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[sub]Collab with [@Venus] || featuring [color=50c878]The[/color] [color=f6989d]Brady[/color] [color=#B8660B]B[/color][color=#AE481A]u[/color][color=#A52A2A]n[/color][color=#B32935]c[/color][color=#C22941]h[/color] || [color=b8860b][b]Time of Day[/b][/color] — Early Morning (after the events of the Carlisle House)[/sub]
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As the morning rays had been poking through his window for nearly an hour and his room was illuminated by the summer sun, Marco just laid in his bed, looking at the wide poster of Boston’s hottest weather girl, [url=https://i.imgur.com/qPT5NuR.jpg]Leticia Flores[/url], Marco just laid there. His arms were folded loosely across his stomach, legs crossed in a way that didn’t cause his barely-recovered leg any discomfort. He laid there staring blankly into the image of the Mexican beauty, her dark hair enhanced by the light.

But he may as well be staring at a blank wall. 

Marco wasn’t even feeling like himself right now nor had he since he and Jill departed-- and especially not since Danny dropped him off last night.

Since he got home, maybe save for a few hours spread across nine, Marco hadn’t been able to sleep. All he could do was think about how quiet he was during that drive home. All he could do was lament on what Jill said about Danny. He didn’t know if she was right and that Danny didn’t deserve him or if that was even a factor. He had buried all of those dark thoughts about Danny for so long that Marco thought he forgot about it.

But then when Jill opened up about Mei and poured her soul out to him, he just felt like he needed to tell [i]someone[/i]. But after, he didn’t know if it helped. Even now, he still didn’t feel like he was any closer to feeling better about it. The pain was still there, but unlike before, he didn’t have anything else to push it down. Nothing to distract him. Unlike before, when Marco could use the excuse of the shooting and being shot and trying to recover from that, there was nothing that felt like a good excuse not to think of the hurt that came with his breakup with Danny. Even if nobody knew, he did and…

[color=darkgoldenrod]“I just don’t know!!--”[/color]

[color=brown]“Marcoooo!”[/color] 

As a few tears fell down his face, Marco shook it as he heard Emil call for him. He immediately wiped away his brief visit with his feelings, burying them down behind a fortified smile that was depending on Marco’s ability to hide his sadness from his younger brother.

And as soon as a dressed Emil burst his way into Marco’s room, he didn’t make any fuss about it since his door was open. [color=b8860b]“I’m up! What’s up?”[/color] Marco said, greeting his [url=https://i.imgur.com/E4kNwFV.jpg]brother[/url] as he stood up in a grunt.

[color=brown]“Mami needs us downstairs. Pop just got home and they want to go out for breakfast.”[/color]

[color=b8860b]“Really? I thought Pops wasn’t due home for another few hours?”[/color]

Emil shrugged. [color=brown]“You’re asking the wrong person. Now hurry up. I don’t think they want to wait in a line at Dolly’s.”[/color]

As his brother left, Marco decided that he wouldn’t think about Danny or what Jill said about Danny for the next couple of hours. Honestly, at the end of the day, maybe what he needed was this— a distraction with his family. Something that might make him forget about everything. Breakfast with his family always did that.

Marco spent a few minutes going through his dresser for a pair of shorts and a shirt. He knew that his Ma would probably expect him to wear something decent, so Marco made a habit of not going for a random pair of sweats. Even if they were just going out to the diner, there was a level of expectations to be had. Once he found something, though, he quickly [url=https://i.imgur.com/p3QA9j1.png]slipped it on[/url] and headed downstairs.

But he did so at his own pace. His leg still felt like crap. Running around and standing for long periods of time did nothing to help his aching.

As he made it to the bottom of the stairs, waiting for him was everyone: his [url=https://i.imgur.com/FuirV5I.jpg]father[/url], who was dressed in his usual work gear of the brown leather jacket he always wore, dark blue jeans, and a dark-colored shirt. Marco noticed the bags under his father’s eyes, which was to be expected. He was working all night and the fact he came home early and didn’t go straight to bed just showed how much he loved Ma. 

[color=50c878]“Hey there, Champ!”[/color] Colin greeted his oldest son with a dap hug, though it wasn’t as tight as he usually did. [color=50c878]“Sleep well?”[/color]

Marco had to lie. [color=b8860b]“Yeah, it was okay!”[/color] He gave a smile, hoping they’d buy it. [color=b8860b]“Where’s Ma?”[/color] As he asked, he looked around for both Ma and Marcy. 

