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[sup][color=dimgray][color=181313][b]Jareth[/b][/color], [b][color=ffff99]Remy[/color][/b], [color=426f6f][b]Riley[/b][/color] & [color=0598bc][b]Brian Helmsley[/b][/color][/color]
[color=dimgray]Collab with [@Universorum] & [@Silent Observer]
(Previous day in IC)[/color][/sup][/center]
[indent]Family dinner had been eventful, to say the least. In Jareth’s eyes, the hecticness of it was both amusing, and endearing. This was home. It was nights like these that he longed for whenever he was away on tour. This was his family — this rag tag group of men — none of which were related by blood, but all were family nonetheless. Nights like these made everything worth it, all of the struggle to get here, and he wouldn’t trade it for the world. Not when he had the world already.

JD was sent off to join his actual parents at home for the night, and Jar told his other sons (Damian included) to go make themselves scarce. He would help Remy with the after dinner clean-up. And what he meant by that was, he would do all of the clean-up, and he would make sure that Remy’s glass of wine stayed full while he sat and relaxed near Jar. 

Remy had been humming a song earlier, one that Jar had written him on one of his many nights away from the light of his life. It was a love song about long-distance relationships, and it was one of the softest, most intimate melodies that he had ever composed. As he made his way around the kitchen, scrubbing pans and loading the dishwasher, he also hummed the tune, which was now stuck in his head.

Having loaded the last of the dishes into the dishwasher, Jar turned to his husband now. The fairer-haired man was leaning up against the counters, his glass of blush colored wine beside him. Jareth sang the last verse of [i]their[/i] song in a soft, angelic tone as he made his way over to him. He kissed him lovingly and hoisted Remy up so that he was now sitting on the countertop. Gazing up at him with a smirk and a cocked eyebrow, he asked: [color=181313][b]“Lazy… huh?”[/b][/color]

By now, Remy had drank an excessive amount of wine and with the touch of his husband lifting him up, still able to pick him up even after they both grew in height and width, he couldn’t help but giggle. The giddiness he felt by simply being this close to Jareth was influenced not only by the intoxication, but his doting forever love for him. The flood of endorphins urged him to bite, but he refrained from doing so, his cheeks adorned with an attractive rosiness. Putting his glass down, Remy wrapped his arms around his Nightshade and ‘innocently’ defended himself, [b][color=ffff99]“I was kiddingggg.”[/color][/b] The chef suppressed a smile, before leaning in closer and brushing his nose against Jar’s, [b][color=ffff99]“It took me years to be a good liar, and even now, I’m pretty bad. Mel’s just gullible. I’m surprised I kept my feelings from you for so long!”[/color][/b] The gentle sound of Remy’s giggles softened the room. Vibrant. Warm. Lovely. 

[color=181313][b]“You didn’t.”[/b][/color] Jareth said through a grin and then kissed the tip of Rem’s nose. He looked at him with a loving smile in his eyes. [color=181313][b]“I was just blind.”[/b][/color] He pulled away slightly, though his arms were still around Remy’s waist, whilst Rem’s own arms were over his shoulders. [color=181313][b]“Quite the lively dinner we had tonight, hmm?”[/b][/color]

[b][color=ffff99]“Our baby has a date Friday! I’m so happy for him. When should I invite her over? Is it too soon? I want to meet her.”[/color][/b] Remy excitedly rambled. 

Suddenly, he came to a realization that showcased in a gasp,  [b][color=ffff99]“Do you think Riley is upset about this? He was so moody! More so than usual. Though, I found it funny he was the first to answer the phone.”[/color][/b]

Jar grinned at his rambling husband. His face was flushed and he was talking faster than he normally did. Remy was drunk, and it was absolutely adorable. [color=181313][b]“Mhm.”[/b][/color] Jareth hummed in thought. [color=181313][b]“Damian also got himself kicked off the team, and Trevor showed up with a busted lip. I’m not convinced those two things are unrelated. Surely you remember how football boys can get…”[/b][/color] It wasn’t that either of them played sports in high school, gods no, but Remy did convince Jareth to be a wolf mascot alongside him back in the day. [color=181313][b]“But yes, something’s up with Rye lately. Seemed worse today. Have you gotten him to talk about it?”[/b][/color]

[b][color=ffff99]“No, I has not!”[/color][/b] What a bad father he was, Remy pouted. [b][color=ffff99]“I should go ask, I’ll go ask riiiight now.”[/color][/b] The blond father slid off the counter, only to have himself pressed against his husband. He was done. Inches away from Jareth’s chest, Remy devilishly grinned and nommed his love like he was the best cake known to man. Mmmmm, delicious. 

