There wasn’t time to say anything else, since the walk across the roof wasn’t exactly a long one. They didn’t need to knock either, with both of the inhabitants actually expecting them. 

It was Trisha that opened the door to let them in this time, with Casey still in the kitchen cutting up some more fruit so there’d be some for their human guests along with the bees. She glanced down at the boxes, then up at Cass and Leon with a hint of confusion. From this angle she couldn’t see any of the labels, just two… unmarked… boxes. 

[color=d1b300]“No way, I did [i]not[/i] agree to that kind of-”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Oh my God, Trisha, we ain’t carrying sex toys!”[/color] Cass interrupted before she could finish with a loud laugh. She knew her friend more than well enough to guess how she’d misunderstood. 
[color=629c3f]”It’s gaming shit! Y’know, my console emulators! I figured we could have a [i]gaming[/i] party. Assuming you don’t mind me setting the shit up on your TV? Hell, if you enjoy it enough, I’ll loan ‘em to you for a while.”[/color]

Trisha let out a soft sigh of relief, naturally moving back towards Casey now she’d done her duty of letting the two of them in. While the Den was more of a safe space than the rest of the house, she couldn’t think of any reasonable reason to not let others in. Especially if it involved doing something fun, rather than just making conversation all night. 

[color=d1b300]“I suppose that’d be alright… What do you think, Case? We going to let people in there?”[/color] 

[color=629c3f]”I promise, I won’t blow anything up!”[/color] Cass shouted a bit too enthusiastically.

[color=577d06]”No worries with me. The puzzle on the big flat cushion is enchanted to stay together, so you can just toss it and the box of pieces on the floor in the back corner.”[/color] Casey replied without even looking up.

[color=577d06]”Leon said you guys were gonna mess with the tv maybe? So, just give me a second and I’ll come unlock the hinge to pull it away from the wall.”[/color]

Leon beamed at Cass.

[color=C67C12]”I told him we were gaming. Y’know, Casey, that doesn’t mean we’re gonna touch the tv.”[/color] he giggled, thinking he caught Casey in a little spying moment that wouldn’t be terribly embarrassing to expose. But, in typical fashion, Casey had an answer cocked and ready.

[color=577d06]”Good thing I have someone who can tell me what [i]’We’re gaming’[/i] could entail. Sorry, I haven’t been hanging around the eighteen to twenty-four dorms with my peers.”[/color] he stuck his tongue out as he expertly peeled an apple with a pearing knife in a single strip.

[color=d1b300]“What kind of gaming wouldn’t mess with the TV anyway? Unless you’d meant board gaming?”[/color] Trisha shot Leon another confused look, unsure why he was pointing something like that out. 

Cass laughed slightly, forcefully moving past that before Trisha started asking more questions. Right now wasn’t the time, after all. 
[color=629c3f]”No rush, Casey! It ain’t gonna take me long to set it up, just gotta plug in a bunch’ve wires then get it running. It works off a HDMI port so it ain’t like I need to [i]actually[/i] mess with the TV. I could, though. Make it so it plays videos of me doing cool stunts in the middle of whatever other shit you’re watching!”[/color] 

She laughed louder, grinning at them all as she shuffled her way towards the open door to their Den. Just to set the box down inside. 

[color=d1b300]“Which one did you bring?”[/color] Trisha asked curiously, trying to read the scrawled words on the box Leon was carrying without actually coming any closer. 

[color=629c3f]”Xbox! Well, this one’s got the nintendo shit in it too- But I’ma hook up the xbox one! It’s the best, after all… Only four can play at a time, but I figured it’d be fun anyway. Maybe we can do something in teams?!”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”Not sure Hari or Mia will have much interest. Really, not even sure what to play.”[/color] Leon shrugged.

[color=577d06]”Oh, Lee; grab that rolling island there-”[/color]
Next to the stationary island in the kitchen, there was an extension with wheels that stood at the same height as the countertop. Clearly, it was wide and strong enough to handle whatever they wanted to put on it in order to keep it close to the tv.

[color=577d06]”And… Don’t fuck with me like that? Me hearing little things makes our lives easier. I can cut things-”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”-You’re obsessive. I get it. Meticulous is a great word.”[/color] Leon interrupted Casey with a smile and a hug as they spoke to one another very quietly. 

But Leon didn’t want to have things go crazy just because he’d made a snap decision. It wasn’t very fair to Casey, especially when he was being welcomed in.

[color=C67C12]”I’m sorry. I just… Hope you ain’t gonna be like Ma is all.”[/color]

And then he was off, rolling the cart into the living room without giving Casey another shot.

[color=C67C12]”Will this work, my Darling?”[/color] he asked, sweeping his hand across the wide surface of the rolling counter.

[color=629c3f]”Oh yeah, it’s perfect! I’m used to putting shit on the floor!”[/color] Cass grinned. She pulled the boxes up onto the couch, before beginning to pull out everything she needed. She might as well set up her end so all she needed to do was plug it in when Casey came through to pull it away from the wall. 

The laptop she pulled out was clearly old, and built like an absolute brick. The shell was about the only original part left. She placed it on the counter, plugging in a pretty bulky external hard drive first. She shoved open the laptop lid to turn it on, lines of blue text immediately filling the screen. As it was booting there were a bunch more things to plug in- cables to attach to the TV, an extension so she could get all four controllers plugged in, and a couple of other strange looking pieces of electronics… Some even had exposed circuitry.

[color=d1b300]“Are sure it’s not going to blow up?”[/color] Trisha lightly joked as she squeezed her way into the room. She clambered onto the large couch to grab the puzzle and its box at the back and chuck it into the floor just like Casey had suggested. She shuffled over to grab her own laptop and move it out of the way, along with a couple of notebooks. They were all neatly placed beside the puzzle. 

[color=629c3f]”Course not! We’d all be long dead if it was… I made this shit in our flat, y’know?”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“Yeah, I remember because it smelt like burnt metal for days.”[/color] Trisha intoned, shaking her head. She glanced over at Leon. 
[color=d1b300]“That’s a future you’ve got to look forward to. Good luck, with the super smell.”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”She just stinks like that, I’m already used to it.”[/color] Leon playfully poked at Cass’ side before sitting down in a rather non-welcomed position on the couch. 

Leon wasn’t going to bother getting comfortable until everyone else was here. Even then, he may opt for the floor. The room was set up interestingly, but he figured they really weren’t interested in entertaining out of here. Otherwise, they probably would’ve invested in a couch that was more like the booth-style in his apartment, rather than this massive orgy couch.

[color=C67C12]”Actually… Cass? Didn’t Rusty have a couch like this at his place in San Fran?”[/color] he openly laughed. 

Casey heard the name Rusty from the kitchen and shouted playfully into the room.

[color=577d06]”Trishaaaaaaaa! Leon’s making fun of the Green Gobbler… He’s calling it a porn couch!”[/color] Casey laughed as well, starting to shuffle in with some fruit to put down on the open space.

[color=d1b300]“What?! It’s not a porn couch!”[/color] Trisha immediately defended the Big Green, folding her arms with a playful huff. 