[color=brown]“Marcy’s missing too,”[/color] Emil muttered. [color=brown]“Figures. The ones who wanted to go are the same ones making us wait.”[/color]

[color=50c878]“Now now, don’t be like that, Emil. Just have a little patience, yeah?”[/color] Colin urged his son, teasing him with a slight tap against his son’s cheek.

And so they’d wait for a few minutes. They chatted during that time -- well, Emiliano and Colin did. Marco zoned out a few times and lost track of time. Honestly, he lost track of anything as he found himself sitting on the bottom stair, looking around and looking nowhere. Thoughts about what he had hoped to be distracted came back. 

It was only when he saw his father and brother come at attention and hear the footsteps from behind him come in pairs of two. He stood up as quickly as his body would allow him to and took a few steps back. 

His mother Marlena and his younger sister Marcy were making their way down the stairs, stylishly dressed to the nines and with impeccable hair and makeup. The females of the Brady family prided themselves in keeping up a flawless appearance no matter the occasion or time of day-- a diner breakfast would not be the exception. With her usual cheerful demeanor and blinding smile, Marlie waltzed around the room, planting kisses and hugs on her sons before wrapping her arms around her husband and pulling him into a kiss.

Emil looked at his mami and sister and shook his head, specifically at Marcy. [color=brown]“Don’t you think you’re a little overdressed? We’re just going to a diner.”[/color]

The brunette teen rolled her eyes. [color=C22941]"How about you save your opinions for someone who actually cares?"[/color] she sassed back in perfect Spanish, flipping her hair over her shoulder and  sauntering to the door. [color=C22941]"Can we go now? I'm starving."[/color]

When Marcy's back was turned, he stuck his tongue out at her and felt the swift wrath of his mother's hand smacking the back of his head, sending the boy following his sister with the firm reminder that even a non-verbal habit doesn't go unnoticed by Big Momma.

[color=50c878]"When will that boy ever learn?"[/color] Colin shook his head. 

His wife merely rolled her eyes, making it evident from which parent Marcela had inherited the action from. [color=f6989d]"Apparently, never."[/color]

The air was filled with an immeasurable light, albeit at the expense of Emiliano, though everyone knew it was all in good fun. Even as Marco followed behind his parents, who were lovingly embracing with her arm behind his back and his gently slung over her neck. He smiled at that sight. He also smiled at the echoes of laughter as the door closed behind them, Marco locking it as his parents were halfway to the driveway, looking back at him, waiting.

The barely-mobile Marco had to take his time, but between the atmosphere among his family and the subtle breeze he felt from the morning, Marco took comfort in this being a better day than it was yesterday.

And when they got into the family SUV, a black one with spacious front and back seats, Marco and Marcy locked Emiliano in between them while their father drove. It wasn’t some guy thing where the dad drove the car, but Colin just liked to drive. And, normally, his ma was more than happy to let him do so. 

The quick drive that took no more than ten minutes to Dolly’s Diner had been spent just chatting and enjoying each other’s company. Marco intentionally tried to bury himself into it, which most of it was spent talking about the weather. As mundane as it was, there was something refreshing about that particular topic. Maybe in all the darkness that yesterday brought, Marco welcomed it with an open mind. It served as the distraction he knew he needed.

[i]buzzbuzzbuzz[/i]

Inside his shorts pocket, Marco felt his phone go off. Taking a moment to break away from the engaging conversation his family had, Marco saw he got a text from Roddy. He wanted to hang out later at Lyon Park. Something about wanting to take Rylie out. 

[quote=To Roddy][color=b8860b]Yeah sure man!
Just lemme know when.
Out with my family right now so maybe in a couple hours?[/color][/quote]

And when he sent that text, Marco looked up with a smile and saw that they had arrived.

And then they got out of the car and walked inside the diner. As they were met rather quickly, the Brady family were seated at a booth with a view, the sight of Lyon Park just down the way was what Marco immediately saw. He took the outer seat due to his limited mobility. 

As they were handed menus, the waitress gave them a quick smile before saying, “I’ll give you a few minutes to decide. Can I start you off with some coffee in the meantime?”