[color=181313][b]“Not like this, you won’t”[/b][/color] Jareth chuckled at his hubby’s inebriated enthusiasm. He pulled Remy back down off the counter and made sure that he was steady to stand. [color=181313][b]“You and I are going to go downstairs to the theater and snuggle up. We’ll see how many episodes of Parks and Rec we can get through before you pass out, and then I’m going to put you to bed. That’ll give Rye some time to brood. He’s like me, brooding’s good for our types. Then I’ll go talk to him. K?”[/b][/color]

[b][color=ffff99]“I love my brooding boys! I can brood too, see.”[/color][/b] Remy made the grumpiest face he could muster in his drunk state. See. He broods too! [/indent]
[hr]
[indent][center][i]I’ll be joining you as one of your cohosts![/i][/center]

Facing the ceiling of his bedroom, Riley looked up at the blaring light emitting from his phone at the number of the mysterious ‘B’ he needed to call.  Why was everyone abusing all his hard work? The Morning Show wouldn’t exist without Riley. First, Trixie, by pushing Brynn on him, and now this person that he doesn’t even know. If they wanted a show so badly, why couldn’t they find a different time slot? Mornings were his. Though, honestly, if this were night school, his show would be more appropriate for that time frame.

[center][i]Have some plans for Tuesday’s episodes.[/i][/center]

What plans? Mrs. Green and Mrs. O’Connor gave the students enough to talk about for weeks. What did this person want to do? Obviously, one thing was to abuse the exposure Riley got just by being on every homerooms’ tvs in the morning. This was frustrating to say the least. All Riley wanted was peace, and to take back what was his! Rise was his baby! He worked hard to even convince the school to get as much financial backing as he did because hey, he isn’t going to toot his horn, but Riley would like to think he was one hell of a business. 

[center][i]Will discuss later tonight! Call me by 10:30 tonight, thanks![/i][/center]

It was 10:28 PM. Rolling over in his bed, Riley looked down at his phone. Did he have to? Why did he feel like if he didn’t, he would regret it? Ugh. Today sucked, and it wasn’t going to stop sucking until he went to sleep. Huffing to himself, he pressed the call button and waited in annoyance for whoever to pick up. He had to make sure his attitude didn’t appear on the line. While he waited, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath in,  and then exhaled it all out. 

Almost immediately, the phone was answered. [color=0598bc][b]“You were almost late. I said 10:30, didn’t I? That’s when I go to bed, Riley.”[/b][/color] The voice on the other end of the line was easily identifiable after it spoke… Brian Helmsley. The boy who’d been gone for ages was very suddenly back, and apparently wanted to work on the show, now. [color=0598bc][b]“Anyway, hi. I guess I can’t complain too much, huh? At least you answered. The show. I need to have the opening bit; I want to use it to shill Damian’s next big party.”[/b][/color] Brian explained; and just like the text… he wasn’t really asking.

Riley sat up immediately at the voice he was listening to — the unexpected person on the other end. Brian Helmsley was calling him? With a raised eyebrow, Riley questioned one of the most prominent figures that walked the halls of their school, [color=426f6f][b]“Why… why is Damian throwing a party so soon, and can’t you advertise it, I don’t know, like, the normal way? Everyone has social media.”[/b][/color] 

[color=0598bc][b]“I suppose I could. But this is much faster, and besides, the party is tomorrow night; social media isn’t [i]that[/i] fast. Look, whether you like it or not, I’m on the show. I want to take the first four or five minutes to drop a few things on the audience, and then from there I can stand aside and let you handle business. I’m sure you’re more than capable. If you’d like, I can even only participate for this show. Maybe start a new trend: daily special guests.”[/b][/color] Brian offered into the phone, doing his best to try and make this easy on Riley. Truth be told, Brian wasn’t much a fan of stealing other people’s thunder, but this was a special situation. They’d involved you know who.

Rubbing his forehead with one hand, the other holding his phone, Riley thought about the boy’s words. He really didn’t want to start anything with a Helmsley. Riley was good at staying out of the politics of the school, which is funny, because his show displayed his face everyday and yet he still wasn’t involved in any [i]huge[/i] drama, besides the what he is in right now… with two gay boys. [color=426f6f][b]“A party on a Tuesday?”[/b][/color] Would parents even allow their kids out late at night on a Tuesday? [color=426f6f][b]“Look, Brian, I don’t want any problems. If you think this is what you got to do, I imagine you’ll do it regardless of my approval. So, is there anything I need to know? Do you actually want to be a permanent co-host? I can’t really deny people in joining a school club, you know?”[/b][/color] Riley would have to rework some of his planned episodes but if Brian wanted to be part of the club, he had no right to refuse him. Plus, Rise was suppose to bring the school together, so maybe this was the next step for him. Sharing the load of leaving some sort of impact on the school with Brynn and Brian. Riley shuddered at the thought that he would be working with two people that had similar names and people he never thought he’d work with during his high school career. 

