sick, Laphi'd be first. But, I guess you could be second in that case. Maybe.

[ If nothing else, Magi'd be driving everyone insane. Can you imagine if they gave her a bell to ring if she needed something? ]

[Try as you might, Velvet, you're never going to be able to quite pull off the "Evil Overlord" gimmick, at least not around the people who've already gotten to know you. They'll just never call you on it.]

[Well, you and Eleanor might swap the role on different subjects. ~~Magi would be the one defying BOTH of you and being a terrible influence on Laphicet.~~]

Hmph. Well, I would have helped YOU first.

["Magilou, you have to STOP ringing the bell at some point." "But that would mean I didn't need anything!"]

[ Darn it. What is she doing wrong, is she not cruel yet kind enough? Is she regressing to her nicer side? Well she doesn't really have reason to be cold, but at the same time.. ]

[ Hrrm, that's an option. She and Eleanor do tend to team up when you're being a bad influence on Laphi! ]

You'd only help me first so you could lord it over me. [ She doesn't trust that altruistic streek one bit missy! ]

[ ohgod she totally would do that too. ]

[Okay, honest opinion? The lack of a good evil laugh. Well, that and they've all seen you cleaning up and cooking. It's hard to see terror incarnate holding a broom and dustpan.]

[Oh sorry, you misspelled BEST influence. ~~Yeah right, even HE would disagree with that.~~]

That hurts, Velvet! Of course I wouldn't do it just to lord over you.

[Wait for it...]

You'd also owe me a favor AND I might get blackmail material out of it.

[ Heeey she could pull off an evil laugh if she wanted... though.. um. Yeah the whole cleaning thing probably did ruin the image. ]

Huh. Yeah that's about what I thought. Sorry, I think I'd prefer to be sick to owing -you- a favor.

[ Who knows what Magilou would make her do! ]

[Maybe there's a way to make it... evil cleaning? Well, next time at least use a BLACK apron, Velvet. It might help pull things off.]

Oh come on. It wouldn't be that bad. I swear I wouldn't make you do a single impression of an animal. [Which, in a way, kinda goes against everything Magi's said in these messages already. Is a costume an impression? Hmmm...]

[SPOILER: Velvet would probably be in the kitchen for a few hours.]

[ And that is precisely why Velvet is -pretty damn skeptical- of that too! ]

If I ever was sick, I wouldn't be able to make any animal impressions even if I agreed to you helping me. Fortunately daemons don't get sick. [ As far as they know so far. ]

Speaking of sick - shouldn't you be resting instead of texting me?

[ SPOILER: She may be heading down to the kitchen to make some soup. Maybe. (ooc: do you want to wrap this thread, continue with more shenanigans on my journal (this post is gonna hit overflow soon, I think) or pick something else or..? :D)

[If it's any consolation, it's not as though Magi plans out things too far in advance. She can, and probably will, contradict herself.]

Awwww, you're so SWEET. [She's... probably going to pay for that later.] But it doesn't take a lot of energy to do this.

[That's so nice, Magilou almost feels guilty. Almost.]

((I'm good with continuing it, though we can always do another meme if you'd prefer that too. Unlike Magi, I'm not too picky.))

Edited (The ONE TIME I don't hit Preview...) 2017-03-18 14:35 (UTC)

[ Ohoho she was -definitely- going to pay for that. And much sooner than she might expect! And it may not take a lot of energy to text, but she wouldn't even let Laphicet -- the original one -- read a book in bed when he was sick~! ]

... [ Maybe she should confiscate the phone... nono, Magilou is a big girl. ]

I'll be there shortly.

[ OOC: Yays :D I'm game to continue also, this is too silly :D *throws Velvet into random situations XD* You can tag Magilou's response here, I set up a post for it. n.n ]

I twisted my ankle and something somewhere around the joint is biting at me something horrible, please help.

What happened?

Are you bleeding?

Not bleeding, but it's puffy and there's a really ugly bruise...

I went awry into a sidestep, clumsy me.

Ah. Well, that's not so bad!

I can get there soon, but for now just sit down and keep your ankle elevated. Where are you?

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, girls' dressing rooms. The receptionist will show you.

Ooh, receptionist?

Wow. Makes me feel like a serious V.I.P.

He's just there to ensure no unfortunate types disturb us at work, but I suppose you are very important right now, so we can pretend it's something fancier?

I'm saving your life, pretty much, since you need your ankle for dancing. And heading up the tower to save the princess.

It is the fanciest.

You really are saving my life. All our own physicians are occupied elsewhere right now and I need to be ready for rehearsals tomorrow.

[ Hold the fuck up. ]

... I don't think you can dance tomorrow.

