[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/190609/e0681594eae33a4f4477fdd07e3ec155.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/ArBY8Th.png[/img]
[sub][b][color=darkgray]A #[color=brown]Mar[/color][color=35996B]cher[/color] Collab with [@spooner][/color][/b][/sub]
[img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/2c5ac33b9a0a8a680dc4374fcba6b071/tumblr_ofrzo8E0zv1ugrvrho1_500.gif[/img][/center]
[indent][indent][color=darkgray]At ten minutes past nine in the evening, [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/58/51/3f/58513f69371f3b90129633fb7381cf10.jpg]a hunter green G-Wagon[/url] was making its way to the driveway of the Diedrikson residence. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVY6bbKv-pE]Die Antwoord’s ‘Baby’s On Fire’[/url] was blasting from the speakers, the echoing bass making the whole vehicle tremble. Behind the wheel was the one and only Marisol Castillo, dressed up in a [url=https://assets.yandycdn.com/Products/DG_10641_Costume_front_2017COSTUME_a.jpg]rather sultry version of Wednesday Addams[/url] complete with the double braids and the shiny black Mary Janes. Once parked in front of the main entrance, Marisol began to dance and jam along to the music while her fingers moved across the keyboard on her phone screen. She sent a quick text to Archer letting him know she was waiting for him, one to Sonny asking if he was at the party yet, and one to Salem giving him an update about her current status before setting the device back on the cup holder to focus on the deafening music again.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Archer Diedrikson was kneeling down, tying his sneakers about to head out. However, it was the unnerving presence of his mother watching him from the kitchen doorway that ultimately made him flick his head towards her.

[color=35996B]"Is there anything you'd like to share?"[/color] The tall boy asked with a sarcastic tone. He knew exactly what she was about to say.

A small sigh left his mother. [b]"No…"[/b] she said quietly before pausing for a second. [b]"I'm just wondering if that [url=https://i.imgur.com/RC0TWQh.png]costume[/url]… Maybe it's a little too out there?"[/b] she finally asked.

Archer straightened up and rolled his eyes as he ran a hand through his hair. [color=35996B]“Why, yes, mother: I do think it’s out there. It’s kind of the point.”[/color] he deadpanned. He let out a sound that was a blend between a chuckle and a deep sigh. [color=35996B]“Where is this coming from? Is it maybe a concern of the big man upstairs?”[/color] he asked, narrowing his eyes at his concerned mother while picking up the basket of fruit, knowing that his father saw him getting his costume together earlier. 

[b]“Well... No, not-”[/b] his mother began before falling silent.

He gave her a knowing stare as he unlocked the front door. [color=35996B]“Look, Mom: don’t worry. It’s a party at Kavi’s house- we’re not going to a Halloween rave on the strip. Besides, gay bashing went out of style [i]years[/i] ago.”[/color] Archer quipped as he opened the door, stepping out into the night. [color=35996B]“Ok, love you! Bye!”[/color] he blurted, closing the door and not letting his mother comment.

Finally outside, Archer took a deep breath. He shook off the interaction he just had before walking fast towards the big car in his driveway, opening the passenger door with a flare.

[color=35996B][i]“A lotta bad boy’s wanna piece of me!”[/i][/color] he sang along in the same high-pitched voice of the song pouring out of the speakers as he showed off his costume to his best friend. 

A round of rowdy laughter broke through the music as Marisol's attention was pulled away from the music and to the tall boy standing outside her car. [color=brown]"The fruit-selling girl at the market in the 1800's? [i]Very[/i] nice choice, Archie,"[/color] she teased, amused green eyes taking in every piece of his costume: from the white, off the shoulder blouse down to the fabulous basket of fruit he was so proudly holding out. Very cute, and [i]very[/i] Archer Diedrikson.

Her friend scoffed and rolled his eyes. [color=35996B]“Thanks! [i]Love[/i] your depressed Pippi Longstocking look!”[/color] the boy grinned as he stepped in to the vehicle. 

Mari chuckled, lightly punching Archer in the shoulder. [color=brown]"So we picking up Van or heading straight to Kavi's?"[/color] she asked, foot still pressed on the brakes as she waited for his answer.

