[color=lightgray][right][sub][color=azure]TIMESTAMP:[/color] Sometime in [i][b]another world[/b][/i]...
[color=azure]Introducing:[/color] [color=7fccff]King Wilson[/color], [color=ffb27f]Verity Roy-Wilson[/color], [color=50c878]Emerald Moore[/color] 
& friendly neighbor, [color=a86b00]Philip Michaelson[/color] 
[color=azure]Including:[/color] [color=C1473E]Adelaide Davies-Drake[/color], [color=8882be]Elysia Fable[/color] & [color=fffacd]Devika Balakrishnan[/color][/sub][/right][/color]
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Angelic humming, that of a celtic melody, could be heard in the front yard of the small home of King Wilson and his beloved wife, Verity Roy-Wilson, or Vez to her friends and lovers. On Grove Street, they resided across the street from the Kingsnake and a couple houses down from the Quinns. They also had a new nextdoor neighbor, Phillip he introduced himself as, who bought the haunted house that is said to be where the Wilting Flower Suicides took place. 

The once upon a time white colonial home for the beautiful Lively girls — Cordelia, Patience, Geradine, Agatha and Dorothy — now had a resident. A steal with its condition, far cheaper than it ought to be because of the ghost story that plagued it. He was a writer, he told them and he explained that ghosts were simply memories with so much hurt and so much pain. He believed the reason why he told convincing ghost stories was because he chooses to embrace their presence, their humanity and accept that ghosts were all around us. They’re not haunting us, we just refuse to let them go. 

His words resonated with the redhead as she applied fertilizer around the base of her dahlias. They were growing splendidly and soon enough would make a nice flowering hedge, supporting one another. She thought back at the day of the shooting, her birthday, and how for the first time in her life, she was scared. Verity wasn’t someone you  could scare easily, scary stories never fazed her, but that day, that moment, she was terrified. 

She had something to live for. Someone she knew who was her soulmate, who she had the rest of their lives to spend with. And she learned the hard way someone could take that away from her in the blink of an eye. That someone being a boy who let his ghosts take over. She never thought someone that young, someone in her year, would have [i]that[/i] in him and yet, she was proven wrong and her mortality was so delicate, so fragile like the flowers she tended to. 

All that aside, what Verity liked about Grove Street was it truly felt like the least exclusive area in all of Edenridge. The north, the south, the east and the west. Each catered to those that made a certain amount of income. On Grove Street, which wasn’t too far from the railroad tracks, had this weird appeal, a clear ambience of peace and history that attracted even the likes of Vivia Belmonte. A Scott Street princess. This whole town was haunted by ghosts but here on this little street, Vez felt home. She could see those suffering deeply from their ghosts, both ReyRey and Vivia especially and clear as day. Even so, they all had a silent understanding. This was a place of rest and support, and they all looked out for each other, one way or another. Nothing like the ruthless gossip moms of Scott Street. 

Glancing up and across the street, Vez frowned. She had growing concerns of Vivia, who she could’ve sworn was in the house, this very moment but she still hadn’t come out to paint on the porch. That was odd since by now, routinely, Vivia would be painting. [i]‘I hope she’s okay,’[/i] Verity silently thought to herself before examining the sun and breathing in the summery, flowery scents that surrounded her and her husband. 

When she heard a door close, she turned her attention to their next door neighbor and waved at him, [color=ffb27f]“Good morning, Mister Phillip.”[/color] 

[color=a86b00]“Good morning, Verity! King!”[/color] The [url=https://i.imgur.com/225jUzi.jpg]older man[/url], wearing activewear, smiled widely, always one to be immensely upbeat and outgoing, full of vigor and energy with each step. [color=a86b00]“Today is literally the most beautiful day I’ve ever experienced.”[/color] He put his arms on his hips, soaking in the beaming sun. 

[color=ffb27f]“You said that during the storm,”[/color] Vez chuckled, clearly happy with this new Grove Street addition, no matter how crazy he was to live in a cursed house. 

[color=a86b00]“That too was a wonderful day,”[/color] he nodded, agreeing with his past self, before looking toward the two, young lovers, and commenting, [color=a86b00]“Even on your day off you plant. That is so amazing and admirable.” [/color]

Brushing her gloved hands with one another, sitting on her knees, Vez shrugged, [color=ffb27f]“What can I say. It’s what I love. Kind of like your writing. You can do that practically everyday too.”[/color] 

Clapping his hand enthusiastically together, Mr. Phillip agreed and resounded, [color=a86b00]“You’re absolutely right!”[/color] There was no hesitation from his reaction. Randomly, he started jogging in place, preparing to go on his run, little quirks he had now that he’s lived there for two weeks, [color=a86b00]“I’m about to go to Swerve, see what they have in stock. Maybe get an espresso from Beau and a sandwich from Cat. I sure do love it here and can’t wait for my son to see how Edenridge is literally the best place on Earth.”[/color]    

King raised his eyebrow behind the book- [i]ironically Phantom In The Field by the very man standing in front of him[/i]- he had in front of his face at Phillip’s enthusiasm and words. He’d expected whoever was going to move into the house next door to be leaning more towards the likes of the Aviles family, so when this ball of energy and positivity moved in, practically helping Vez’s flowers grow with his sunshiny disposition, he was more than a little intrigued. Especially with the fact that this man was one of the best Horror Novelists in recent memory. Even the man’s thought process surrounding the spirits that continue to wander on earth seem to differ from the expected norm, and the man has definitely left the ex-serpent intrigued for whatever comes next. He closed his book respectfully and smiled at the older man while adjusting the umbrella beside him so Vez was still shaded while she worked, not even taking his attention from Phillip while he did so.