Well, it might not be as bad as it looks, right? It might really just be a bit puffy and with an ice bath, it'll be fine. I can dance through it.

When did you say your show was?

In three days. Please say it won't be a problem.

I can't tell you without seeing it first.

Give me fifteen.

Thank you.

[ Shinya moves quick. As soon as the receptionist lets him through (the perks of knowing a dancer? Honestly, he's just lucky she let him buy her a drink that one time) he's running up the stairs, and he barely gives a greeting when he opens the door and finds Airi waiting.

He just sits beside her, immediately, and takes her ankle in delicate hands. ]

Where does it hurt most? [ Straight to business, as always. ]

[ She appreciates his directness, is herself very matter-of-fact when it comes to her body's little mishaps and daily aches. So she points to the ankle, to the small but blackish-purple bruise coloring the skin stretched across the fibula. The pain has dulled down to a hard throbbing by now and by her side, a full ice bucket stands ready. She normally knows how to treat herself in these situations, but this time - since she's gotten to know a doctor, why not let him make a sticky situation a bit less impossible? ]

I kept my foot elevated like you said and I've had it on ice on and off, I think the swelling has gone down somewhat...

Edited 2017-02-28 11:59 (UTC)

It should have, yeah. [ Shinya gives light presses to the swollen areas, checking to make sure nothing's out of place, and he lets out a little sigh of relief before moving to find a compression wrap. ] You said you had rehearsals before the performance? Will it be okay for you to skip those?

[ He sets the wrap aside to clean Airi's ankle first, hands gentle as they rub some gel in to relieve some of the pain in the swelling. ]

I know for sure you can dance in three days, but you'll have to move as little as you can before then.

The final rehearsals...

[ She remains silent under his treatment for a long time, her face looking a bit fallen while she thinks the scenario through from every possible angle. She's danced the part before, back in Denmark and can in theory jump in at any time, as such the final rehearsals shouldn't matter too much, but you can never know. They might have one of her alternates take over, if not her understudy. Plenty of people to go around. Finally, she sighs, manages a smile. ]

It's okay, I'll back out of those, as long as I can go on stage for the performance itself.

Three days of rest is more than enough time if you listen to me. [ There's a little edge to Shinya's tone there, as there always is when he has to be a doctor. He's nothing if not strict, and he tilts Airi's foot down slowly, centimetre by centimetre until it's in the right angle.

Then he wraps it, tight and firm to prevent the muscle there from being jostled around. ] I'm going to need you to spend as much time as you can sitting or lying down with your ankle elevated, and to put ice on it when it swells.

And for you to make sure it stays wrapped, too. Even when it's time for you to dance.

[ Airi is a good patient with every possible interest in treating her injury right, so she'll be able to return to the stage as soon as possible. So she watches him wrap her ankle, notices the patterns he creates and compares it to the RDB's in-house doctors; they're always a lot less gentle. Probably a work hazard, working around dancers... Eventually, she smiles at Shinya. Keeping it wrapped while dancing will completely ruin the symmetry of her feet, but she'll find a way to make it work. She always does. ]

I'll do everything you say, I really want my foot back the way it was. It was doing good things for me, you know. [ A brief pause. Then - ] I'm very grateful.

No need to thank me. [ When he looks up, he's smiling now, if only because he's given all the instructions he has to give. Shinya's thumb brushes briefly over the wrap, just to make sure it isn't too tight, and then he takes the salve he'd taken to put in her hand. ] I just wanna make sure you can keep dancing.

You're really good, y'know.

[ He moves to let her fingers curl over the container, placing a little pat on Airi's knuckles. ] This stuff is for quick relief--if you have breaks or anything between your performance, I suggest you rub it on even if you don't feel the swelling is too bad.

If I had my way you wouldn't be performing at all, but [ the corners of his eyes crinkle ] that's impossible, isn't it?

Impossible. [ She repeats his own words, because it's the honest truth. She just needs to be pain-free enough to move properly and she wouldn't sit still a moment longer.

His compliment, however, does soften her a bit and her smile widens, turns bright and honest. Maybe someday she'll be great, but for now really good makes her all warm inside. ] And thank you for your kind words, I'm working hard.

[ She shakes the container once, a little shake, but as if in time with music. ]

So, I'll make sure to use this whenever I can.

Hey, sparingly! [ Cue a little tap to Airi's forehead, a mixture of teasing and scolding. ] When you have to dance and it's flaring up, primarily. Ice is still the best way to go.

I'm helping you cheat, but it doesn't mean I approve of it.