[color=50c878]“Yes. [i]Please![/i]”[/color] Colin said almost as if he was pleading with her for something a little stronger. [color=50c878]“And make it as strong as possible.”[/color]

[color=b8860b]“I’ll take mine with four sugars.”[/color]

Emil shook his head at his older brother. [color=brown]“Well, I’ll take some OJ if you have it!”[/color] Emil chimed in, not quite ready to take the coffee route.

[color=C22941]"I'll have a French vanilla latte with skim milk,"[/color] Marcela piped up, while immediately shooting a defiant glare at Emiliano as if daring him to make one of his little comments about it.

[color=f6989d]"And I'll take a sunset mimosa,"[/color] Marlie replied brightly, shooting their waitress a kind smile while lightly squeezing Marcy's thigh under the table-- a silent warning to her daughter and a request to behave.

Colin sighed as the waitress just replied with a “I’ll get your drinks for you now” before departing from the undoubtable awkward and tense air that had become the Brady Bunch’s booth. Not even five minutes in and the sibling bickering became so obvious that Colin could tell this wasn’t going to be easy.

[color=50c878]“So, do we know what we want?”[/color] Colin asked his family, looking at each of them, though he’d center his gaze on his youngest two. The glares they exchanged was a telltale sign of what was to come and maybe — just maybe — if the patriarch of the family could restore some order while Marlie manned the close combat, he might be able to stop the storm before it became too large. [color=50c878]“And don’t worry about skimping on anything you’re craving. We don’t do this as often as we should, so go ham!”[/color]

After a few long moments, Marco looked up from the menu. He took an additional one to look at Emil and Marcy. Whatever pops had said worked for now, but he could tell there was something brewing. [color=b8860b]“Think I might go for the Doll Express Plate.”[/color] Marco was looking at the photo of the three-pancake stack of buttermilk pancakes with three slabs of honey ham and three sausage links. There was a choice of hashbrowns or country potatoes, but Marco wasn’t sure which he wanted. He definitely wanted some fried eggs, though.

[color=brown]“Someone’s hungry!”[/color] Emil chimed in. [color=brown]“Maybe you want to make it a double, Marce? We all know how you like to eat!”[/color]

If they were out of sight from their parents, this would be the moment in which Marcela would flip off her brother and toss in a saucy remark or two. But because she was the bigger person (and because her mother would be quick to act if she didn't), the youngest Brady chose to purposely ignore Emiliano.

[color=c22941]"I'll go for the salmon eggs benedict and a cinnamon roll,"[/color] she told her family, closing the menu and pointedly looking away from her brother.

[color=50c878]“Right…”[/color] Colin looked up at his two youngest. There was a partial groan that left his lips. PArt of him wanted to say something to them, but figured if they weren’t going to cause anymore problems, then it wasn’t worth it. So instead he’d try to detour the tense energy into a positive light. [color=50c878]“Think I’ll have the midwestern omelet and some sourdough toast. Might even splurge in some turkey bacon.”[/color] He hummed as he looked over the menu. Breakfast was always hard to decide, but Colin knew he was hungry, though maybe not as hungry as Marco was. The thought of the spread that his eldest son was gonna feat upon made him crack a smile. It was at that same moment he turned to Marlena. [color=50c878]“What about you, honey? Any idea what you might get?”[/color] He asked, looking at her lovingly (albeit with an obvious exhausted expression on his face).

[color=f6989d]"The mixed berry Belgian waffles with scrambled eggs and bacon,"[/color] his wife replied, giving Colin a brief kiss before resting her head on his shoulder.

Not long after the whole family had stated what they wanted, their waitress came back with their drinks. And after some low murmurs from Emil and Marcy, who had once again bickered amongst themselves, the waitress left to take their orders to the kitchen. Everyone was mostly normal, or at least whatever normal passed for the Brady Bunch. 

Everyone except Marco, who was, for the most part, lost in his own world.

Despite everything Marco told himself about wanting to have a distraction and wanting to just relax with his family. Despite him wanting to not think about what happened yesterday, he just couldn’t do it. And he wasn’t a master poker player like his father and couldn’t lie brilliantly like his siblings could, so he knew they’d see right through it. Brave faces only lasted so long.