The best place on earth. He loved his hometown and all his family that lived here, but he has never once in his life been able to see it with such fresh and bright eyes as Phillip Michaelson. He’d never be able to see this town without the dark veins that run through it, pumping with the blood of all the lost innocents sacrificed to the continuance of the town’s curses. He couldn’t see beauty in the town, but he found beauty in the people within it and that had always been enough for him; his family and friends, his wife Vez, and his girlfriends and paramours in their relationship. As a lover of literature of almost any genre, he was more than interested in getting his hands on whatever book Edenridge inspires out of Phillip Michaelson while also getting to know the thoughts and feelings of the man behind the words. He wondered if he could actually come up with anything as horrific as what has actually happened in this town.

[color=7fccff]“Your son’s coming into town?”[/color] He asked the man, his mind flashing to a certain pale and lanky friend of his as a small grin took over his features. Dean would lose his everloving shit if he found out that King lived next to Phillip Michaelson, let alone that [i]Miles[/i] Michaelson would be hanging around eventually as well. Out of respect for his neighbor, he hasn’t let any of this information slip to Dean despite knowing how much he’d love to know, but it’s not like the man’s banned from his house so he’ll find out on his own eventually. King is prepared for the eventual fallout. [color=7fccff]“He’s got a lot of fans here, might need to pull a superhero and do the hat and sunglasses routine,”[/color] He joked. [color=7fccff]“Especially with the Dread comics rollin’ out.”[/color]

[color=a86b00]“He does?”[/color] Mr. Michaelson beamed at the avid reader, intentionally not answering the question of when his son may or may not come to visit. [color=a86b00]“I could’ve sworn his friend had more fans! I go into Swerve. It's all about Spike Langley. Then again, me and my boy did choose a niche market. Everyone loves superheroes! What we write is less super and a bit more grotesque and creepy. But I will say,”[/color] Phillip stopped jogging, meeting King’s gaze and not the book that was obviously one of his classics, [color=a86b00]“Superheroes and their stories can be quite horrific and damned tragic! Spike and Miles? They’ll make a great team.”[/color] 

Speaking of his son, he needed to check on him and see how filming was going for [i]Dead Man’s Wish[/i]. That boy kept himself busy, never taking a moment to stop and breathe. Why was he in such a rush? Phillip would never know. And honestly, the horror Legend never expected his books to go on the big screen but he was exhilarated by how ambitious his boy was and so talented too. He was a proud father who only wished his wife were still alive to see their boy surpassing him in every way he could. She called it, after all, and Phillip could hear her giggle and tease, all the while giving him that look that said: I told you so. 

[color=a86b00]“What makes a hero, what makes a villain. What makes a monster and what makes a man. It’s all rather subjective and I think that’s what makes storytelling literally the most beautiful art ever to exist. Ever. Pencil to paper is more worth something than them separate. When together, ideas are created. Ideas are everything. Remember that.”[/color]

[color=ffb27f]“We will,”[/color] Verity answered, even if the comment was more directed to King than her. [color=ffb27f]“And you need to remember to sleep! I feel like I see your lights on and you walking around at odd hours all the time. Maybe it’s me, but you don’t seem to get much sleep.”[/color]

[color=a86b00]“Such is my life, Verity,”[/color] Phillip admitted, not going any deeper than that.  

King wisely chose not to comment on the fact that both he and his wife were [i]also[/i] awake at those odd hours, meaning that they needed just as much sleep as their new neighbor. What they were doing up at those odd hours varied, but it didn’t mean that they shouldn’t be asleep anyway. Unfortunately, when inspiration or anxiety hits, they’re out of their bed or their napping place on the couch, King off to sculpt the dreams he can’t describe and Verity to whisper her broken secrets to whichever plant needed extra attention.

[color=7fccff]“Sleep will find us whether we want it to or not,”[/color] King gave his two cents, taking the mention of neglected self care to pick up his water bottle and nudge his wife’s arm with it. She needed water just as much as her plants. [color=7fccff]“We all tire out eventually.”[/color]

[color=a86b00]“Oh King. Death will find me long before I tire out,”[/color] Phillip chuckled, as he watched Vez take the water graciously, amused at his neighbors and how aware they were of his sleeping schedule. He was intrigued by how intelligent many of the young adults and teens were in this town. Promising and with a bright future ahead, if only they believed in themselves and combated the darkness that tried to consume them. 