[color=35996B]“Nah, he said to meet him there.”[/color] Archer’s muffled voice answered as he hung over his seat to put his basket in the back of the car. [color=35996B]“So we can go straight there. If we’re not picking up someone else?”[/color] He asked.

[color=brown]"Nope,"[/color] the girl told him simply. And as if to prove her point, she released the brakes, pressed the gas pedal and drove away from Archer's house. [color=brown]"I'm meeting Sal there, so that means I get to spend all of this quality time with my favorite Fruit Boy,"[/color] Mari teased, squeezing her best friend's hand for a brief moment before taking hold of the steering wheel with both hands again.

Archer leaned back and clutched his chest. [color=35996B]“Why… why that just makes me the happiest little boy!”[/color] he joked in a sing songy voice. [color=35996B]“Good, ‘cause I need to hear what you guys are planning to do! What’s going on between you two… really?”[/color] he asked in earnest.

Mari was quiet for a second, not realizing she's started chewing on her bottom lip. [color=brown]"I mean, we're definitely more than friends-"[/color] she began, thinking of the many times Salem and her had hooked up [s]everywhere[/s] in the past two weeks and shaking the suggestive memories away as soon as they came up. [color=brown]"But I honestly have no clue of what to call this. Tonight's actually our first official date together as… whatever this is. We haven't really talked about it, you know?"[/color]

The boy mused for a moment as he emitted a low hum. [color=35996B]“And-”[/color] he continued the hum. [color=35996B]“What about that little problem… back in New York?”[/color] he asked carefully. [color=35996B]“I mean, I don't care about her… I don't know her!"[/color] Archer said defensively, throwing his hands up in front of him as he sensed a snarky comment loaded with a lot of 'fucks' coming his way judging from the way Mari raised her eyebrows at him. [color=35996B]"But I do care a whole lot about you- and Salem as well… to some extent."[/color] he intercepted before his friend could reply.

 [color=35996B]"And look: I know you hate talking about this stuff, but I just need to know you guys have a plan. I don't want you… You know I just want you to be happy."[/color] He fell silent staring out the window before turning his head to face her again [color=35996B]"Besides, this might be the only time we can talk about this without Torvie skulking around!"[/color] He said with a grin.

Marisol gave Archer a grateful but distracted half-smile, mind racing. She knew that what she and Salem had went way beyond just two horny friends with benefits getting on every chance they could get. They had deep conversations about things: life, the future, their hopes, their dreams, their fears, their pasts… And after every moment spent together, the green-eyed girl could actually [i]feel[/i] the bond between them strengthening. But after the crapfest she went through with Sonny and confessing her feelings only for them to be #gonewiththewind? There was no way she would be the one to bring up the subject first.

[color=brown]"As much as I hate to say this, Salem's the one that has the answer to all the questions you've just asked me. I'm just rolling with it for what it's worth,"[/color] she replied, trying to appear unbothered by the sudden wave of insecurity washing over her but eventually letting out a worried sigh. 

The boy in the seat beside her gave a small cough followed by a very skeptical look. [color=35996B]"Oh I'm sure you are,"[/color] he rolled his eyes before turning back looking out the window.

Besides her cousin, Archer was probably the only other person in the world she could be completely open and honest about her feelings with. She knew there was no fooling him, so it was best to just come clean. [color=brown]"I really care about him, Archie. I fucking hate it, but I do. Everything is great when I'm with him. He's sweet, he's caring, he listens to all my crap with a smile on his face, I [i]trust[/i] him…"[/color] Marisol trailed off, eyes widening with horror and surprise at the word that currently stood out in her mind. [color=brown]"Holy shit. I think it's the goddamn 'L' word."[/color]

He almost gave himself whiplash with how fast he spun his head around. Archer stayed silent with his mouth slightly open as he processes what was just said. Before speaking he composed himself [color=35996B]"Well, you basically described me! Except I'm not interested in all that."[/color] He gestures towards her crotch and chest, earning himself an eye roll and laughter from Mari. [color=35996B]"So obviously you would feel that way about the kid."[/color] He said, trying to hold a cheery tone to it and knowing his friend was probably scared out of her mind- since the last time she felt anything like this a Mercedes had to lose its life. [color=35996B]"Well then it's more important than ever to keep it 100 with each other."[/color]

[color=brown]"And on that note: how are things with Van Daddy?"[/color] Mari asked, a smug smile on her face as she jumped at the chance to shift the conversation from her emotions to the blossoming gay romance his friend was living.