That's okay, I forgive you. [ She laughs, then falls serious again, just for a second. ] Dancing is a choice I made, I have to stand by it, no matter what.

[ She makes to stand up, knowing she's done for the day as it is, she should just get back to the hotel and rest, but everybody else is in rehearsals, so she'll be all alone and probably bored, when she can't move around. She eyes him curiously. ]

I don't know how you feel about really forward girls, but do you want to take a cab with me back to my hotel and drink homemade smoothies while I rest my foot?

[ Shinya moves like clockwork, reaching out to hold Airi steady. Can't have her putting too much weight on that ankle. ]

Saying you're concerned about seeming forward makes you seem less forward. [ Not that it's bad--Shinya just points it out with a little quirk to his mouth. ] I'd have to say no, mostly because I brought my own car.

But if you don't mind forward guys, I'd be happy to have you in my passenger seat.

[ She halfway laughs, halfway blushes, just a little, nothing too bad! ]

That would be much easier, right? [ She leans onto him, takes off weight from her ankle which is already complaining a little from all the moving about. ] I'd like that, I only do things the hard way at work...

[ With a deep breath she reaches out for her bag, holds it out for him to take, kind of expecting him to be a proper gentleman and carry her things for her. If he's concerned about her ankle, she means. It's done with a sweet smile, no teasing now. ]

You're going to love my smoothies, they're the best.

I've always wondered, [ Shinya takes the bag in one arm, slinging it over his shoulder along with his own pack while he helps Airi limp towards the door. He'd carry her, but he's not sure if he's allowed to do that, technically. ] What's the difference between a shake and a smoothie?

All I drink is green tea and water for the most part, so this is out of my league.

[ They come to the elevator and he taps the button for going down, his arm coming back to wrap around Airi's waist and hold her steady. ]

I just realized the key component our murder board is missing Dramatic back lighting I'm thinking cool white 900w any thoughts

[Oh, Juggie. Betty chuckles while texting him back, smiling to herself while shaking her head.]

Wow. Very dramatic.

I don't think we have it in the budget to buy them ourselves but I maaaay have some pull with the Drama Club. I'll see what I can do.

wait a minute we have a budget why wasn't I informed the office definitely needs a snack fridge and jeez Betty how many clubs are you in

Of course we have a budget. How do you think we have been paying for the paper, printing, and ink, Juggie? That. We might need that one. I'll talk to Principal Weatherbee about that.

Also, all I have right now is the Blue & Gold and the River Vixens. But yeah, I have joined a lot of clubs in my day...

[Because Momma Cooper likes to fatten up Betty's extracurriculars for college applications. "They like well-rounded students, Elizabeth.", Alice Cooper claimed.]

please do. it's essential. just calm down a little for me, okay? you're making the rest of us slackers look bad.

Well, we wouldn't want you to get hypoglycemic while we're working in the office. ;)

And, this is already calm, believe it or not. Middle school was worse. I had piano, choir, French, ballet on top of studying. I still enjoyed doing all of it, though.

[Betty Cooper, overachiever.]

pls remind me if we're ever given the option I never ever want to swap lives with you. it sounds like a lot of work.

I like being busy! Sue me.

And you clapped the loudest at my ballet recital. Don't deny it, Jug.

[It was during a production of the Nutcracker and Betty was a Candycane. That was a good year.]

I appreciate the arts even if I don't always want to participate in them

:P

[Picture of maturity, right there.]

I keep forgetting you're going to pull a Hamilton and write yourself out of this town someday.

that's the plan anyway I'll try to remember my humble roots when I'm rich and famous and give you guys a shout out in the liner notes

Oh, only the highest of honors, of course.

You'll write, though? Letters?

I might be able to squeeze some time for those in

Really? Great! I would love to hear all about the places you're going to go to because of your book, Juggie.

Edited 2017-02-27 03:49 (UTC)

okay now I'm pretty sure you're just making fun of me

Jughead Jones! I would never!!

I hear you're hunting a murderer.

Uh, yes. Both my friend and I are for the paper we work for.

Jason Blossom. Only son of this generation of the Blossom family. Considered by many to be the rising star of Riverdale. Stars that burn bright burn fastest.

What has he told you?

That's right.

[Betty could only hazard a guess that the word had gone out somehow. Maybe the Blossoms have talked to a report from out of town. Or an errant blogger from Riverdale ranting about the goings-on.

At least, that's what the Hitchcock blonde assumes.]

Uh, "he"? My partner?

[The only other "he" Betty could think of is Jason himself and she was being facetious when she asked if Jughead was proposing a seance.]

Sorry for all the questions. I just want to make sure we're on the same page.

Edited 2017-02-26 19:24 (UTC)

Jason Blossom.