[color=629c3f]”I mean…”[/color] Cass grinned, moving out of the way to let Casey in at the TV.
[color=629c3f]”There [i]was[/i] one exactly like it at Rusty’s. Different colour, but that could’ve been all the fluids! It was real comfy for-”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“No, no way, I’m drawing the line at talking about any kinda couch sex!”[/color] Trisha interrupted, reaching out to pat their beautiful green one that she refused to allow to be tainted by this kind of talk. With a completely straight face, she continued. 
[color=d1b300]“[i]He[/i] can hear you. Casey and I make sure to keep it PG-13 in here to protect him.”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”Really!? First thing me and Cass did when she moved in was-”[/color]

[color=577d06]”-Come oooooooooooooon! She was serious!”[/color] Casey interrupted Leon’s very intentional teasing with a laugh. He quickly made way for Trisha, holding her as though they were two concerned parents.

[color=577d06]”There’s no kids… We only have Greenie! Your nephew, Leon!”[/color] Casey laughed again, trying to keep a straight face.

But then he figured he’d do what he was supposed to, and went back to the tv to unpin the locks and let the massive thing swing out from the wall. The plugs were far in the back, so Cass would have to slide under and behind the thing to get everything plugged in. The power strip was back there as well, tucked into a nook of some sort on the wall.

[color=C67C12]”Can I still cuss at least?”[/color] Leon grinned in return, unable to stop himself from boundary testing.

[color=577d06]”Well, what kind of thirteen year old doesn’t cuss?”[/color] Casey asked in return, shuffling the thing out as much as possible to give Cass plenty of room.

[color=C67C12]”The same thirteen year old who isn’t interested in sex jokes, probably.”[/color] Leon wagged both his eyebrows in smugness.

[color=d1b300]“Neither of you were going to make a sex joke, you were going to straight up describe your sex life!”[/color] Trisha shot back, comfortingly rubbing the arm of the couch. She was much better at keeping up the straight face than Casey was for the moment. 

[color=629c3f]”[i]Technically[/i] you only said couch sex talks were off limits.”[/color] Cass snickered as she wriggled herself in behind the television. It wasn’t hard at all since she could just flatten her body and stretch it up to get where she needed to plug everything in. A bit too long arm came out from behind it to point vaguely in Trisha’s direction. 

[color=629c3f]”You ain’t gonna go back on your word, are you, Trish? That’s where you draw the line, ain’t it?”[/color] She didn’t give Trisha an opportunity to respond, gently plugging in the HDMI as she continued. 
[color=629c3f]”Don’t pretend you didn’t cuss [i]and[/i] make sex jokes [i]and[/i] talk about it as a teen! Double standards for your child, much!”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“Not- Not in front of my parents and uncle!”[/color] Trisha broke a bit now, covering her face as it turned a bit red and giggles escaped. 

[color=577d06]”Pretty sure I’m the only one here who was a virgin by the time high school finished, thanks. Dooooooon’t worry, Greenie. We’ll keep you pure. Leave it up to the springs and boards upstairs to take the trauma.”[/color]

There was a loud wrapping on the front door at that moment. Casey’d been wrapped up in enough conversation and silliness to have missed them coming up.
[color=577d06]”Oh, speaking of trauma…”[/color]

He flicked his hand, and the door swung open without any physical influence. He hung his body out of the doorway to look at the girls coming in. They had…

[color=577d06]”Is that a fuckin’ cake? Where’d you get that?”[/color]

[color=0072bc]”I made the caaaaaaaaaake! Ed made the frosting, and Mia spent a few hours [i]piping the fuck out of it[/i]!”[/color]

[color=ed145b][i]”I really love piping cake.”[/i][/color]

[color=577d06]”Ohhhhhh [i]come on![/i] Not you three as well, what the fuck is happening in that apartment downstairs!?”[/color] Casey started cracking up.

[color=629c3f]”Only the best things happen down there.”[/color] Cass grinned, waggling her eyebrows- though they couldn’t be seen with her face behind the TV.

[color=d1b300]“Stay out there if you’re going to make jokes like that!”[/color] Trisha shouted from inside the Den. But she carefully moved around Leon and Cass to join Casey in the doorway, giving her best welcoming smile to the three. Even if she wasn’t in the best form after finding out about Cass’ illness, she really was trying to be better about things- and that included making more of an effort with those three. Mia, mainly…

[color=629c3f]”Aw, c’mon Trisha, what’s some joking between family?!”[/color] Cass cackled, wriggling back out from behind the TV now that everything was plugged in. She typed a quick command into the console on her laptop, before shimmying her way past Trisha and Casey. 
[color=629c3f]”I wanna see these cakes Mia’s been piping! You kept that real secret when I was down there, huh? Piping cakes without me?!”[/color] 

The trio looked about as comfy as they usually looked during these sorts of interactions. Since the building was one big house to them, there was no reason to put on anything flashier than a sweater and some fuzzy-toed slippers. There was hardly cold to brave anyway, since Casey had enchanted the awning over the path with radiating heat. Ed was already pulling hers off, shaking it out and letting Serenity float out of it like she was made of paper.

[color=0072bc]”It’s been made for a few days! Just, y’know, waiting for you to feel better so we could devour it!”[/color]

A couple strides brough Hari to the island to place the cake down on the counter while Ed and Mia made way for the back den. 

[color=66bb6a]”Are we [i]all allowed in there!?[/i][/color] Ed asked, excitement on her face. Mia was already feeling strange, being that her recent interaction with Cass may’ve smoothed things over there… But, Trisha would always be a far more complex person to deal with.

They weren’t technically here for her. But, how could Mia [i]not[/i] put some kind of focus on Trisha? Some kind of attitude adjustment, or a mask to avoid being the person that pissed her off today. It took mental power just to be around her… Maybe that was the problem, ultimately, and Mia was just susceptible to it. Not like Casey, who could spare all of it. He’d probably be able to spare the Leash too… But she couldn’t make it about that again. Besides, Leon wasn’t looking to get hurt today.

[color=577d06]”You know that’s up to Trisha! Honestly, I was just assuming that Cass and Leon were looking for a new, unhumped piece of furniture to soil.”[/color]

[color=66bb6a]”Oh, count me in! I’m brewin’ a piss right now!”[/color] Ed grinned widely.

[color=ed145b]”My [i]GOD[/i]! I can’t leave the house with you two!”[/color] Mia giggled, moving to the edge of the hall and leaning against the wall to wait for permission like a good guest.

[color=d1b300]“[I]Caaasseyyy[/I],"[/color] Trisha frowned playfully at his comment, lightly batting his arm. It wasn't like she was actually bothered by that kind of thing… not so much, at least, after everything the two of them had talked about, and reaching that stage together. So long as it didn't move into the realm of hearing about whatever the fuck Cass and Leon were actually doing, it was fine. 

[color=629c3f]"Hey! I ain't gonna do that in your home! God, we ain't animals!"[/color] Cass grasped her heart in mock hurt before cackling and slipping past to bound over the cake. Just to look and salivate before going back towards the Den. On the way past she winked at Ed, and then Casey. 
[color=629c3f]"Anywhere else, though… Well that ain't off limits. The whole world's our oyster!"[/color]

Trisha rolled her eyes playfully, already slipping back into the Den. But after a brief moment she realised that Mia was actually… waiting for permission. Completely. It was kind of nice, after so many of his family just walked over her boundaries… her family too. 