[color=0598bc][b]“You’re correct. Riley, I’m really sorry. I know that it’s your thing, and I don’t mean to interfere in your thing, but I have to do this. It’s very, very important to me, and I’ll fight you over it if I have to. Yes, I wouldn’t mind being a permanent host — but I won’t fight and push to be on there. If you feel like I’m encroaching on your territory, then you tell me and I’ll bow out. I promise.”[/b][/color] Brian explained, and it seemed like for all intents and purposes, Brian was being [i]very[/i] personable and courteous. He didn’t want to push Riley around, he just saw an opportunity, and he was going to take it. [color=0598bc][b]“And, yeah, a party on Tuesday. Don’t worry, you’ll know all the details as soon as you get to school tomorrow. Our conversation is over, I think. Any questions?”[/b][/color]

[color=426f6f][b]“Nah, we’re good. If I think of anything, I’ll ask tomorrow.”[/b][/color] Riley sighed in defeat, but he wasn’t opposed to the idea of a Helmsley being on his show. Could be a good move for the school, or it could be a bad play and ruin everything he built. It was too soon to determine that. [color=426f6f][b]“Uh, I guess, welcome back? And see you in the morning?”[/b][/color] Words he never thought he’d say to a Helmsley. 

[color=0598bc][b]“Yep. See you first thing.”[/b][/color] [i]Click.[/i]

Ugh. What has Riley’s life turned into? Tossing his phone to the side, the boy fell back on his bed. Why did he bother with this whole high school thing? He didn’t even know how he’d approach Jamie and Marshall next. His life was a hot mess, and on top of that, he was losing his brother.  Resting his arm on his head, in the darkness of his room, Riley closed his eyes and took in the silence. 

The quiet moment was interrupted by a soft rapping at the door. Riley’s eyes would look to see his more paternal father there, standing in his bedroom’s door frame. Jareth’s arms were crossed over his chest as right shoulder was leaning against the wooden frame. He was smiling warmly, which may or may not have been evident in the dim evening light. [color=181313][b]“May I come in?”[/b][/color]

[color=426f6f][b]“Uh…”[/b][/color] Riley sat up and quickly scanned his room to make sure it didn’t have left over food lying about, or dirty clothes. Good, still clean. Scratching his head, the young brunette nodded his head, [color=426f6f][b]“Yeah, sure.”[/b][/color] As he waited for his Pops to respond, he looked at his Gundam showcase. He was trying to keep himself occupied while he waited for his impending doom. What did he do now? 

Jareth pushed himself off of the door frame and stepped inside Rye’s domain. The room was relatively clean for a teenage boy’s, certainly far better than Jar’s had been at that age. He pulled the computer chair over towards the bed and sat down on it, kicking his feet up on a box and facing his son. [color=181313][b]“Late night phone call… could it be that both my sons have become Romeo’s in my most recent absence?”[/b][/color] He asked with a crooked smile.

[color=426f6f][b]“Ha. Very funny, Pa.”[/b][/color] With Riley’s luck, he’ll die single and on the way to his deathbed, he will ruin relationships.  [color=426f6f][b]“That was... Brian. Brian Helmsley. One of Trevor’s friends. He’s back with his sisters and he was asking if he could join my show.”[/b][/color] After shrugging at the truth, Riley reached for his juggle balls off his nightstand and started to throw them up in the air as he waited for his father’s response. 

[color=181313][b]“Ahh,”[/b][/color] Jareth mused in thought. He, of course, knew of the Helmsley's, everyone did. Jar had actually met many of them at their “family” get togethers, hell, he’d attended his first Helmsley barbeque when he was only seventeen, and a Colorado outsider. They could be… intense, in his experience. [color=181313][b]“Is that why you’ve seemed… bothered, recently? I know I’m like, the deadbeat dad who leaves all the time, but I’d still like to know how you guys are doing.”[/b][/color] He laughed at his own joke. He was a dad now, so he could tell dad jokes that weren’t funny and laugh at them if he wanted. [color=181313][b]“You can talk to me, you know.”[/b][/color] His tone was gentle now, more serious than humorous.

Riley let the balls drop in his hand, and he eyed his father for a good, long moment. He never did tell Trevor what was bothering him, and if he didn’t speak up, he’d explode surely, but to the wrong people. His Pops was a third party, which was a good thing. Gently squishing the balls in his hands to relieve stress, Rye defeatedly sighed, [color=426f6f][b]“I think I fucked up.”[/b][/color] 

Okay, this was a start. 