As the neighbors talked and gabbed on about things that couldn’t be discerned from a distance, eyes were watching even still. Trying to see when the conversation would end. Trying to find the safe opening to emerge into open space. Those eyes were very skilled at such a task. Usually it was done at a more frantic pace, with bodies flying every which way. It wasn’t done from the reclined front seat of a 2018 Impreza with taught muscles kept in check. The hair was the same though, tamed from its usual wild state, held back in a ponytail so the dyed-blonde locks wouldn’t attract attention. As the third-year striker for THE Boston University Terriers tried to gauge if the conversation was over enough to come out of her hiding space, Phillip jogged onwards, leaving King and Vez to their own devices. And those devices would soon involve another member of their… unique relationship situation.

It was King who had initially won over Emerald Moore. Sure, there had been some sapphic dalliances in the various locker rooms through high school, but Emmy was pretty convinced that she was straight as cheap spaghetti and King Wilson was the only person she wanted to get cooked by. However, when it became clear his eyes were only for Verity Roy, she dialed back a little bit, found out the dalliances were far more than that thanks to Elysia… only for King to approach her while the two were out and propose more than Emerald was expecting. The forward was fine with the arrangement, but kept it hidden from the town, especially after learning that her ex-teammate was also involved.

Maybe it would have been fine if it was Juliana or Teagan who were a part of their growing love family, but Addie Davies-Drake was a whole other tempest in a teapot. The girl was a seething dynamo of love, lust and innuendo, and Emerald had to do her best to temper the girl’s expectations when they were in the locker room at Edenridge, but now that they were both at BU, things had opened up in that corner of the sextet to the point where Emmy actually had to pull herself away to come back home. And coming back home meant being careful. The saga of David O’Hara was a cautionary tale when she was in high school, and it meant she had to keep Addie at arm’s length when they were in Eden's borders. However, some new developments had made their way through the grapevine to the former Celtic, and she had to go back to town to hear about it for herself.

If Addie was at the Wilsons though, that could ruin everything they had hidden for the last two years. It’s why Emerald waited before finally strutting out of the Impreza and towards the main fortress in the kingdom. Content that she wasn’t spotted, she finally approached the man and his book. They would soon be disrupted. [color=50c878]“Nice to know I left here last time with your nose in a book and I come back to the exact same sight,”[/color] Emmy remarked as she came into the King’s radius. [color=50c878]“Must be a damn good book.”[/color] She looks over at Verity, still in the garden. [color=50c878]“At least I can tell time has passed somewhat. Plants sure are growin’.”[/color] The glance returns to King. [color=50c878]“You two sure you’re in your 20s? Look like you both could be hanging with my dad, tellin’ stories about what it was like before the internet.”[/color]

[color=ffb27f]“Jewel! Welcome home,”[/color] Vez was hyper focused on her gardening, having only heard bits and pieces of information. Bruising the dirt off her gloves, having finished the task at hand, she glanced at the older woman. Once she was done taking her gloves off and placing them on the ground, she reached for the water bottle offered by King, realizing she got distracted by Phil and forgot to grab it. [color=ffb27f]“Want something to drink?”[/color] Taking a sip, she stood up before continuing, [color=ffb27f]“We got freshly squeezed lemonade. I could spike it if you’d like? Oh and if you’re hungry, I’ve already prepped finger sandwiches and watermelon. Summer lovin’.”[/color] The redhead grinned, already thinking about hosting a dinner for their little family. With Emmy and Addie in town, she didn’t want to lose the opportunity of all of them being together. She loved her little family. 

King for his part had lifted his legs up and dropped his feet on the ground on either side of the cheap lounger, sitting up a bit and putting down his book to give Emerald both space to sit and his attention. [color=7fccff]“Also there’s nothing wrong with reading a ton so long as I give myself time for the every day tasks. I’ve already cleaned the house and agreed to cut the Digari’s lawn later for some cash,”[/color] He stated, patting the space in front of him to indicate that he’d cleared the spot for her. 

He knew Emerald was always nervous about being open when she came back home, but sitting down with him in full view of his wife just so she didn’t have to be standing wasn’t some insane romantic gesture. Also, Grove Street does not gossip and spread rumors around like Scott Street did. It was more dangerous when most of the people that lived here were Serpents or Serpent adjacent with some Angels thrown in, and minding your business pays off, because the others mind theirs in return. It was one of the reasons that their little fixer-upper had become the main base for their not-so-little group of lovers. 

[color=7fccff]“Welcome home, Hotshot, take a seat.”[/color]

Emerald smiled as she spotted the offered side of the lawn chair. [color=50c878]“Thanks, King,”[/color] she replied as she sat down. Her eyes were still darting around a bit, even with Phillip having left. Sure Grove Street was relatively safe compared to the uppity houses in the Scott Street area, but you could never know who could be trusted. Even as much as King assured her any trips she took to the fortress would be between the poly. Sure, she hadn’t gotten any more call-ups to the national youth teams yet, but it was always on her mind.

She looked up at Verity, now leaving her plants behind. It was weird that the woman who was younger than her was essentially a mom figure in her life. Vez was too happy to offer that level of kindness whenever she returned to Edenridge. Sure her father could try, but it wasn’t really the former football player’s forte. [color=50c878]“I’ll take some food for sure, and some non-spiked lemonade. Still going to be driving later.”[/color] She looked back at King. [color=50c878]“Mostly back in town because I heard through the grapevine about some shit going down but I haven’t gotten confirmation on any of it yet.”[/color]

[color=ffb27f]“Sure thing,”[/color] Verity immediately responded, before leaving King and Emmy alone to chat for a little bit. As much as Vez wanted to be a support system, and most of the time she was, King always had a better knack for paying attention to what goes around in town. The redhead would much rather talk to her plants than people, her lovers and their lovers aside. Even if she had much to say on whatever topic Emerald was curious about, she didn’t think it would hold much weight. If anything it would be a casual comment in hopes someone else would talk instead. She would certainly do her best if any questions were directed to her, though. 