[...

.....

........

...........

Wait, what.]

Excuse me?

I believe what I sent was clear enough.

Yes, it was.

So, you're a medium of some sort?

Mediums are ineffective. I'm an Addams.

Oh.

Oh! I've read about your family.

Wow. I have to confer with my partner and get back to you...?

Edited 2017-02-28 03:01 (UTC)

If it's so important to have their permission, but I doubt Alice and Hal Cooper will approve of their youngest child entering even the social circle of the Addams Family

window hasn't been open in awhile.
you avoiding me?

Or I could be just changing, Archie.

[~~Didn't stop her from traipsing around her room in a pink bra while said window was opened in the pilot though~~]

you must be putting a lot of thought into it, then. got a date?

~~( don't think he didn't notice; he totally did~~ )

[~~Maybe she should keep the window open more often--I mean~~]

I'm thinking about it. Also realizing now I need to go shopping.

I have nothing to wear! Woeeee. Woe of a teenaged girl. Blah blah.

~~( i'd sign that petition )~~

you look great in everything you wear, bet. whoever he is will be lucky enough to be out with you as it is.

( it's not jealousy furling in the centre of his sternum, definitely not. she deserved to be taken on a date, to be wood, swept off her feet. yet there's no denying how his interest feigns in the subject, what was introduced as a light jest now taking the form of a lodge in the boy's throat. )

[~~Until Alice Cooper puts kibosh on that~~]

[Betty looks at her phone with a rueful smile on her face. Archie made it perfectly clear how he felt about her and she's going to respect that and keep her distance. Still, she's a little sad at how things are between them, all awkward. But she'll move on, at least try to.]

Aww, thank you, Arch. And I probably don't need to think about it too hard. We're just hanging out at the arcade.

And I'm gonna kick Sam's butt!!

Edited 2017-02-27 04:12 (UTC)

( maybe it's the regressed thought that someday, likely in the near future, archie would no longer be the closest guy in betty cooper's life. maybe that scares him. or maybe there's more between them than he knows how to touch, too ridden with the idea of a relationship that had brimmed with secrets from beginning to end. )

i hope you do. simmer down his ego on the first date, it's your best bet.

( a smile graces his lips, despite it all. )

i can give you an opinion, if you want? you know, if your window isn't stuck shut.

[Oh, Archie. Betty's not going anywhere. Despite everything that has happened, she's still his best friend, first and foremost.]

That's my master plan. ;)

Sure! Hold on.

[She goes to her window and opens the curtains so that Archie can see her smiling face, waving when she does spot him. Her hair is out of its usual ponytail and she's sporting milkmaid braids and a cute and casual outfit she manages to find in her pile of clothes.]

Well? Should I spin around?

( he's happy for her, really. even if it's something he's struggling to find for himself, he has too many knots and tangles to figure out before he could allow another in; really in. still he's indulged, rather recklessly as it may have been; she deserves to do the same. a soft chuckle, how she pronounces herselff in texts mirrors her bubbly persona too well– he finds himself at his window, looking on at her in appreciative awe. he almost forgets they're merely texting, ding from his phone startling him slightly to which he glances away, but not for long, lips blooming to a grin. )

of course, you've gotta spin!

( really, he just wants to milk this for all it's worth, make it as best as it could be for her. )

[She laughs when she sees Archie getting surprised over the alert he got for her text, her own smile growing wider when she got his reply. She puts her phone down at her desk, mouthing an "Okay" and rolling her eyes in mock resignation.

She tucks a stray tendril of blonde hair behind her ear before she does spin around, making the end of her cardigan flare out behind her like a cape. Betty even flicks the cardigan out again for emphasis.

Clearly, someone is having way too much fun with this, judging how much Betty was laughing, practically doubling over herself, grabbing her side with one hand while holding the wall near her window for support.]

you have 4th period English with Reggie mantle right cause I'm pretty sure I just caught him crying while whispering your name in the bathroom what the duck did you do to him woman and how quickly can you also teach t to me

Unfortunately.

Oh, Jughead, Jughead, Jughead.

If I divulge that information, whatever shred of poor Reginald's dignity will be rendered nonexistent. Let the poor boy have his pride.

no not acceptable I can't know this power exists and not be a part of it come on I'll be your sorcerers apprentice or some shit

Does this make me Nick Cage in this scenario, Jay Baruchel? Unless you were talking about Fantasia.

Anyway, the difference between you and I is that Reggie is--was attracted to me, Jughead. I turned him down. But to him, I might have as well ripped his heart out of his chest and showed it to him as he slowly sank to ground and died.

oh the powers you wield, mysterious woman

Ah, I use my powers for good, Jughead Jones the 3rd.

please never change so uh, have you talked the betty this week

Edited 2017-02-26 18:46 (UTC)

Not planning to.