[color=d1b300]“You can all come in… So long as Casey gets his normal sitting spot because of his back."[/color] And, selfishly, that really was their special area now. It was the best place to cuddle too. She could handle having them in her space temporarily, at least. Could push herself to. 
[color=d1b300]“Cass is setting up one of her crazy gaming laptops in here."[/color]

[color=0072bc]”Casey gets a special spot!? I guess it’s your couch!”[/color] Hari joked, poking fun as she started in toward the hall. 

Ed brushed past, planting a kiss right on Casey’s cheek and ruffling his hair at the same time.

[color=66bb6a]”I bet there’s a big assprint where Casey sits.”[/color] she giggled, walking in to see what Cass was up to. 

Leon had already taken the spot open to the wall, and was sitting cross-legged as tucked away as he could be. It was a big couch, but seven people and a ghost would be a lot. Especially with his awareness of what Casey’s spot actually was. He’d been up here a few times and seen Casey hanging out. If that’s where he and Trisha would be, it basically cut the couch in half. Maybe the trio would be happy to rest their bony asses on one another, but Leon needed the space!

[color=C67C12]”It doesn’t, I checked! It does smell like farts, however.”[/color] Leon giggled as Ed automatically moved to playfully smack his face. 

It was easy to tell she was [i]extra[/i] stoned based on how affectionate she was, and her playful smacks became her gripping his face to tug his head slightly and plant a kiss. The only person [i]not[/i] getting kissed today was Trisha, simply because the boundaries were already set. It was hard enough getting your arms around her, never mind planting kisses and rubbing noses.

Hari wasn’t far behind, and stopped in front of Trisha to offer a hug, that way she could get both of them at once. Mia, however, wasn’t moving. She was content with waiting, and maybe hoping that Trisha would just ignore her.

Trisha hesitated for a moment, before accepting the hug from Hari. Just briefly before she withdrew, but she let her nonetheless. She was really trying today. In her mind, today and Thanksgiving were the two days of the week she'd push herself… And the rest? It would just be her, or her and Casey. 

She wasn't really sure what to do about Mia. Did she have to invite her in again? Should she just leave her? Trisha was trapped in the doorway as she tried to figure out what it was she [I]should[/I] do. Not setting either of them off, ideally… 

[color=629c3f]"What're we wanting?! Modern shit, old shit? Ain't like I can't switch it, just gotta choose what to boot it into just now."[/color] Cass asked, the big screen still just black and covered in blue command lines. Loads of technical jargon and shit most people there wouldn't understand. There was an actually GUI for the ‘console’, of course, she just had to actually boot that.

Mia stood alone in the hall, looking at Trisha and Casey with a neutral expression. She held herself in her arms, both hands tucked into the opposite slots with the arms crossing her chest. At least Casey hadn’t left Trisha yet, still standing and staring back at his little sister.

[color=577d06]”What’s the matter, Mimi?”[/color] he broke the ice, trying his best to keep quiet enough that the others didn’t have a reason to listen in.

Mia cleared her throat uncomfortably.

[color=ed145b]”It’s your house. I’m just being polite.”[/color] She replied, trying not to sound as tense as she was.

[color=577d06]”It’s not about the leather?”[/color] he asked, using leather as a thinly veiled code for the leash.

[color=ed145b]”No, I’m fighting my impulse.”[/color] she admitted squarely, letting her arms visibly tighten against her chest a little more.

Casey understood there, reactionarily hugging Trisha’s body a little tighter.

[color=577d06]”Ain’t our party, is it?”[/color] Casey asked calmly, one hand rubbing Trisha’s arm.
[color=577d06]”So, use your big girl words, please. Instead of acting like a little one.”[/color]

She pouted slightly, closing her eyes.

[color=ed145b]”I don’t want it to be a big deal, Casey.”[/color] she replied simply, shrugging.

[color=577d06]”You already did. And I can feel the hug draining out of her with every second we keep this up.”[/color] he replied.

Mia looked squarely at Trisha, a frown forming on her face.

[color=ed145b]”You really don’t want it. I figured if I just sat and let you guys do your thing, it’d be fine. You don’t, right? A hug, I mean? I’m… Not trying to ruin anything, seriously.”[/color] she forced the concession from her throat like vomit.

Trisha furrowed her brow, glancing up at Casey before looking back at Mia. She tried her best to keep her own expression neutral, instead of frowning. 

She just didn’t understand why it always ended up being such a big deal. Was it because they saw her being so affectionate, that they thought she should at least be alright with hugging other people? Most of her life had been lacking in platonic affection- until she met Cass- and there’d been none from family. It was always a precursor to something romantic or sexual… So of course she struggled with it. It just wasn’t comfortable for her. It didn’t mean she didn’t like them…

[color=d1b300]“I’m more likely to say yes if you ask. It’s unexpected hugs that I really don’t like.”[/color] She said evenly, leaning against Casey and taking a deep breath. Then she gently moved out of his arms to take a step towards Mia. She could do one hug. And today was about Cass… She’d be happier if things were comfortable between them. She’d already made things difficult once today, anyway.

[color=d1b300]“It’s not that I don’t [i]want[/i] it- some days I don’t, sure, but I’m just not used to it. Today… is fine.”[/color] Then she held up her arms and moved in to hug Mia lightly. 

There was a strong moment where Trisha would’ve felt the [i]strength[/i] that came naturally to the Richoux clan. Not-so-naturally, in reality. Cultivated, the product of a perfectly balanced diet of food so precariously teetering on the edge of poison for an entire lifetime. The mythic [i]food of the Gods[/i]. Gastronomic Oblivium.
And all of her twenty-one years, for only the briefest of moments, clenched like a locking vice around Trisha wherever the arms fell. It wasn’t pressure, so much as it was the feeling of being locked into a roller coaster. There was a pure safety and security to it that could be felt as strongly as steel.

And then she pulled away.

[color=ed145b]”Hard to know what to ask. Hard to know what other people know. What’s been said or not. I’m… Sorry. I’ve been tired, y’know, with the Leash and stuff. You’re right, I should’ve- It’s-”[/color]

Casey stepped out from behind Trisha finally, hands coming up around her. She didn’t seem like she really wanted [i]his[/i] hug. What she’d said was a little poignant, so he figured he’d nip it in the bud before Trisha felt compelled to be upset.

[color=577d06]”Hey, hey… What’d you say, huh? Let’s-”[/color] He turned his body openly to look at Trisha, one hand moving to rest on her cheek and keep her looking at him while the other held Mia tightly.
[color=577d06]”-Babe? Can we… Plan to talk a little more? After Thanksgiving. Because, honestly… We can’t keep this up, right? Dam’s gotta break at some point.”[/color] 

Mia looked at him, then at Trisha.

[color=ed145b]”I don’t know what to talk about. I feel like if I go into the core of it she’s gonna-”[/color]

Casey leaned in and planted a kiss on her forehead, his hand reaching up to the back of her head in a gesture of comfort. When it pulled away to look at her, he smiled widely. As widely as he could, so maybe she wouldn’t be so afraid for just a little while. It helped that, from behind Trisha, Leon and Cass had both stuck their heads out the door. Mia saw Leon’s expression mirroring Casey’s, and she couldn’t help but see her Father’s smile all the same.

She cleared her throat, and nodded at Trisha again.
[color=ed145b]”-Whenever’s best for you, then… I’ll try and get together what I [i]really[/i] have to say. Not like it’s any kind of scathing hateful speech about how I don’t like you. I promise, it’s about the opposite.”[/color]


Trisha pressed her lips into a thin line. She didn’t like feeling like everyone else knew something she didn’t. But if it was something about Mia’s feelings… It couldn’t be forced out, and she didn’t think she could handle it right now. Not with Thanksgiving days away. There was already so much. She struggled to not get anxious about it, like she did with so many things. 