[color=7fccff]“If that shit going down relates to Charlie’s letters or David O’Hara and sirens on Scott Street, your info’s good,”[/color] King provided, eyebrow raised at the woman who sat before him with her shoulders squared and tensed. He wished Emerald didn’t always feel the need to be on the lookout, but he understood, and there were even times where he was able to sufficiently distract her from her near constant worries, but in plain view of others was rarely a place where he could. He held his hands out in front of him and mimed digging into shoulders with his thumbs, silently asking the girl if she wanted him to work at her coiled muscles while they talked. [color=7fccff]“Or are we talking about some other shit that went down?”[/color]

Emerald was not going to say no to a King massage, not now not ever, and she quickly moved into position to get her back worked while she unloaded. [color=50c878]“I didn’t know about the Scott Street sirens, but the other stuff got back to me. Had to get a recap on the David stuff though.”[/color] She leans into the hands of the only man in their poly, the stress relief a big draw in keeping her in place. [color=50c878]“How is the community handling it? I remember the shitshow when he turned up dead.”[/color]

The Moore girl frequently cited the demise of the Duke as the reason why she wasn’t willing to do anything in public with the group. At least in Edenridge. Boston was definitely opening up some avenues with Addie at the school. It was nice to be able to go out onto a patio with one of her girls and not worry about being judged. Here, there was always the fear that with Addie in the relationship, the same fears would be dredged up, and no one in her family needed that heat on them. Not her father, not Garnet, nobody.

[color=7fccff]“Well, the sirens tie in, but brace yourself,”[/color] King offered the warning as he sat up fully and settled his hands on the muscles of Emerald’s neck and shoulders, immediately digging his thumb into a knot he found. [color=7fccff]“Jamie Lord stabbed her husband after he jumped your cousin Clay, who had found out Jamie was the one sending the letters. Guess the guy thought he was protecting her by almost killing her friend, but she didn’t like that much. Clay was first on scene, I think, so he had a rough go of it until ambulances and more cops were swarming all over for a while. He’s recovering at Sinclair Health as we speak if you wanna visit. Wild times,”[/color] He leaned over and grabbed the sunscreen from beneath the lounger so that the friction from the massage didn’t rub her skin raw, immediately distracted from the debrief by his own jumping thought process. [color=7fccff]“You know, I should really invest in some oils or something, your muscles are always so tense. Not that I mind an excuse to get my hands on you, but it’s the principle of the matter.”[/color]

The news of what happened to her family did not make Emerald’s muscles any less tense. [color=50c878]“What?!?”[/color] She knew her cousin was a bit of an idiot, boldly rushing into places he shouldn’t. It’s why it made sense he was a cop. But running into a domestic situation, getting jumped and almost killed over it? That was dumb even for Clay. [color=50c878]“Oh my god, oh hell, Clay!”[/color] She wanted to jump up and shout loud enough for him to hear it from whatever hospital bed he was stuck in, but she also didn’t want to leave King’s working hands. It made sense David’s sister would be sending letters trying to clear him, she appreciated Jamie for that and she heard about the name in the letters being Caitlin Cleary, but ending in a stabbing? For a town that was known for violence, even that was something else. [color=50c878]“Ugh, dumbass.”[/color] The massage was helping her calm down. [color=50c878]“I swear, if it wasn’t for those hands, King, I don’t know why I’d keep coming back. Well, that and the family, I guess.”[/color] Emerald knew she was being facetious, but right now the kneading at her muscles was keeping her from flying off the handle a little bit.

[color=7fccff]“Oh yeah,”[/color] King laughed lightly, following her attempt to lighten the subject by adding his own sarcasm to the mix. [color=7fccff]“I guess family is important or something, I don’t know anything about that, estranged as I am with mine.”[/color]

He was, of course, anything but estranged with his family of five other siblings and their mom and dad. His older brothers both stopped by or called him out for a boy’s night out every week or two, his oldest sister was busy but they make sure to get in bonding time when their workout schedules align, his other sister lives right down the street with her two giant dogs while the youngest of their clan pops up regularly on her skateboard, begging for a drink or snack before she’s rolling away again on her next run or errand. He had no idea when his little sister slept between all her different responsibilities both in and out of the Serpents, but he’s been known to begrudgingly keep a pack of energy drinks in the back of his and Vez’s fridge for her on the bad days, just in case. Family dinner- including Vez, auntie Kamilla, Maliq, and Jonie- was a monthly affair. King understood how important family was, and he knew Emerald felt that as well, which is what made their little exchange being said with straight faces so ridiculous. He rolled his eyes and smiled fondly despite the fact that Emerald was turned away from him.