I haven't yet. Going to. Why? Is she in trouble?

Edited 2017-02-26 20:14 (UTC)

no nothing like that just yanno. didn't see her at school today and it's been a fucking intense week and everything.

Oh, good.

[You worried her for a sec there, Jughead.]

I'll poke around, Jug. Not to worry.

thanks. i'd ask her myself but it might mess with the whole aloof and mysterious thing i'm going for here.

No problem.

[Veronica chuckles at that. Boys. Seriously.]

I'll do this for you because of our budding friendship, but you could actually ask Betty herself. She would be touched, Jughead.

Edited 2017-02-27 03:42 (UTC)

[fact: every boy you know Veronica lodge is the very dumbest boy]

I'll get around to it. Right now I have sleuthing to get to.

[by which he means falling into a six-hour Reddit hole followed by more work on his melodramatic fanfic about his friends. So glamourous.]

Edited 2017-02-27 04:35 (UTC)

[She's starting to see a pattern here.]

Don't get into too much trouble, Hardy Boy.

[Ah, the day in the life of Jughead Jones the 3rd.]

Edited 2017-02-27 05:58 (UTC)

i promise nothing

Famous last words.

Later, Jughead.

So what was it like sleeping over at Cheryl's?

It was like the unholy union of the Addams Family and the Kardashians.

And I'm not talking about Cheryl.

Knowing what I do now, I'm not surprised.

Knowing Cheryl, she wouldn't want our pity.
But her parents... They're adding more to her pain
rather than lessen it by being an actual family.

What can we do to help her? You know, without her knowing that's what we're up to?

It has to be sneaky.

I love sneaky.

I thought you might say that.

Ideas?

This is the good kind of predictability, B.

Hmm, it has to be small but sweet. And sincere. Somewhere along the lines of a giant card or making Cheryl brownies.

"Special" brownies?

Betty Cooper! If I had pearls right this second, I'd be clutching them.

Although that would make Cheryl relax, I don't think we could take another scandal in this town.

Maybe a cake and a heartfelt letter signed from all of us?

Edited 2017-02-27 03:10 (UTC)

Just trying to see how much this town has influenced you.

That sounds nice.

That conscience I used to claim I don't have has been making itself right at home.

I don't suppose you know how to bake, Betty?

I think I can whip something up.

Excellent!

Now all that's we need to do is draft that letter.

We should get the girls from the squad to contribute too.

You've brought many of the males of Riverdale to your heel under your allure. I can respect that.

Thank you. [She guesses...?]

Me being the "new girl" is starting to wear off. Even though I'm no longer a shiny new toy, tongues still wag, heads still turn.

[That's because you are a gorgeous creature, Veronica Lodge.]

It is a seductive spell you weave. I would be grateful for the incantation. While this is not my particular style, it would prove useful to add to the family grimoire.

I'm sorry, but you think I'm a witch?

Wiccan?

I'm not quite sure what's the right term to use.

You are neither? A shame. It would be nice to find another.

Sorry to disappoint. We're going to have to chalk this up to good ol' genetics. Thanks Mom and Dad!

And I do hope you find another, though.

Perhaps the enchantment is in the genetics, but only a biopsy would prove that.

[Never has Veronica been so glad Hiram Lodge is in prison this very moment. Her mother though...]

Abuelita liked to tell stories about our family. She would have mentioned if there were any brujas related to us.

Edited (and i accidentally spelled bruja the Filipino way oops) 2017-02-27 06:01 (UTC)

Unless she was not so informed. It can happen, with families being further apart now

As morbid as this conversation is, I must admit I am fascinated by the possibility.

Many things are possible, to those willing to actually pay attention

( maybe a little something from the first episode? that night after cheryl's party. )

hey... you still awake?

(sure!)

Insomia. My old foe.

[That's a yes.]

i thought maybe we could talk. should talk, actually.

This sounds serious, Archiekins.
Should I be worried?

you don't have to be worried.
look, what happened at cheryl's...

( a beat, chewing at plush of lip. )

maybe it shouldn't have happened. maybe it was a mistake, like you said.
but i didn't feel like it was

[OH BOY here we go.]

Archie...
Look, I'm a big believer on being honest. To the point of being blunt even.
I did. Feel something.

But Betty...
I don't want to tear you two apart.
I saw something beautiful there.

i'm honest too. i know it might not seem it, not with everything that's happened.
betty is the last person i want to hurt. she really is. but i don't know what i should be doing here.
avoiding what i want for something everyone has painted this... saga with isn't going to cut it. all i ever seem to do is get caught up in everyone's expectations, and me and betty are one of them.