But Casey seemed calm about it. So it couldn’t be anything too bad, could it?
[color=d1b300]“Alright, we can talk after Thanksgiving.”[/color] She agreed with a slight smile, pressing her face against Casey’s hand and closing her eyes before looking at Mia.
[color=d1b300]“I’ll try make sure I’m in a good place for it.”[/color]

Cass clapped her hands together with a bright grin. Of course she’d tried not to listen in, but it was pretty difficult to zone things out when her hearing was always enhanced nowadays. She had a vested interest in Trisha and Mia getting more comfortable with each other too.

[color=629c3f]”Awesome, awesome, talking’s good! But… Casey, I can’t believe you’re hogging both Trisha [i]and[/i] Mia! C’mon, dude!”[/color] She laughed, squeezing her way past to hook an arm around Mia from the other side. She didn’t go for Trisha this time, recognising that her friend was probably not in the mood for any more hugs.

[color=629c3f]”C’mon, come get comfy- if you take any longer Casey ain’t getting that seat of his, Trish! You snooze you lose!”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“This is… My house…”[/color] Trisha protested softly, shaking her head at Cass.

[color=577d06]”Take the seat and it’s on. I’ll fuckin’... Absolutely torture you while you’re bed-ridden. I’ll go sit with you and eat crazy good food, and casually exercise in front of you.”[/color] Casey pointed back at Cass, a wide grin forming on his face.

[color=C67C12]”Geeeeze! Look at how quickly your disability gets used against you, Babe! What an ableist ass!”[/color] Leon grinned back, his tongue sticking out from between his teeth as he looked up at Casey.

Meanwhile, Ed was close by, with Serenity hanging off her back and over her shoulder. They were both staring down at Cass’ machine as Mia made her way past and flopped on the end of the couch next to Hari.

[color=66bb6a]”Bro, I’m kinda wishing Ginny was here. She’d be nerding out, I bet. Or, y’know, being uppity about how you could’ve done this better or easier. It’s a tossup with her, I think. How’s this shit really work though!? Like, it’s seriously all contained in there? I mean, I know a Bone’s just a computer with a funny shell, but I figured the operating system was all, like, proprietary or some shit! Unless… You’ve just got, like, the Gamepass with all the old games or something on here?”[/color] she was asking, fully engaging both herself and her spirit in the act of gathering information.

[color=629c3f]”Whoa, holy shit! That’s fucking evil, dude!”[/color] Cass shouted, gaping at Casey. She tilted her head back with a mock anguished wail. 
[color=629c3f]”Not the fucking [i]casual[/i] exercise! At least it make it hardcore, fucking hell! God, Babe, you’re gonna have to keep all these casuals outta the room next time.”[/color]

Snickering, she twisted around to bound back into the room. She went via Leon, smacking a quick kiss on his lips before going over to Ed and Serenity. She was more than happy to talk about this shit… It was one of her passions, after all!

[color=629c3f]”Uh, yeah, the OS is so… I coded it myself! There were a bunch’ve people trying at the time, but none had made something that actually ran all the shit I wanted. It ain’t exactly the same, but it’s enough to run the games. The older ones ain’t so hard cause people already made emulators… Basically this machine dual boots, I choose whether to do the Bone or the older. I gave em a different interface for fun!”[/color] Cass grinned, typing in a command to boot it in the Xbox One mode. 

It took a little while, loads of lines running across the screen before it went to a little loading screen. Then… What booted up looked pretty similar to the Xbox One’s dashboard. All the games along the top, some other icons to get to the internet and the like. It was a stripped down version, but it was pretty cool. 

[color=629c3f]”Some games are technically computer ones, so they ain’t a problem… But a bunch’re Bone only! It took me ages to get it working but it’s was so fucking worth it. This baby cost me a fraction of a what the actual console would’ve.”[/color] Cass grinned, patting the laptop.
[color=629c3f]”Though I gutted it and replaced all the parts, cause it was… Trisha’s old one, I think? The one you came to uni with, right? Was a kinda crappy one too cause she didn’t know shit about computers then.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“[i]Thanks[/i].”[/color] Trisha intoned sarcastically, shuffling behind Cass to stare at her. Really, she was waiting until Casey decided to sit and get comfy so she could get comfortable around him. 
[color=d1b300]“Yeah, it was that one.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Donated to a good cause!”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“Keeping you quiet a whole summer, yeah.”[/color] Trisha teased with a smile.

Casey was only slightly embarrassed that people were about to see him and Trisha looking like a giant toddler and his doll in some kind of couch-bound time out. But, pushing through that feeling, he scrambled up into the furthest corner of the couch and pressed himself tightly against the enchanted cushion.
After having worked on Cass’ sick bed, he figured the same effect would do wonders for his giant’s posture problems and all the aches from military service. He was proud to say there was no disability claim in his name, though that was expected of people from his branch as the government’s magical healers were typically top notch in comparison to the Blind doctors.

As he settled in, both legs spread out into a V shape to form Trisha’s own cushion. And when he was ready, he patted his legs with a smile, ushering her toward him.

Trisha also felt a moment of embarrassment, but her desire to be close to Casey- and comfortable in her [i]own home[/i]- outweighed that. She climbed on and shuffled over to him, slotting right into the space he’d left her and leaning back onto him. It was like all of the tension left her body when her back hit his chest, her legs curling up slightly so her knees rested against his thighs.

Everyone was staring as if they were observing two rare animals from some hidden blind, watching them go about a ritual unseen by humans. Hari even covered her mouth with one hand, but her wide eyes said it all. Only Ed was still fixated on the computer setup, staring at the wondrous images flashing on the screen of Cass’ custom gaming computer.

[color=66bb6a]”Shit… Could you make this happen again? Or, like, with other stuff? I’m honestly so desperate for my old system, but I’m really not trying to pay those prices for something that old. The [i]memories![/i] They’re so precious to me still!”[/color] she asked Cass with great enthusiasm.

[color=629c3f]”Oh, absolutely! I got all the code so it ain’t like I gotta write it again, just do a bunch’ve setup and get it on another machine. What’re you wanting? There’s a chance I already did it! And if I ain’t, I’m happy to do it as a lil project! All I need is a laptop… Honestly, I probably have one I ain’t using lying around I could gut for it. And if it’s an older system, it don’t even need that good specs!”[/color] Cass grinned back, completely matching Ed’s enthusiasm. She wasn’t exactly lacking in time right now either, thanks to the whole being unemployed thing.

Trisha was glad that at least two people were distracted by the wonders of gaming systems, because there were already too many people staring at them like [i]they[/i] were the entertainment. She didn’t entirely understand [i]why[/i]. Was it because it was her, who didn’t seem all that affectionate? Or because they didn’t just flop down like everyone else?

[color=d1b300]“Enjoy the show while it lasts.”[/color] She managed to say, holding back the more confrontational responses she could’ve given. One hand lazily waved. She was too comfortably cuddled up to get upset now. At least, she didn’t want to.