Another eye roll before he dropped the subject. [color=35996B]"Good, thank you very much! We are figuring stuff out, and obviously we're spending a lot of time over at my house. Since we have the situation with uh… his folks..."[/color] he shifted a little uncomfortably. [color=35996B]"But, hey: I'm happy we have each other."[/color] he smiled, thinking about his boyfriend.

[color=brown]“And [i]I’m[/i] happy you guys have each other,”[/color] Mari added, her permanently hard expression softening considerably. After all the bullshit Archer had gone through because of his sexuality, it was a nice change to see him happy and with someone who was just as crazy about him and he was about them And hanging out at his place? It was the best way to shove it to- 

[color=brown]"Hold the fuck up: macho king patriarch Garrett Diedrikson is cool with all this gayness happening under his roof?"[/color] she suddenly asked incredulously, raising an eyebrow at Archer. Knowing her best friend's father, it was a miracle he was allowing his son to have Kavan over so often. Unless… [color=brown]"Unless he doesn't even know it's happening?"[/color] Mari mused, an impish smile on her face now.

Archer laughed loudly. [color=35996B]"You really think anything could escape the hawk eyes of daddy dearest?"[/color] he said while running his hands through his curly hair. [color=35996B]"No, I think in his own weird way he's come to terms with it. As long as it's behind closed doors."[/color] A wide grin spread across his face. [color=35996B]"But if he only knew what super slut Archie has been up to on the down low the past years."[/color] He winked at his friend.

[color=brown]"Oh, I bet,"[/color] Mari laughed. [color=brown]"So much for being able to keep it in your pants, unlike me, right?"[/color] she teased, taking one hand off the steering wheel to lightly punch Archer's elbow.

Archer held up a finger. [color=35996B]“I said that before me and Van had our moment and I-”[/color] he pursed his lips at Mari's look. [color=35996B]“Fine! Okay, I see my hypocrisy on this topic!”[/color] he chuckled. [color=35996B]"But in my defense you’ve known about all of my one night stand escapades!”[/color] he pointed his finger in her direction. Marisol knew everything about him, mostly because he always called her after.

[color=brown]"So have you!"[/color] Mari laughed as well, shaking her head. [color=brown]"I've told you everything in detail, from the position he was hitting it from down to what he was saying while he did it."[/color]

[color=35996B]“Which I never asked for, I want to add.”[/color] he grumbled as he settled back in his seat. 

[color=brown]"But that I share anyway because that's what best friends do, [i]and you're my best friend in the whoooooole wide world![/i]"[/color] she replied, using a teasing, child-like voice to say that last phrase while pinching Archer's cheek.

Soon enough the Salvador estate came in to view [color=35996B]“It never ceases to amaze me how [i]fucking[/i] big Kavi’s house is…"[/color] he leant forward to get a better look at the approaching house.  

The short girl scoffed. [color=brown]"[i]This[/i] is your definition of a big house?"[/color]

Archer scoffed back. [color=35996B]“Not everything is a dick measuring contest, Marisol! If it makes you feel better I think your house is [i]huge[/i] too.”[/color] he said in a mock sweet voice and patted his friend on the head while unbuckled.

Mari playfully swatted his hand away. [color=brown]"Good, because it would hurt my big, fat, manly ego if you didn't think so,"[/color] she teased back, parking the car in the nearest empty spot and shutting off the engine. 

After she gave herself one last good look in the rearview mirror and popped two pieces of gum in her mouth, the braided brunette exited the car, skipped around to the passenger side and turned to her best friend. [color=brown]"You ready to go find Bollywood Prince Charming?"[/color]

[color=35996B]“Yes! Let’s do this shit!”[/color] the boy said as he retrieved the basket of fruit from the car closing the door after him. [color=35996B]“Shall we?”[/color] he said holding out his free arm for Mari to grab.

[color=brown]"Let's."[/color] she responded, taking Archer's arm.

And with matching grins and linked arms, Wednesday Addams and the gender bender Demeter walked through the house’s door and made their entrance to Kavi Salvador's Halloween party.[/color][/indent][/indent]