I suppose...
when we've all calm down, we should talk openly about all of this.
I mean, the more typical thing to do is
to ignore it and pretend everything's fine and dandy until one of us
just explodes.

Makes for good, juicy gossip.
Bad for friendships.

I don't want to blow it with Betty. Nor you.

how is it working for you so far? just pretending? because it seems like that already hasn't worked out for the best.
i will talk to betty, but separately. right now i just want to talk to you.

In my old world,
pretending is my bread and butter.
But it rarely works out in the end.

I'll talk to her too. When the time's right.

[Curse these emotions. If this was the old Veronica, she would have just snatched up Archie without a second thought, kicking Betty to the curve. But after seeing her father being dragged away by policemen and the move to Riverdale, it makes for a humbling experience.]

Oh.

[Archie Andrews, you're going to be bad for her heart.]

You're talking to me now.
Well, texting.

[ i'm only three episodes in, so forgive me if i slip up on anything. within a few hours i'll be caught up haha, i had a ton of work so couldn't watch 'em til now. but these two ruin me. ]

( he should be thinking more about betty, about what he's already done to her. should be making sure that nothing would slip up between them again– it's selfish of him, to have even reached out to veronica at such an hour. he's lodged between ensuring he doesn't hurt a girl who has been there for him since they were young and a girl he's only just met, but what he wants to think about is archie. not his father's expectations, not the picturesque of him and betty, but what he felt in that closet. it wasn't for nothing. he can't let himself believe it was for nothing. )

i am talking to you now. and all of this... it stays between us.
and i want you. i can't ignore it.

(no problem! they had a really cute scene in last week's episode. ronnie was really sweet to him :3)

Archie...

[She shivers after reading the message, curling up deeper in her comforter. There's no denying she is attracted to Archie the way he's attracted to her. Why did the raven-haired girl think her life in a small town wouldn't be complicated?

Veronica heaves a heavy sigh, proceeding to type again.]

Secrets already?

[ i'm looking forward to it! even before i watched any of the show i tucked archie under my arm, even tho he's dug himself into a lot of trouble so far haha. it's only natural i ship the forbidden fruit tbh. ]

i didn't want it to be like this. i don't...

( he pauses again, mussing fingers through thick locks. )

i don't want it to be a secret. but for now maybe it's the smartest thing to do

( or the least smartest; but none of the wiser involve still seeing her. )

(Oh boy, you're in for a treat XD)

I believe you, Archie. But...
Ahh, clandestine text messaging.

[There a pause in Ronnie's replies, since she's considering what the best course of action could be taken for their predicament.]

I'm letting you know
that my policy for honesty does extend to Betty Cooper.
And I still want the three of us to sit down and work things out.

But for now... just talk. Talk to me.

Edited 2017-02-26 21:29 (UTC)

Hi, Archie.

( for now. maybe it's cowardly, that it's easier for him to focus on. to forget that veronica and betty came together. there was a way to keep them both, and all he had to do was resist, keep himself in line. him and betty's friendship was so much more than teen angst hormones and seven minutes in heaven, but what he'd felt that night... if it was a shot in the dark, if it wasn't mutual, he'd pull back. but he knows she feels the same, and it makes it all the more difficult. )

i am talking to you

( oh, the operations of a boy's brain. )

that's all i could think about doing.

[Boys. Making things so complicated.]

Aww. Not enough to talk to me at school? So greedy, Archiekins.

Edited 2017-02-26 21:57 (UTC)

i'm hardly greedy, ronnie. this would be a much different story if i was.

Oh? And if you were?

( he'd be lying to say he wasn't a little bit smug of her curiousness. )

then i'd have you here with me right now.

i'm sorry, i know that was forward.

[Yep. So bad for her heart.]

"Fortune favors the bold", Archie Andrews.

Edited 2017-02-27 03:39 (UTC)

does it now, veronica lodge?
so it wouldn't be completely reckless of me then to invite you over?

I live all the way across town, Archiekins.

Plus, Smithers will notice. The man doesn't sleep.

Unless he does whenever my mom and I aren't at the apartment.

And, ah, it's 3 AM. How about that?

well, i'd still make it work if you wanted to.
but you're right, i guess it is kinda late.

[Pictured: Archie Andrews]

That's sweet, but that distance is no joke.
Thank god for concealer. My eyebags are just as heavy as the baggage I brought to this town.

Edited 2017-02-28 03:11 (UTC)

That's an excellent plan if you want to be mauled to death, sure.