Then she turned her head back to look up at Casey, speaking with a light tone and a slight smile. Loud enough everyone could hear, at least.
[color=d1b300]“Have they never seen anyone cuddle before? Or is it because it's us?”[/color] 

[color=#C67C12]"[/color][color=#C97119]I[/color][color=#CD6720]t[/color][color=#D15C27]s[/color] [color=#D94736]y[/color][color=#DD3D3D]o[/color][color=#E13345]u[/color][color=#E5284C].[/color][color=#E91E53]"[/color]

Both siblings’ voices came at the same time. It wasn’t so shocking when they [i]had[/i] been somewhat sharing perceptions for the better part of a couple weeks now. Even without the leash, however, they’d always tended to see the same beauty in unexpected places.

For Leon, it was the rare tenderness surely. The perception of Trisha being the hornet and not the bumblebee, and how she seemed to turn soft and fuzzy in the arms of Casey. He felt it made enough sense, that she was right to be comfortable there. Nothing would ever happen to her that he wouldn’t make right, and he found an equal beauty in the ability to take such faith.

And for Mia, it was deeper still. Painfully deep, it seemed. She wanted to be there too, not in a sexual way or any kind of unwholesome fashion. But, in pure loyalty and love beamed into her head by an inexplicable but ever present urge. The voice. The prophet. The herald, and the rebirth in clean air above the world. Clouds aloft on bee’s wings. Primal nature.

Casey cleared his throat, shaking his head.

[color=577d06]”This is what we get for being so private about our affections… Not like we’ve been spending a super duper amount of office time together lately…”[/color] he shrugged lightly, kissing the top of Trisha’s head and moving his hands to her wrists. 

Without her control, he started to move her around like a doll, teasing her playfully and causing Hari to get a little giddy.
[color=0072bc]”I actually can’t believe you do that. No way he fucking does that often, does he!? Mia!”[/color]

Mia rolled her eyes, trying not to seem too curious as to whether or not Casey did, in fact, share that tick without any particular influence to share between them.

Trisha tilted her head, a light blush settling across her cheeks. She wasn’t really used to the [i]positive[/i] attention. She didn’t really mind it, but new things were always uncomfortable. It wasn’t like they weren’t affectionate at all in public, but she guessed it was quite different when they were normally around people compared to here where they felt most comfortable.

Maybe it was her getting more comfortable with the company too. 

As she let Casey move her, practically limp in his arms, she answered Hari’s question. 
[color=d1b300]“He does it often enough? Is it… a family trait?”[/color] 

[color=629c3f]”It ain’t one Leon’s got!”[/color] Cass piped up, untangling the controller wires now she’d actually booted the computer.
[color=629c3f]”Not that he [i]could[/i]. I’m way too strong now!”[/color]

Trisha half rolled her eyes, still smiling contentedly. 
[color=d1b300]“Casey’d stop if I wanted him to. I don’t need strength for that.”[/color] 

Casey didn’t say anything, rather adjusting Trisha’s hand so it looked like she was holding something. Then he cracked her arm back and forth in a whipping motion. Leon started cackling, as did Hari in turn. Mia, in typical fashion, shook her head and turned her gaze slightly downward.

[color=66bb6a]”Does it count as being whipped if you’re like, complicit?”[/color] she laughed along, finally making her way down between her girlfriend and her girlfriend’s girlfriend with a big grin.

She had intentions of getting back to what she was talking about with Cass, but the moment had once again been stolen by the golden couple being far too cute for words.

Trisha giggled, tilting her head back to smile warmly at Casey as she continued to let him do what he wanted. She really didn’t mind. She was just happy when with him while things seemed… chill. 

[color=629c3f]”Absolutely counts!”[/color] Cass cackled loudly, grin bright as she looked at Trisha and Casey. It made her happy to see them happy. Trisha especially… After witnessing her be in so many shit relationships, it was nice to see her in one that was actually working. And would continue to! She was certainly softer than Cass had seen her in a long time. 

[color=d1b300]“Heyy, he’s not whipped, he just loves me… You’re making it sound like I’ve trained him.”[/color] Trisha’s smile turned into a mock pout.

Cass continued to laugh, shaking her head.
[color=629c3f]”Sure, sure… So, who’s gaming? Trisha? You gonna let Casey control your hands and pretend to be you?”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“The last time that happened he hit Mia in minecraft…”[/color]

[color=66bb6a]”Oooh! Controller me, bish! What are we playin’, somethin’ really action packed? Casey, you good if we play, like, a shooter?”[/color] Ed asked before anyone else could get a word in.

[color=577d06]”Oh, probably. The guys in the barracks played Booty and shit like that, so I’ve been around it. My problems are pretty specific, it’d take a weird kind of video game to set me off I think.”[/color] Casey admitted freely, having had time and energy at a recent point to dedicate toward working out a better explanation of himself.

[color=577d06]”Though, I will reserve the right to just not play? I wasn-”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”-Wasn’t ever good at shooting gaaaaaames! Amazing, you got all that shoulder aim and no thumb coordination.”[/color] Leon chided across at his brother as naturally as he breathed. This was the ancient dynamic of brotherhood…

[color=577d06]”Nah, I was trying to be nice and not say that I didn’t really wanna hang out with your smelly ass tonight, but go off King.”[/color]

[color=ed145b]”Damn, Casey, that sounds like you don’t like Cass! Trisha? Surely we can’t have him badmouthing the Mobile Ass! Get him, whip him!”[/color] she giggled, trying to slide some humor into the moment.

[color=629c3f]”We can play whatever you wanna, Ed! I got plenty of shooters- sounds fucking fun, honestly, I want something action packed too… And ain’t any pressure for anyone to play! Watching is good too.”[/color] Cass grinned, unbothered as she tossed Ed a controller. 

[color=d1b300]“But he’s got control of the whip at the moment.”[/color] Trisha jokingly groaned, wriggling her hands in Casey. She did very gently nudge him with her elbow, giggling as well. 
[color=d1b300]“Casey… I won’t allow any Cass slander. Not when you’ve already threatened torture by casual exercise.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”[i]Nahhhh[/i]... It sounds like he don’t want Leon around! Which I get, dude’s a fucking asshole. A sexy one, but still!”[/color] Cass cackled, winking at Casey before turning to Leon with a completely teasing grin. Assuming he wanted to play, she dropped a controller into his hands, before her own his cheeks and squished them. 

[color=629c3f]”I’m surprised you got thumb coordination with how fucking big your hands are, Babe.”[/color]

Leon happily took a controller with a grin.
[color=C67C12]”It’s only cheating for so long before it just becomes muscle memory. Usually I use Lelou, but I feel like the natural level of reaction and coordination I’ve got is good enough to whoop Casey’s butt in a match or two.”[/color]

Cass said no pressure, but Leon didn’t always roll that way. Not when he knew his little brother had always been so [i]pressurable.[/i] It wasn’t like he was aggressive, or super overt to the point of negativity… But he certainly knew which buttons he wanted to push. Only, nowadays, Casey wasn’t so receptive. He’d had the shot he needed: The air hockey match had been enough to tell him that he’d done plenty of work on his magic.

His confidence in the subject at hand was primed, and he had no intentions of giving himself up for the sake of his brother’s nudging.

[color=577d06]”You will hear me snoring before I pick up that controller, big brother. That’s just a fact.”[/color] 

[color=0072bc]”If you guys don’t mind [i]me[/i] cheating, I… I think I want to try.”[/color] Hari raised her hand with a lack of sureness.