[color=7fccff]“I’m starting to feel like handing out free massages is my thing here, you all love it so much that I’m starting to regret that I can’t give myself a massage just to see if it’s really that good,”[/color] he addressed the first part of her comment a bit belatedly, having caught on more solidly to the latter. [color=7fccff]“Do I just need to find a guy to give me one or is it my hands specifically?”[/color]

[color=ffb27f]“Do you want a guy? We can sign you up on that dating app your brother is working on,”[/color] Vez announced her presence carrying a tray of everything she said she would bring out, from small sandwiches to watermelon, and of course the lemonade. Not spiked. She had gotten distracted because one of her plants needed a little more love and attention, and they were practically calling her name. Her poor coleus needed a little pruning and she was a little upset she had neglected it the past couple of days. What kind of plant mommy was she? 

Going on her knees, she placed the tray beside King’s lawn chair before crawling closer to Emmy. Adjusting herself, where she was sitting on her knees, she gave Emerald a little kiss on the cheek. A friendly peck. Nothing too sensual or romantic. [color=ffb27f]“I’m really glad you’re home… Have you told the others? That you’re here?”[/color] She inquired, as she gave her Jewel her undivided attention. [color=ffb27f]“I know Ely would be stoked and Addie would straight up rip your clothes off.”[/color]

[color=50c878]“No,”[/color] Emerald answered. Her eyes cast down a little as she did, blunting the lifting effects of Vez’s kiss. With Devi always off doing something and Ely always busy with her art, it made it easy to slip away as she pleased. But it was tough to hide from Adelaide Davies-Drake. With all the hidden feelings that were apparently present during their time on the Celtics together, there was more resolve to keep things out in the open once things started growing in Boston. But it was still a city romance in Emerald’s eyes. It was too dangerous back home. The latest discussion had occurred right before Addie left for Eden. Emerald was still uncomfortable and had decided to sit this trip out to try and take some time for herself, preparing for her junior season. Instead, the rumors proved too much and she snuck her way back into town. It was something she would probably have to answer for at some point, and Addie would demand answers with her mile-a-minute mouth. If nothing else, she would demand penance that she knew the Jewel could provide.

[color=50c878]“This was a spur-of-the-moment visit,”[/color] the Terrier continued as she leaned into King’s hands once more. [color=50c878]“I haven’t even been home to see Dad and Garnet yet. The Castle was the first place I came to.”[/color] One of the sandwiches also made its way into her hands and the taste of the homemade chicken salad was dancing on her tongue. Vez knew her spices better than anyone. [color=50c878]“I didn’t even take Ely up on the offer to see the new place yet. I know Addie was all excited about that, but you send an exorcist in there first before I go in there. Get Clay’s friend with all the books and shit, let her have the demons.”[/color] She lets out a soft moan. [color=50c878]“If you really want I can try, King, but I’m pretty sure my massages don’t hold a candle, as much as I’ve been trying to learn from what Brionna’s been doing to my legs on the table.”[/color]

[color=7fccff]“I’ll survive for now,”[/color] King responded to the offers from both of his lovers, laughing lightly as he focused on a knot right beside Emerald’s right shoulder blade. [color=7fccff]“I think you need this a little more than I do right now. Also, given our circumstances, the day I need an app to find a man will be the day I stop believing I have game face to face, thank you very much,”[/color] he joked while waggling his eyebrows at his wife. It was a nice thought though, the idea of another guy being around during their gatherings just so when the conversations end up leaning towards girl talk he could turn to someone for an alternate conversation instead of turning to the nearest book until one of the girls noticed and pulled him back in. King shook his head, turning his focus back to the two before him as he released Emerald’s shoulders to shake out his tired hands a bit.

[color=7fccff]“I don’t know about you, Em, but I’d let Addie know soon that you came home. Unless you [i]want[/i] her to track you down and pop up at a random time to ask why you didn’t tell her.”[/color]

That put a worried look on the striker’s face. [color=50c878]“I know. I swear, the girl has freakin’ plot armor powers or something the way she just manages to teleport into a place at times. If she had that on the field, she’d be joining me in getting national team looks.”[/color] Emerald took another sandwich in her hand. [color=50c878]“I just… needed to make sure what I was hearing was good info before I risk Addie being Addie and trying to jump me in the Palermo parking lot. And I know y’all been trying to make me more comfortable here and get me to show up more, but it’s still going to take a little bit for me to get to that point.”[/color] She smiles at Vez and King. [color=50c878]“But I’m getting closer now. Hearing that the whole David thing is blowing over is a big load off. Even if it does mean I gotta go pay a visit to my dumbass cousin to make sure he didn’t get his dumb ass beaten down too much.”[/color]

[color=C1473E]“EXCUSE ME!”[/color] A playful voice called out to bring the trio of lovers attention to the sidewalk and a pint-sized pixie standing there with her hands on her hips. [color=C1473E]“Who said you three could have an orgy and not invite Addie?”[/color] The summer sun above their heads bounced off of Adelaide’s blonde lion's mane of hair as her plump painted lips curled into a smile. She unburdened herself from and then tossed her leather bomber jacket through the passenger window into Ely’s car, which she had just got out of and took off sprinting down the lawn.