[ misfire?? ]

What plan? Who is getting mauled to death?

As much as I'd like the answer to who be you, it's none of your business.

It is now. Maybe next time you'll pay more attention to who you're texting.

Maybe you should remember what got you involved with the supernatural in the first place. Always eager to poke your nose where it doesn't belong, aren't you?

My curiosity didn't get me involved in the supernatural. You biting Scott that night did. So. Your fault. Again.

Whose fault was it that Scott was out in the woods?

It was my fault that he was out there. You still bit him, which dragged both of us into all of this.

Well if you want to point fingers, we can trace the reason why I was so compelled to bite Scott that night all the way back to the Argents.

Or you could tell me all about the death and destruction that you're plotting.

Not an unfounded accusation, but funny enough, I'm not the one planning anything tonight. So there's no need for you to concern yourself.

Oh, look at that, I don't believe you.

Unsurprisingly. You're determined to mistrust me. Not that I blame you— better than to naively believe the best of people.

I wonder why. Now quit stalling. What's going on? You know we're all going to end up involved at some point. You might as well share what you know.

What do you think is going on, Stiles? It's Beacon Hills.

Something bad. It's always something bad.

Something bad that has nothing whatsoever to do with you. I'm aware that you're under the assumption this is somehow your responsibility, but it isn't. Stay home, pop some popcorn, have yourself a video game marathon or whatever it is you do to relax.

Relax? I can't relax. Not when I know there is something going on out there and you're somehow part of it.

I could go over there and give you a concussion, see if that'll wipe this conversation from your memory.

Or you could stay far away from me.

Oh good, that's one thing we agree on. You stay wherever you are, and I'll stay where I am.

Except you won't be staying wherever you are. You'll be out there causing chaos.

Relax. Derek will be with me.

Is he really or are you just saying that so I'll shut up?

Do I need to remind you that between the two of us, the one who's actually been out there and causing chaos is you who was possessed by an ancient Japanese fox spirit intent on razing this town into the ground?

Keyword: possessed. What's your excuse?

No point in trying to excuse my actions to an unsympathetic audience. We're at an impasse.

Wow, and here I thought you would try to get me to feel sorry for you or something.

Please. Like I'd want your pity.

No, of course not.

There's been a change of plans. Meet us at the preserve in half an hour, and bring Scott with you.

See! I told you we would end up getting dragged into it! I'll get Scott and we'll be there in a half hour.

Or it's better to keep an eye on both of you instead of having you run into the middle of everything without warning.

We wouldn't do that...

Stiles.

Peter.

The state of California doesn't permit drivers to text and operate a vehicle at the same time. But I'm sure as son of the Sheriff, you already knew that.

Of course I know that.

We'll be at the preserve soon.

See you there.

Good morning, Chihiro!

I just wanted to thank you for your advice, my program has been operating 1.8% more efficiently since I input the changes you suggested.

I wonder if we could get it to 2% but I'm really glad it made some sort of difference.

I'm sorry, good morning!

I'm sure we could, given enough time. I'm not sure the effort would really be worth the additional .2%, but I don't often get to work with other people on my own projects. It sounds like fun to keep working on it on the side, if you don't mind keeping at it with me.

How are you doing today?

I've thought something like that a few times but that .2% could make more of a difference than imagined. It makes those hours of work worth it. I don't know anyone who is into this kind of stuff so I'm really grateful that we get to work together at all.

I'm doing okay, thanks. What about you?

I don't get to work with other people on these sorts of projects often either. I'm glad we both have someone to do this with, now.

[She has other friends, of course, but as much as she likes them... they don't really understand the nuances of robotics and programming. Not on the same level that Chihiro does, at least.]

I'm doing well, thank you for asking.

What do you like to have for breakfast?

[ This second text kind of confuses her for a moment, but she answers it honestly anyway. ]

A lot of the time I go for softer foods, but I try to make an effort to enjoy a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs occasionally.

What about you?

Edited 2017-03-01 02:02 (UTC)

I don't really think about breakfast too much. That's why I wanted to ask as I figure that maybe I should have a full breakfast more often.

I just like whatever's tasty. I'm sorry that I can't think of a more exciting answer.

That's all right. There's nothing wrong with enjoying foods because they taste good.

Technically I should have started eating through a feeding tube as my condition declined, but that's something I've never quite been willing to give up.

It doesn't sound like it'd be as satisfying. You're a pretty strong person no matter what. That's really cool.

No, it wouldn't be.

Thank you, but I can't claim that it's all strength. I've been very fortunate to be able to afford treatment, so that I could put such a thing off for this long.