[color=629c3f]”Sure, I don’t mind! It ain’t like you can cheat to my level of [i]skill[/i] anyway!”[/color] Cass laughed, holding out a controller towards Hari. 
[color=629c3f]”Trish, you want the last spot?”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“Uh, no? It’s [i]your[/i] gaming party. I’m no good at shooters anyway.”[/color] Trisha shook her head.

[color=629c3f]”You ain’t bad… And we can swap!”[/color] Cass exclaimed. 

Trisha still shook her head. She was content enough to watch at first.
[color=d1b300]“Then you go first. I have to make sure Casey doesn’t fall asleep immediately, anyway.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Alright, alright.”[/color] Cass shrugged, trying to find a free spot on the couch now that everyone was settled. There wasn’t really much space… The options were sitting on Leon, which would definitely throw off both of their gameplay, perching on the edge or… the floor. In the end she chose the latter, planting her ass on the floor and leaning against the couch without much care.

With a grin, she launched one of the newer Halo games. 

[color=629c3f]”I gotta ask… How’re you gonna cheat, Hari? Like, sucking out gaming knowledge from one of our head, or fucking with our minds while we play?!”[/color] 

[color=0072bc]”The former!”[/color] Hari grunted in response, body twisting and hands reaching out before both grabbed Ed's skull tightly.

[color=66bb6a]”Aw shit, I'mmabout to get sucked o-OoooOOOOOOOO-”[/color]

Reactionarily, as Hari dug into Ed's willing mind fishing for anything having to do with the title she saw on the big screen, Ed's brain could only stop the tickling sensation for so long. Soon, she was wriggling against Mia, squirming and laughing reactionarily as Hari pulled every bit of first person shooter understanding that Ed had. Even down to the muscular ticks… The strength of the transition and the time which it took meant that these skills only lasted the duration of the spell, however… But it was enough for a game night.

Finally she pulled away, and Ed looked rather satisfied with a foolish grin consuming her face.

[color=66bb6a]”Damn, my girl gives great head.”[/color] she giggled before forcing herself upright again.

[color=0072bc]”GULCH GULCH GULCH GULCH!”[/color] Hari chanted like a mantra, excitement clearly consuming her in turn. She didn't think she'd like all the competitive feelings attached to Ed's game knowledge, but honestly her memories screamed that it was a fun experience.

[color=d1b300]“Not on my couch, [i]please[/i].”[/color] Trisha groaned playfully. Since she wasn’t playing this round it let her curl up against Casey properly, retaining vision of the group and the television. She looked an awful lot like a contented cat. 

[color=629c3f]”I bet you were worried it was gonna be me and Lee, huh?!”[/color] Cass laughed, grinning widely as she started to set up the game. 
[color=629c3f]”I’ma put some AI in so it’s more [i]chaotic[/i]. We can see if it works!”[/color]

The screen split into four, launching into the selection screen where they could choose their loadouts and customise their armour appearance and the like. 

[color=d1b300]“It’s a good thing Cass is on the floor, since she’s a really active gamer.”[/color] Trisha commented, tilting her head back towards Casey. 
[color=d1b300]“Remember at the Arcade, how she was with the guns? She does that with console shooters too.”[/color] 

[color=629c3f]”I gotta get into the spirit of things!”[/color] Cass shouted. 
[color=629c3f]”Leon didn’t seem to mind! We played a couple more after you left that time.”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“I bet he carried you.”[/color] Trisha said drily. She didn’t seem at all tense this time bringing up what had been their first fight. There’d been a fair few since, all over much more serious things… But she felt as comfortable as she could right now.

Leon scoffed, sliding and scooping Cass up into his arms. All of her wriggling protests were ignored as he dragged her up and onto the same cushion he was on to occupy a closer space.

[color=C67C12]”I haven't been carried since I was a toddler! And besides, I want you right here- how else can I mash the controller out of your hand when you start winning?”[/color] Leon grinned at Cass, the two of them now intimately close. 

He let her leg drape over his, and was hooked around her waist keeping her held close.

[color=C67C12]”I'm willing to take the return abuse.”[/color]

Casey and Mia both turned their heads to bright at one another. It was a picture they'd seen before. Their father, scooping the tense and overly active Junior into his lap and forcing him to play cards… It never worked out well, as Maxwell always cheated by looking at his kids’ cards. They all thought it was normal, and that Daddy was just always supposed to win.

Now they realized, and had been aware collectively, that it was always a joke. His inflection, the way he made it happen, we're never serious in any way. Just a silly little bit, but one none of them ever quite appreciated until it was too late.

[color=ed145b]”What if she crashes out and starts, like, going feral on your arms and shit? You can't hold a housecat against their will that long…”[/color] Mia joked through her genuine smile.

[color=629c3f]”Oy, I ain’t a housecat!”[/color] Cass protested, already wriggling as much as she could with Leon keeping her trapped against him. Not that she minded being so close to him- he was the one who had to suffer far more than she did! Unless he somehow moved as much as she did when gaming, and she had an elbow to the face in her near future. 

[color=629c3f]”If anything, I’ma wildcat! Like… A fucking tiger. Or, ooh, a Jaguar!”[/color] 
To prove her point, a long, spotted tail grew from the base of her spine. It wrapped around to bat against Mia’s face, stretching as long as it had to to reach. 

Then she pointed a finger right in Leon’s face. 
[color=629c3f]”You ain’t winning the controller smacking game, Babe… How you gonna get it out when I got six extra hands! And you’re gonna be dealing with my elbows in your gut like… every few minutes! It ain’t something I can control!”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“[i]Please[/i] handicap her, Leon. Most of us don’t have the magical reactions to keep up… So it’s not fair in the first place.”[/color] Trisha commented drily.

[color=629c3f]”You ain’t even playing!”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“But I will be, at some point.”[/color]

Leon was grinning a big, stupid grin that only a teenager with full understanding of a wrong they were about to commit would have. That sadistic smile that came with understanding and total lack of empathy. Yet, contrary to the image, he opened his hands and let her go from his grip. He even plopped her back down where she’d been before, his hand running through her hair as he shook his head.

[color=C67C12]”Honestly, I don’t think I’ll last long enough to keep that up. You win that battle by default.”[/color] he shook his head slightly, blood flushing his pale cheeks.

[color=ed145b]”Leon Hunter! Weakling!”[/color] Mia taunted almost immediately.

[color=0072bc]”Oh, God! Thank you, Leon, honestly. Nobody-”[/color]

[color=577d06]”-This ain’t one of your orgies. Specially not on our fuckin’ cooooooOOOOOOOOOUCH!”[/color] Casey started to yell playfully, chest moving up and down in a chuckle.

[color=C67C12]”Brother, she’s using you like a futon cushion!”[/color]

[color=577d06]”Sure, but my dick isn’t a-”[/color]

[color=ed145b][b]”Shuuuuut uuuuuup! Oh my [i]God![/i]”[/b][/color] Mia shouted, laughing as she leaned back into Hari. The three of them were laughing now, until the whole family were cracking up at one another. 

Casey had tucked his head into Trisha’s shoulder to laugh without showing too much of his expression.

Trisha hid her own face in her hands, shoulders shaking slightly up into Casey’s head. She was laughing, but embarrassed about it. Like there was some kind of image she had to keep up. 