With her personality being what it was, it was easy for one to forget that Adelaide Davies-Drake was a high caliber and highly decorated athlete. Serving as the defender for the Edenridge Celtics and Boston U Terriers it was incredibly difficult to get past her towards the goal mostly because she was a pocket rocket. Addie was small but she was quick and she was unafraid to go hard. Her feet carried her swiftly across Verity’s pristine front garden to the trio sitting around King in his lawn chair where she slipped out of her shoes mid run and pounded into the beautiful woman in the middle of the threesome, her jewel, her Emerald.

[color=C1473E]“Hiya!”[/color] Addie beamed as she leaned to one side and kissed Vez deep on the lips whilst simultaneously patting King on the head.  The married couple of the sextet were very much their Addie’s keeper. Everyone within their group filled roles and had different relationships with one another. For Addie, King and Vez were her sounding board, like guardians who she just also happened to be having fantastic sex with. She and Verity even shared a birthday. It did make the young botanist wonder if she and her redheaded lover were laid next to each other in the postnatal unit of the hospital. 

Emmy was a different story altogether. Addie had yearned for Emerald for years. She had flirted, she had thirsted, she had been borderline inappropriate, all of her hallmarks and nothing worked…at least not until college. When Adelaide arrived at Boston U, something had changed and within weeks she and Emerald were sleeping together. The older woman wanted to keep it private out of fear of what might happen to her prospects. Addie hates this idea immensely but she wasn’t going to force someone she cared deeply for to come out until she was ready. She loved Emerald too much for that. Placing her hands on Emmy’s mocha cheeks and tightening her thighs grip on the soccer player's legs, Addie lingered her mouth over the curly haired terriers lips. [color=C1473E]“Kiss me like you missed me, stud.”[/color]

It took a little bit for Emerald to have the wherewithal to respond. When Addie decided to dive into something, she always did it full force. Opposing attackers learned that. People who shared hobbies with her learned that. Emerald already knew that and still had to use every bit of her newly-relaxed muscles to tense up and keep from being flipped over the lawn chair by the impact of ADD against her body. And of course, her belief that Addie had main-character powers or something just got another bit of proof given her ability to appear immediately after she was mentioned. Her eyes darted around for a moment to make sure no one else showed up that wasn’t in their loving collective before finally relenting to the onslaught and returning the kisses back to the blonde. [color=50c878]“Tough to do if you lay me out flat on the lawn without me being ready, Rabbit,”[/color] she offers back once her lips are free. [color=50c878]“But I guess you caught me coming in to surprise you. Don’t know how you do it sometimes.”[/color]

[color=C1473E]“Didn’t you know, baby? Addie is magic.”[/color] Adelaide joyfully flicked her tongue out with a scrunched up face and licked Emerald’s lips. She ran her hands through the striker's curly blonde hair, straightening out what her pounce had messed up before climbing off and starfishing her body across the lawn. The feel of the fresh grass between her fingertips and on her soft skin gave Addie a warm feeling. Being around her chosen family gave her a fuzzy feeling. Her red coloured lips raised themselves up onto a smile as she realized just how happy these people made her. She was no fool, she knew she was a lot. She knew that dealing with her moods and whims was a chore and only so much of that could be pawned off on her various mental diagnoses. It made Addie thankful that she found people who accepted her particular brand of madness. She was deeply in love with all of them and she hoped that they loved her just as hard. [color=C1473E]“Hello! Why am I lying here and not a single one of you is on top of me? Not cool guys!”[/color]

[color=ffb27f]“We should go inside!”[/color] Verity chirped, already picking up the food and drink, placing everything back on the tray. [color=ffb27f]“Mr. Phillip will be back from his run in fiveish minutes unless he finds something or someone to distract him. That man is like clockwork but he is also a very curious fellow. We don’t need him asking too many questions, right?”[/color] The redhead picked herself up and the food. She waited for everyone expectantly. 

[color=8882be]“You heard Mama,”[/color] Ely approached the lawn, having parked her car across the street. Her arm rested over Devi’s shoulder as the beautiful caramel skinned girl held the photographer’s camera to capture this canon moment. In her free hand, the one not holding Devi close, Ely spun a lollipop between her fingers. Really what she wanted it to be was a cigarette. She promised them she’d cut back on smoking though so candy was the next best option. Placing the red sucker back in mouth, she motioned to the door, [color=8882be]“Ándale, ándale. Epa, epa.” [/color]

King smiled at the group now gathered on his and Vez’s lawn before pushing himself up and holding his hand out to Emerald, the only person still sitting, and helping her up. He was more than happy to leave the wrangling to Ely and Vez for the moment, focusing on folding up the now vacated lounger and picking his book up from the ground. He should have expected Addie to arrive as soon as he and Emmy mentioned her, the girl was magic like that, and Devi and Ely coming in to complete their group just meant the day was going to be more exciting than his plan of finishing [i]Phantom In The Field[/i]. You certainly weren’t going to catch him complaining, as the times when their house is filled to the brim with love and laughter were the times when he felt most at peace. He’d grown up with a full house, of course, so while he treasured his semi-solitude and quiet, it didn’t always feel quite right. Looking over to the most chaotic of their group, the one he more often than not had a mostly platonic relationship with, he found himself rolling his eyes affectionately at the look on her face.

