text;

[bearshermark]

Okay but what if beach party


edit: like at sundown, bonfire style
edit 2: rockaway beach
edit 3: may 31st? weather permitting

Comments

[darkforcerising]

And it's covered in sand.

[bearshermark]

Yessss, but. It's. the beach.

[darkforcerising]

Still covered in sand.

[bearshermark]

Come on you're killing me.

What if.. I agreed to take off the 'nothing dangerous' condition off the fire power test thing.

[darkforcerising]

You had that condition for a good reason. I wouldn't endanger another person just because I like explosive.

But, here's the thing: sand and prosthetics don't mix.

[bearshermark]

..I guess not. Okay.

I wonder if there are any parks near the beach thst would let us have a bonfire? But I guess they usually aren't open at night huh.

[darkforcerising]

I'm sorry. That was kind of rude of me. You guys should enjoy your party at the beach.

[bearshermark]

Thanks. I'm sorry it doesn't work. We'll miss you being there. You're pretty cool and well-liked, I think.

[traceofeffort]

Oh! Oh yeah, yeah, sorry. Um... I think so? LOUDER's been ready for a little while.

[Nothing for a long moment.]

And I think I have one other song that might be good for the beach.

[bearshermark]

You'll be amazing.

[hardtoignore]

[Perfect cinnamon roll. Too good, too pure for this world. Jeez, if only The Onion could have known...]

[Clarence sighs.]

You're always trying to do stuff to help other people. It's... [He struggled to find the right words.] ... Look. It's a good idea. A nice gesture. Great intentions. But El, don't get disappointed if things don't work out quite how you want it to.

[darkforcerising]

You better not be setting off awesome fireworks without me.

[traceofeffort]

[There's a brief delay as Lisa's phone falls from her twitching fingers.]

You can't just SAY that! I mean, I hope so, but Elliott!

[bearshermark]

What? You were in a really famous band, weren't you? And you've been practicing a lot. I'm sure you'll be great.

[bearshermark]

No fireworks. They're not even legal tonset off, I don't think. Don't want all of us getting arrested or anything.

[bearshermark]

[Elliott held his breath, then slowly released it]

..What do you think might happen?

[traceofeffort]

I can't take credit for stuff the other me did. That just feels... wrong. And she didn't play the guitar anyway, so I'm having to do all this myself. She knows what it SOUNDS like - I do too - but it's just not the same. I've been practicing, but... it's daunting, y'know? Just BECAUSE they were good. I keep wondering if I'm good enough to play this.

[hardtoignore]

[He shrugs, reaching down to release the lead from the harness. He expected Cheddar wouldn't go far, and there wasn't really anyone else around that his cat might bother right now.]

I dunno. Maybe they won't hire you. Or maybe you will end up getting shunned by a lot of the other Different. Or maybe the Bureau will use you as a scapegoat later on.

You just can't trust anyone in authority. I guess I just mean to say is... keep your eyes open.

[bearshermark]

[He thought it over for a moment, hoping Clarence's trust was misplaced]

I'll be careful. But, well if they don't hire me, I guess I won't have to worry too much. Just don't mention it to Mom. I'm not gonna tell her unless I get the job. Don't want to worry her over nothing if it doesn't happen. I wanted to tell someone, though.

[bearshermark]

You've got latent talent though, I'm sure. And you're definitely good enough. Besides, it's looking like it'll only be a handful of people anyway. I can't wait to hear you play.

[traceofeffort]

[Hah. Latent talent. If she had that she'd have a record deal by now. But... even so, he's so earnest she can't help but smile.]

Dammit, Elliott, I was being broody over here and you just had to come in and reassure me. Thank you. I'm gonna work hard and try to bring Roselia's sound to life, in my own way.

[hardtoignore]

I... I get that. [At least he could help in this way.]

[He was quiet for a moment, just watching Cheddar stalking something crawling along the beach, maybe a crab.]

... You know I got your back, right? However I can, I want to help you. I just, I don't think I'll be able to do anything if you get in too deep.

[bearshermark]

That's my job!

And I know you definitely will. I'm sure of it.

[bearshermark]

[Elliott smiled, heart lifting and voice going fond.]

Yeah, I know. Thanks.

[He already knew he wouldn't drag Clarence into anything he thinks might make him a target if things got that bad, but he wasn't going to think about that for now]

[hardtoignore]

[One more thing to worry about. One more thing to consider now that he was starting to see things weren't as simple, and never would be, as they once were.]

[He took a deep breath then made kissing sounds, alerting Cheddar. The cat trilled back and trotted back over, allowing Clarence to tag him to the lead again]

C'mon. Let's go get something tasty. I can feed Cheddar at the bus stop before I head home.