[color=629c3f]”Oh wait, Babe, I didn’t even think ‘bout distracting you like that!”[/color] Cass started cackling, turning around and making to climb right back onto the couch with an evil grin. She exaggerated her movements like she was some kind of monster crawling out from under the couch just to rub her ass all over Leon. 

[color=d1b300]“Not on our couch, please, oh my God.”[/color] Trisha managed to get out around laughter, peeking through her fingers. 
[color=d1b300]“You’re going to make me regret letting you in.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”[i]Awwww[/i], cause you want the couch all to yourself [i]and Casey[/i]?”[/color] Cass teased with a giggle.

[color=577d06]”I won’t let you two defile our comfy couch goddamn you!”[/color] Casey blurted out amidst a gaggle of chuckles.

[color=C67C12]”I’m trying, Casey, she’s just so strong and horny, it’s crazy!”[/color] Leon protested, his hands shoving in every direction trying to banish the Mobile Ass back to the floor corner where she rightfully belonged.

[color=629c3f]”Can’t stop this train once it’s started!”[/color] Cass cackled. It was pretty easy to wriggle around hands when you could make your body as stretchy as you liked… She managed to get a grasp on Leon’s thighs, snaking herself back up with a smirk. But the rest of her body didn’t actually [i]touch[/i] him. Supporting herself with her arms alone, she hoisted herself up to smack a purposefully loud kiss on his lips. 

Then the horny monster descended back to the floor, laughing like an evil witch. 
[color=629c3f]”That chaste enough for you?!”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“Keep your ass down there and I won’t get upset about it.”[/color] Trisha shot back, rolling her eyes.

[color=629c3f]”Heh, I’ll try… And I wasn’t gonna defile your couch! Just get him all fucking riled up so we could then send him to the cold shower of shame!”[/color] Cass’ whole face was lit up with laughter. In her excitement she accidentally slammed the [i]start[/i] button, and a countdown started on the screen. 

[color=629c3f]”Oh, fuck, guess we’re going?!”[/color]
[hr]
There was loads of fun gaming- and Cass moved just as much as Trisha said she did. Jerking from side to side as if she was actually dodging shots, with a lot of yelling. But unlike the arcade, she was actually [i]good[/i]. And not above shoving a tail across at least Leon’s eyes when he started beating her at one point. It was a good thing she was the only one on the floor, because anyone nearby would’ve gotten multiple limbs to the face and gut.

But the real surprise was Trisha, when she got a turn. Not that she was amazing… Nowhere near Cass’ well practiced level, but not bad like she’d claimed. And she got pretty loud pretty quickly too. There wasn’t much movement for her aside from her fingers on the controller, luckily for Casey, but it only took a few deaths for her own cursing to match Cass’. Then exceed it, a torrent of swears coming out as she got so into it she didn’t really think about who was around her. It wasn’t like the Trisha many of them were used to. 

[color=629c3f]”Cake break!”[/color] Cass declared, after at least a solid hour of playing. She loved Halo, but was honestly getting a bit bored of the same game… And her stomach was starting to grumble, as it tended to every few hours. The joy of being a Green Adept. 
[color=629c3f]”Maybe we can play some kinda co-op after? Assuming Trish and Case ain’t gonna kick us out?!”[/color]

Trisha didn’t respond immediately, loosening her death grip on the controller in her hands and relaxing properly against Casey again. As she came back to herself more the embarrassment began to set in, and she twisted around to hide her face against him. 

[color=d1b300]“You can stay a bit longer… It’s not even the evening yet.”[/color] Came her muffled response.

Cass grinned, hopping up off her spot on the floor. She spun around to face Leon- heads at a more equal height with him sitting and her standing- and leaned forward to stare right into his eyes.

[color=629c3f]”How’s it feel to be a big, fat [i]loo-ser[/i].”[/color] She taunted teasingly, tongue poking out from behind sharp teeth. He wasn’t the overall loser, obviously, but between the two of them? He absolutely was.

[color=C67C12]”Like being a pig hanging out with a hippo, you big, fat winner!”[/color] Leon chided back, tossing the controller on the couch and half rolling, half diving off the couch to clamber on top of her in the corner.

Ed and Hari had been swapping the controller between each other whenever the whimsy came, sometimes right in the middle of a gunfight, so their game had clearly been played just as much against one another as the other three. But both were laughing as they discussed the games among themselves. Mia had long since scooted her way next to Casey and Trisha, and had been quietly basking in the warmth of a vaguely energized Trisha. She and Casey had been swapping jokes and poking fun at the others between photo connected brains. Pictures, memes even, created on the fly between two people who shared some of the oddest parts of their senses of humor.

Casey himself had been [i]trying[/i] to provide Trisha with extra eye coverage, but her reaction speed to his backseat gaming combined with her general [i]attitude[/i] had him rethinking that course by the time things were winding down.

[color=0072bc]”Leon! You’ve gotta let her out so she can have her [i]cake![/i]”[/color] Hari chided, still laughing as she looked over and saw Leon’s body looming in the corner as the two play-slapped at one another for dominance.

[color=C67C12]”Please, if she wants out she’ll get out!”[/color] Leon laughed, unable to look back or give any other attention to tasks besides delving and blocking blows as he tried to playfully slap at her face and cheeks.

[color=629c3f]”Yeah, he ain’t got shit on me now, Hari!”[/color] Cass cackled, letting him catch her with his hands a couple of times just so she could get him back at the exact same time. But it wasn’t like it was a battle he could win right now… Not when two more limbs grew out from just below her armpits. Noodles that wrapped around his wrists to keep them away with far more strength than the floppy things looked like they should have. It was just too much effort to make two more arms [i]and[/i] hands.

It left her own free to grasp his face and [i]squeeze[/i]. 
[color=629c3f]”Awww, you’re so cute.”[/color] She teased as she squished his cheeks up like they were playdough. She darted up for a quick peck on his forcefully pouted lips, before full [i]slithering[/i] under and through his legs. 

[color=d1b300]“Can you [i]not[/i] turn into a horror movie villain in the middle of my house, please?”[/color] Trisha made the mistake of turning her face away from Casey’s chest to witness a four limbed Cass stretching out from under Leon like she was made of rubber. 

[color=629c3f]”Uh, not really? My body’s just kinda like this now! Well, the limb growing’s on purpose- it’s all kinda on purpose, I got control, but sometimes it ain’t… And I gotta use my magic anyway!”[/color] Cass shrugged as she pulled the two extra limbs back in with a purposefully squelch. 

Trisha grimaced slightly. It wasn’t like it really bothered her- she’d seen far worse horrors fighting the Stygian Snake when she was just a teenager. But that wasn’t in her home! But it was fine, it was all fine… She just wasn’t really in a rush to get up. It wasn’t like she wanted cake, so she made no move to get off Casey. In fact, she curled up onto him more now that she wasn’t holding a controller. 

[color=d1b300]“I’m sorry if I snapped at you while gaming.”[/color] She said softly into his shoulder, reflecting on just how she’d been in the heat of the moment- and towards his backseat suggestions.

Leon could only laugh at Cass’ shenanigans. She was funny about it in the way a cartoon character was, the stretchy limb bit almost certainly ripped off from what he’d shown her over their training sessions so far. But, the extra spiderlimbs were fucking horrifying in the right context, and she already faux pas’d so hard that a new bedroom rule had to be made because of them. He was used to enough strangeness that the concept didn’t really bother him, but it was her creativity, and what she used them for at any given time, that gave him the heebie jeebies. 