[color=7fccff]“Adds, are you seriously pouting?”[/color] He asked while trying not to laugh at how adorable the pout was. [color=7fccff]“It’s for everyone’s benefit, right? Think of all the things you could do once that door closes.”[/color] He held his free hand out to her to help her up from the grass, keeping his book and lounger in place under his other arm.

Addie’s plump and painted lips stuck out like that of a child that couldn’t get her way. Although King made a valid point about the privacy of their castle, it still wasn’t what the pint sized pocket rocket really wanted. There was a secret she kept from her lovers and loves. The Sunken house, her “ancestral home”, the place where her mother lived before she was an orphan, the place her grandmother died. Addie wanted that house to be their home. When she had enough money, she was going to buy it and she was going to move her family there. Not her Mom and Dad, not her sister, but this family, her chosen family, the ones that each held a piece of her heart, even King. It was much larger than the Castle and Adelaide had plans, girl did she have plans. 

[color=C1473E]“Fiiiiiine.”[/color] Addie did a backwards roll from her prone position until she was on her knees, she didn’t care that her skirt had rode up. That neighbor girl, Vivia, was hot and if she wanted to look, the pixie would let her, though they didn’t see her too often. They only ever saw that Gonzalez guy around the house and his little pissant gangbangers. [color=C1473E]“If this is your way of trying to get a blowjob, K, it’s not working.”[/color] Her big blue eyes drifted down the muscled body of her male companion down to his crotch. [color=C1473E]“Though he is looking top today, I must say.”[/color] She popped up to her feet and offered him a smile. [color=C1473E]“I just set up my cousin with a guy, maybe it’s time I do the same for you so I can keep mama Vez all to myself.”[/color] She teased King as always before spreading her arms wide. [color=C1473E]“Time to play Carry the Addie. Who's taking me over the threshold?”[/color]

Emerald had brushed herself free of the remnants of Adelaide’s affectionate attack after King helped her stand up. While she appreciated the help, much like many of her teammates offered her once she was fouled by an opposing defender instead of this instance of her own defender, she was more thankful to Vez starting to move things inside, especially if the nosy neighbor she spotted earlier was set to come back at some point. The mother of the group truly knows what the others need to hear.

As she looked around for the moment, Emmy realized this was the first time she was in the presence of all five of the other members of her collective in a long time. She didn’t join the holiday dinners, with Costigan and Moore family offerings taking precedent. She didn’t travel into town with Addie very often because of her misgivings about being seen and starting up the whisper mill. It was unfair, given she was willingly seen with Ely in town often enough, and Vez got the cover of being with King, but while Emmy and Devi didn’t do much together, Addie got all the attention in Boston where Emerald felt freer to embrace this new life. Maybe it was time she started embracing the family.

[color=50c878]“You burn yourself out with that entrance?”[/color] Emerald finally quipped as Addie knelt waiting for someone to carry her. [color=50c878]“All right, fine, but you gotta get up here if you want the ride. I’ll tell you when I want you on your knees.”[/color]

[color=C1473E]“Ooooh mama, make it inappropriate.”[/color] Addie teasingly fanned herself with her hand at Emerald’s words. It made her sad, heartbroken even, when she saw the look in Emmy’s eyes. The fear and the loneliness when she scanned the area for prying eyes. Adelaide couldn’t help but wonder and feel at fault. She was a lot, she knew that. She knew that her energy and her bedlam would be too much for any one person to bear. Emmy probably got more of her than any of the others, even Ely. At Boston, she, Emerald and Devika were tucked away in their own little world, away from lurking stares and Emmy was happier there and in the grand scheme of things, all Addie wanted was for those she loved to be happy. She had to ask herself the question whether or not she was the one that brought happiness into all their lives or if she was the one stealing it away?

Masking her sadness with a cute smile as she always did, Adelaide jumped up to her feet before leaping into Emerald's strong arms. She wrapped herself around the premier athlete like a spider monkey, her arms and legs gripping tightly. [color=C1473E]“To the dining room! And make sure you slam me into a few walls on the way!”[/color] Emerald obeyed as she moved to get the bundle of energy inside the castle walls.

Quiet but observant, Ely watched her friends interact, her apathetic, green gaze falling on the manic pixie dream girl that everyone couldn’t help but love. Rarely did Addie have to say anything for Ely to undress her emotionally and read her like an open book. While pushing her lollipop to the side of her inner cheek, the platinum blonde released Devi from her tender yet possessive grasp and started casually following Vez’s gentle command. Verity might’ve posed them going inside as a suggestion but everyone in the area knew better. A suggestion from Verity Roy-Wilson was a command. She simply softened her words to mask her bossy tendencies. It was all with good intention, seeing how the tiny redhead was constantly looking out for them, protectively, devotedly and firmly. Just like a mother would. One day, Vez would make a great mother. 