How long did it last? Oh, right up until the waitress who had been checking up on them frequently dropped the check off, which of course his father picked up as he always did. It wasn’t even a man thing, but he always paid and nobody, not even his mother questioned it. Marco found a reason to smile because of this. He noticed that his father smiled when he opened the bill.

[color=b8860b][i]Knowing him he might just leave a tip larger than is ethnically required.[/i][/color]

That’s just the kind of person Colin Brady was. Protects and serves in more ways than one might see on the side of the Edenridge PD cruisers.

As they got up, Marco remained quiet until his brother nudged him. It was their thing. When Marco shut down, which given recent events (not last night but generally speaking), Emil felt like he had to do it more often than he used to. They were at the door and as Marco walked through, his throat was dry, so he coughed. [color=b8860b]“So, Roddy texted me earlier.”[/color] He managed to get that out before he coughed again. His parents were halfway to the car and his siblings were the closest to him. [color=b8860b]“And he said he wanted to talk. I think, well I’m sure he’ll give me a ride back home if I asked him. So I think I’m gonna stick around. He’s told me to meet him at Lyon Park.”[/color] His gaze fell on the park just across the street.

Marlena stopped in her tracks and turned around to face her son. [color=f6989d]"Is everything okay?"[/color] she inquired, her voice worried as a concerned frown settled on her features. She could tell something had been weighing on her oldest from the moment she gave him his good morning kiss earlier that day. However, she had long since learned that the best approach to take with her blue-eyed boy was to inquire about things privately, and allow him the opportunity to return later if he didn't feel ready to disclose yet. Marlie knew asking in front of the others would earn her his usual "I'm fine" response, but she wanted to make sure her son knew his feelings were seen and validated. 

Giving his mother a quick nod, Marco said, [color=b8860b]“Yeah…yeah! I’m alright! Everything’s okay!”[/color] His reply came out a bit more forced and rushed like he had to say it to save face with her or something. He knew that his ma was asking because she was concerned (obviously), and, of course, it wasn’t that he wanted to dismiss her effort to try and understand what he was feeling. Truth was he just didn’t feel like talking about it -- not here, at least. Something about others hearing what might be going through his head, especially about these new thoughts revolving around Danny. Marco just…didn’t want to deal with it right now. He just hoped that was enough for her, at least for now.

Marlie knew her son was lying, but she decided to not press on. Instead, she’d give Marco a soft smile and table the conversation for a later time. [color=f6989d]“Okay! And you’re sure you don’t want us to at least drop you off at the park, then? I know the doctors said walking is good for your recovery process, but Lyon Park is still some distance away. I wouldn’t want you to overexert yourself,”[/color] she confessed, worriedly eyeing his leg. Mother’s instinct, after all: to always protect, care and look after her children.

Marco shook his head, maintaining his ‘everything is fine’ expression on his face. In this case, about whether or not he could handle the walk from the diner to the park, Marco wasn’t covering up with that Brady stubbornness or anything. He really did believe he could handle it. [color=b8860b]“Thanks, Ma, but don’t worry! I can handle it. Doc said I’m at the point where I can push myself a little more each day.”[/color] Marco never lost his competitiveness. Even though he wasn’t the athlete he was a couple of years ago, there was no mistake he still had the spirit. 

As Colin looked around and just smiled at Marlie and Marco, and came up from behind. [color=50c878]“I’m sure he’ll be fine, honey.”[/color] Colin placed a supportive hand on Marlena’s slender shoulder. [color=50c878]“And if all else fails, Marco can always call one of us to pick him up if he needs to. Right, Marco?”[/color]

[color=b8860b]“That’s right!”[/color] Marco said, flashing a more convincing grin.

Marlie assessed her son one last time. Although she knew he was fibbing about being alright, she could tell that he was being truthful about his confidence in being able to make it. If he felt comfortable enough in himself to make the trek, then who was she to stop him?

[color=f6989d]"Okay, honey,"[/color] she finally gave in, taking a few steps towards Marco to give him a parting kiss and hug. [color=f6989d]"You call me if you need anything, okay? Say hi to Rod for me and give Princess Rylie extra cuddles on my behalf!"[/color]

Marco gave his usual thumbs up and watched as his family drove off. Somewhere in his gut he knew he was going regret not taking her offer, but he definitely just needed some time for himself to think. And maybe, jsut maybe, he wanted to prove to himself that he could make the journey to the park. 
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