Jareth kept quiet for a few moments. He didn’t look upset, he didn’t even look surprised, he just looked… patient. When Riley didn’t continue right away, Jar gently prodded him further, [color=181313][b]“How so?”[/b][/color]

Errr… [color=426f6f][b]“By being in a closet with another boy on accident?”[/b][/color] Was that a good enough explanation? Probably not. Wait! That made him sound gay. [color=426f6f][b]“I needed a breather, so I went in a closet. I found Marshall crying. Comforted him. Then when we left…”[/b][/color] He trailed off, not finishing his thought. His dad probably thought he made out with this kid! He was doing a terrible job in explaining himself. 

[color=181313][b]“Oh.”[/b][/color] Jar’s eyebrows raised, but his expression remained otherwise calm. That was slightly unexpected. Yet, also, surprisingly [i]un[/i]-surprising. Call it a father’s intuition, or perhaps the familiarity with what it felt like to be in the closet for forever, but Jar always did have a feeling that Rye might not be as straight as he said he was. [color=181313][b]“...and, you’re worried about what people might think? You don’t have to be, you know.”[/b][/color] Jareth hazarded a guess at finishing the sentence that his son seemed to be struggling to.

[color=426f6f][b]“I’m worried about what Jamie would think! I broke his goddamn heart.”[/b][/color] Oh man. He said too much.  [b][color=426f6f]“And no, I don’t have a thing for Jamie. Or Marshall. But I think they have a thing for each other. I don’t know! I didn’t mean to cause a misunderstanding. I was just being me and being a good friend, but me being a good friend led to the end of the fucking world as we know it.”[/color][/b] Well. He felt better after saying all that. 

Jareth should have expected that Riley would get defensive. He would have been the same way if the roles were reversed. Jar had struggled to admit that he was maybe, sort of, kind of, a little bit gay until after he had kissed Remy. It took [i]that[/i] long, so, he could understand, and he wouldn’t push the issue any further. Not tonight, at least. [color=181313][b]“Well, the world isn’t ending as far as I know, and that also doesn’t sound like it’s as much of your fault as you think it is. If they do have a thing for each other, then it’s their job to communicate. High school boys aren’t very good at that usually, but that’s also… [i]not[/i] your fault. Have you talked to either of them since it happened?”[/b][/color] Jar assumed that this took place at the infamous party, which was a few days ago. This would explain the excessive amounts of brooding lately.

[color=426f6f][b]“Oh.”[/b][/color] Riley stood up and grumbled, [color=426f6f][b]“I’ll just go up to one of them and be like hey, so, I’m sorry I fucked up your chances with that boy you liked. Or man, dude, everyone was in that closet, why is it weird that I was in it too?”[/b][/color] He pelted one of his balls against his closet door. [color=426f6f][b]“Yeah, right, Pops. The last thing they want to see is me.”[/b][/color] 

[color=181313][b]“I doubt that’s true…”[/b][/color] Jar replied softly. He watched as his son chuckled a foam ball against the door. Rye had caught it and bounced it again a few more times, before it wildly bounced off in the wrong direction. [color=181313][b]“And that’s not just me talking as your father. If it were you in that situation, wouldn’t you want to know what really happened? If they are that hurt by it, your honestly can only help them.”[/b][/color]

[color=426f6f][b]“Well, they can come to me when they want to talk, but I’m busy dealing with school politics taking over my show and accepting the fact that Trevor is whipped.”[/b][/color] Oh fuck. Rye froze at the words that came out of his mouth. He didn’t mean to say that last part. [color=426f6f][b]“Daddy, I should go to bed. I have to get up early.”[/b][/color] 

Jareth’s lips formed a straight line, which ghosted into the slightest bit of a frown. He recognized the shift in Riley’s mood. The time for talk was over, it was shut down time. Poke too much harder, and he was bound to explode. Like father, like son. [color=181313][b]“Get some rest, we can talk about it another time.”[/b][/color] Jar stood up and pushed the chair back towards Riley’s desk. He walked back over to his son’s side, mussed his hair and then let the hand fall to his shoulder, which he gave a comforting squeeze. If Rye wanted a hug, this was an invitation to one. If not, Jar would let him be. [color=181313][b]“Sleep well, kiddo. I love ya.”[/b][/color]

He did want a hug. Did he go for it? No. He didn’t. Riley gave his father a thumbs up as a form of dismissal and then watched Jar leave his room, who shut the door behind him. Once he was left by himself, he lied down, turned to his side, brought his pillow close to him, and stared blankly ahead.

Tomorrow would be a better day.[/indent]