With her intro being short, chaos always appearing when Addie was around, Ely started doing her rounds, prioritizing the two girls entangled with one another. Taking her lollipop out of her mouth, Ely brushed Emmy’s hair to the side with her free hand before giving her a greeting kiss, right on the neck. That same hand found its way to Addie’s ass, as Ely squeezed it and gave the cute but sad girl a wink. It was her way of saying, get out of your head, without saying it outloud. If there was one love language that outweighed the others for Adelaide, it was physical touch. She proceeded to walk forward, past the two athletic queens, putting her lollipop back in her mouth. She threw her arm around King and grabbed his book, observing the back with a picture of their next door neighbor on it. She smirked, [color=8882be]“Got his autograph yet?”[/color] Her question was followed by a quick call out [color=8882be]“And oy! Vez, I hope you made enough sandwiches. I’m fucking starved.” [/color]

King’s answering smile and eye roll told her all she needed to know, but he easily replied anyway. [color=7fccff]“I’m not going to harass my neighbor for autographs, I’ve got more control than that. Man is here for rest and inspiration and I’m letting him have it,”[/color] he adjusted the lounder under her arm so it didn’t bump any of their group as they crossed the threshold. [color=7fccff]“‘Sides, I’d never sell my books so no need to up the market value,”[/color] with the arm he’d thrown around her, he pulled her in lightly to knock their heads together affectionately before asking, [color=7fccff]“How was the studio by the way?”[/color]

[color=fffacd]“The studio was absolutely stunning, although it reaaaally needs a cleansing ritual,”[/color] The energy that passed over Devika as she stepped into the studio that morning was certainly not a positive one, and Devika wouldn’t even call herself adept at reading energies, despite her spiritual inclination. Even Vez and King’s little haunted nook felt only slightly bearable after Devi performed her energy cleansing ritual as a housewarming gift. That was before she and Addie then christened the living room with Vez in an entirely unspiritual way. 

Now, Devi stood happily amongst her lovers with Ely’s camera. She was no professional like Ely when it came to photography, but her subjects compensated for her amateur skills with their breathtaking beauty. She felt a wave of joy wash over her as she fervently captured the affectionate moments between her partners. Each of these relationships had a special corner reserved in her heart, and she found herself reminiscing while snapping photos.

Her connection with King had blossomed from working alongside his sister at the vet clinic. She admired his warm and caring nature, always willing to lend a helping hand. Devi loved the way he could make her laugh with his witty remarks and playful banter. King's presence brought a sense of comfort and stability to their polyamorous family, and she cherished their deep bond.

Vez, her classmate from school alongside Addie, had transformed into something more than just a friend over time. Vez's fervent approach to life, full of love and vigor, deeply moved Devi. She respected Vez's nurturing personality, always caring for others, and finding happiness in the most trivial moments. With Vez by her side, Devi felt protected and cherished, unable to visualize her life without the redhead woman. King and Vez both claimed the role of the parental figure, with their endless comfort and wisdom (despite Vez being younger than Devi), as well as beautiful lovers Devi cherished.

Emerald was a special addition to their polyamorous dynamic, brought into Devi's life through Addie. They shared a unique understanding of the challenges of hiding their true selves from their families. Emerald's presence brought a sense of understanding and empathy, and Devi found solace in their shared experiences. She cherished the moments they spent together, knowing that they could be completely themselves without fear of judgment. Thus it saddened Devi that she could only witness the real Emmy, the radiant gem of their group, shine within the secure confines of Boston University.

Putting Ely’s camera away, so she could indulge in the moment of the entire poly being together in the same space, Devi began to speak. [color=fffacd]“Soooo I was thinking, how about we do a group photoshoot in Ely's new studio? We could celebrate Ely’s new space AND all get to hang out, so like a double bonus. What do you guys think?”[/color] She beamed eagerly at the suggestion, already envisioning the laughter and silliness that would ensue.

[color=C1473E]“I mean if that’s not an invitation for an orgy, then I don’t know what is.”[/color] Addie giggled as she hung off of Emerald like a koala latched onto the tree it called home. [color=C1473E]“I’m fucking in.”[/color] Her smile had recovered after Ely had grabbed her behind. She always knew just how to make the tiny botanist happy, [color=C1473E]“Though I say, we definitely need some practice before we go all Zoolander. So let’s all go inside, take our clothes off, stare at each other and then eat whatever amazing meal Mama Vez cooks off of each other's butts and boobs.”[/color] Adelaide was never one to wait for an invitation as she knew the world was meaningless unless she had her family with her. [color=C1473E]“Ooh and after that, Addie needs to tell you about this guy that has been checking King out at the art studio. I seen it with my own big blue eyes. He’s cute. King could get himself some dick. But first, we must eat.”[/color]

Theirs was not one would call a conventional family yet it was the best that any one of them could have ever asked for. Each member of their little unit has a distinct and completely different relation to another, some romantic, some platonic, some familial but all meant something, all of them were special. Yet it was always changing, always shifting. They had said from the start that they were open to more people entering their lives and becoming part of their bonded lives. That was the beauty in it. Despite what was going on in their own personal situations, the good, the bad and the ugly, they would always have each other, they would always have that support. It was love, just pure unselfish love. 

The pixie raised one arm triumphant in the air before dropping it down to point towards their Castle. Her wild blonde bangs hung over her expressive eyes and her painted lips were pursed, ready to take on the small army that she had amassed in her cult of Adelaide, [color=C1473E]“Let’s go fucking eat. ADDIE HAS SPOKEN.”[/color]
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