Are you afraid?

I've had a long time to come to terms with it.

Yes. Not as much as I used to be, but yes.

Edited 2017-03-03 02:51 (UTC)

And you admit to it.

I'm sorry for asking something like that. You're just so open so I was wondering.

Like I said, I've had a lot of time to think about it. I feel like everyone knows that it's a scary situation, there isn't any point in pretending that it isn't one.

It's okay. It's not unusual to have questions, and we're friends so I don't mind answering them.

I guess it's a little more productive to try to come to terms with it than just think about how scary it is. But it also can't be easy because the heart and brain don't always connect on stuff.

One thing I've noticed is that it seems to be a little easier to accept when you're on my end of things.

What you expect your life to be, and how I can expect mine to be, are very different. I've had a lot of time to grow familiar with the concept - it's okay for you to be upset about it, even if I'm not at the moment.

[ Granted, comforting others about her own condition is far from her favorite thing to do.

But Chihiro is a sweet kid, and she considers him a friend. It wouldn't be fair to expect him to be unaffected by such things. ]

I've got tequila :) :) :)

You coming to Molly's after shift?

Yeah. Something up?

It's been a long shift. Just wondering who is up to a drink.

Think just about everyone. We could all use it.

How much more do you have to do for the second edition of your book?

There's quite a bit left still.

Have you seen something that looks like a platypus running through your shop?

I have not but I could keep a look out for it.

Hiya. So, I was wondering if you were interested in a good recipe for strudel.

Of course I would be. I always am interested in good recipes.

How about we go and see that picture tonight?

I would be delighted to.

If I were to covertly make a run on a nearby liquor store, would you have any requests?

i'd feel better if someone went with you. how's that for a request?

Understood. I just assumed everyone else was busy.

i'm not.

If you'd like to go with, I wouldn't mind.

you're inviting me now?
you don't want to wait and see if i can drop a stronger hint?

[ it really says something that a simple liquor store run sounds like a nice break. ]

I could, but that would just be procrastinating.

point taken.
what are you getting for yourself?

Not sure yet. I'm hoping I'll have a stroke of inspiration.

inspiration better not strike with birthday cake vodka.

There's a time and a place for that, and when I'm thinking seriously about entering an alcohol-altered state of mind for a few hours is not that time and place.

so whiskey?

Whiskey might do.

out of curiosity, did you even consider getting drunk at a bar?

Of course I've done that.

Back at the Academy.

Real bars intimidate me.

I drove a tank the other day. Seemed like the kind of thing you'd be interested in knowing.

! you're not wrong.
how did it feel?

Really weird. It starts slow but then the thing is like being in the middle of an earthquake.

yeah, i've got to try that.
you go far? roll over anything?

Just across the parking lot. And I don't think I crushed anything.

where was this? what type of parking lot?

Stadium out in Chicago. I don't even know how he got it. He was just like, I have a tank and you should drive it.

no reason is probably better than a good reason. more fun.

I'm just glad I didn't crash. What's new on your end?

nothing i can talk about. all work, no play.

so, tank street racing next?

Oh my god that would be such a disaster.

Street racing is hard as hell by the way. Did it for a year, got totally schooled.

the disaster would be the whole appeal. collateral damage. i can see it now.

how totally is 'totally'?

Let's just say I learned a lot.

i think of you as more of a team player.

You're not wrong. But it was a really long story.

you a fan of whiskey in general, or just scotch?

i'm not picky, sergeant.

but if you had to be picky, what would you choose?

haig.
i missed out last time there was a nice bottle going around.

that is a pricey label, agent. what do you like about it?

you said picky, i got picky.

you know
no one's ever asked what i like about it.

[ nick fury liked something about it, and there was a time the not-HYDRA SHIELD contingent would've jumped off a bridge if he did. she's thinking maybe it's that simple. ]

picky can be sentimental, too.

if you don't wanna answer, i won't take it personally.

honestly it's just an expensive thing to set aside for a really bad day.

hell-cat maggie? that's sentimental.

oh. guess no one can fault you for either type of taste.

wouldn't blame you for faulting my taste in other things. like intelligence agencies.

~~they~~ we they fooled steve for almost two years. dont be so hard on yourself.

i just want to make sure you know we're all clear now.

I'm assuming you mean hydra.

assuming right.
though SHIELD had other problems too.

like what?

project insight, for one.

that was a hydra project.

at the highest level, but the way SHIELD was structured allowed it to happen. and we're not going back to that.

good. everyone communicating more?

Edited 2017-02-28 03:02 (UTC)

much more. fewer secrets.

That tends to be healthier, for everyone.

Get your gen texts here

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