Hari and Ed were already getting up to meet Cass at the door, with Leon following behind.

[color=C67C12]”Y’know, I really fuckin’ hate the powerups. Like, there were so many times I was gonna ki-”[/color] their conversation about Halo mechanics faded down the hall and into the kitchen. 

Mia patted Casey on the shoulder, leaning in to give him a peck on the cheek before standing up herself.
[color=ed145b]”I’ll save you guys a couple pieces.”[/color] she stuck her tongue out before rotating fully to follow the group, leaving Casey and Trisha alone like they wanted in the first place.

[color=577d06]”Just say that you don’t want my help! Y’know, when you don’t say anything and [i]then[/i] snap? It kinda, y’know, gets irritating. Probably not as bad as getting back seat callouts from someone who isn’t playing though, right?”[/color] he asked purposefully, finally rubbing Trisha’s arm and holding her tight.

[color=577d06]”I love you… It’s okay. You’ll never irritate me so bad that I won’t want you to be right here.”[/color] he added calmly, kissing the top of her head.

Trisha nodded slowly. Like with so many problems, it wasn’t like she was acting that way on purpose. And she’d honestly forgotten how she got when gaming like that… It didn’t help that so often it involved Sal flaming both her and Cass. She could’ve at least warned him.

But it was part of the bigger problem of her not saying anything until it just exploded out, but on a smaller scale. She could at least recognise that. 

[color=d1b300]“I didn’t think I’d get that annoyed.”[/color] She admitted, tilting her head up so that she was looking at him instead of hiding. 
[color=d1b300]“I don’t think it’s bad you wanted to be involved… It just made me feel worse at the game, and then threw me off, then I got more frustrated. It isn’t even that serious, so I don't feel [i]that[/i] inadequate. Really, I was… In competitive mode. I should’ve said as soon as I felt a bit annoyed by it.”[/color] 

[color=577d06]”Yeah, you should have! But, it’s over now, isn’t it; so I’ll remember for next time, that way we won’t need to worry about anything. Gosh, y’know you’re so damn lucky… ‘Cuz I love every little bit of you.”[/color]

Casey hugged Trisha close, as tight as he could without squeezing too hard.

[color=577d06]”Are… You sure you want them around still? D’you wanna go upstairs and rest? We can just let them all hang out in here; we don’t need to babysit.”[/color] Casey offered thoughtfully, since she didn’t seem terribly interested in cake diving.

[color=d1b300]“I know how lucky I am. I’m the [i]luckiest[/i].”[/color] Trisha whispered with a soft smile, hugging Casey right back. She wriggled up a bit to press a gentle kiss to his cheek as she thought about whether she wanted to take that offer or not. 

It would be easier to go upstairs and rest. But she’d still feel a certain amount of on edge having them in the house. And she wasn’t struggling with it as much as she thought she would be. Maybe because there was the game to take all of their attention, and she was able to comfortably cuddle Casey through it.

In a way it was like exposure therapy. Getting herself more used to having so many people around, a bit at a time. 

[color=d1b300]“I can do a bit longer, I think. Depending what the next game is. Cass suggested a co-op game… That might be more chill. Then we can even sort of play together- I won’t mind the backseat gaming for something like that.”[/color] She said eventually, smiling at him.
[color=d1b300]“Another hour or two, then I think I’ll be done. But I’m not struggling as much as I thought I would. Probably because I have you right here to cuddle. Thank you for looking out for me so much.”[/color]

Maybe it was too much, and part of it came from her not being used to it still, but she wanted to make sure Casey knew that she really did appreciate it whenever she could. All the big and little things he did or suggested while thinking about her. So he didn't think she was ever taking it for granted.

Casey cuddled Trisha just a little tighter, hands rubbing her back and shoulders to try and get her to relax. But, she was already pretty loose and lacking in tension. It was a proud moment.

[color=577d06]”I'm so proud of you. That's exactly the kind of improvement we can track! Your bullshit tolerance is crazy; look at you chilling with people in your space! You even participated in the games [i]first![/i]”[/color] he kissed her again, being sure to list all the things he did notice so she'd be inclined to repeat the behavior hopefully…

[color=577d06]”Do you want to skip the cake? Mia said she'd save some for us. I trust her.”[/color] he added, knowing that he probably wanted some cake, and it'd be better to eat with friends.

Trisha's shoulders pushed up into a little shrug, smiling sappily at him. The improvement he mentioned didn't seem that amazing, but he was happy about it… proud of her for it… And it [I]was[/I] an improvement. Things weren't going to just be better immediately. 

She wasn't hungry, but she wasn't so full she couldn't have a little bit. Probably not enough to have a whole slice, but she could steal some from Casey's if his was big enough. She didn't really care one way or the other. Sure, it was more comfortable to stay here, but they'd be coming back anyway. 

[color=d1b300]“I don't mind."[/color] She voiced, in case the shrug wasn't enough. 
[color=d1b300]“Do [I]you[/i] want to eat cake just now? I probably won't have much, but if you want to we can go through. It isn't all about me."[/color]

[color=577d06]”I think if you really wanted any, we could get it delivered to us. But, I’m okay for now. Not like we can’t get our own cake. We’re adults. Just sit here with me and relax in the quiet.”[/color]

Casey let his head tilt back, frankly satisfied with the level of noise and laughter coming from the other part of the house. He’d be able to sleep so much better if every night was like this… The best parts of having a family were these kinds of moments. He felt satisfied for the first time in a week.

Out in the kitchen, a surrounding murder session ripped into the emerald green triple-decker cake. There were designs of little beans on the surface, along with [i]YOU MADE IT CASS![/i] in big, pink letters like flowers. The innermost layer of cake was marbled green and white, with the second layer a pinkish-red and the top being a golden angel cake.

[color=0072bc]”So the bottom layer is your bones, then your muscles. Then the top is, well, yesterday really. The golden moment of the finish line! We hope you like it, Cass!”[/color] Hari asked as she slapped a big slab of cake onto a plate and handed it off to Cass with a fork.

[color=ed145b]”We’re all super fucking happy that it was caught when it was, Cass! And, for the fact that there’s any kind of treatment. And, and- Well, you know where I’m going with this!”[/color] Mia giggled, wrapping herself half around Leon and planting a kiss on Cass’ cheek.

[color=629c3f]"I do, I do! I'm real glad too that it ain't gonna be worse than is… But fucking hell, Mimi- scrap being a nurse, you three should run a fucking cake business! Make em, decorate em- damn!"[/color] Cass grinned, only half joking. It was incredibly impressive… The decoration, the bake, the thought! A bit morbid, but that just made her love it more. 

She didn't hold back in digging right into the large slice, shovelling a piece of each layer in with a groan. 
[color=629c3f]"Is so gooooddd."[/color] She practically moaned through the sugary goodness. 

She put it down for just a moment, before going to scoop each girl in turn up for a massive, tight hug. She would've gone for the cheek kiss too, but emerald green frosting already covered her lips. 
[color=629c3f]"You gotta make my birthday cake, I swear, I'll do anything if you do. It ain't even gotta be this fancy… fucking hell, seriously! All that hell was worth it!"[/color]

Picking back up her plate to continue devouring, Cass turned a slightly green stained grin towards Leon. Her eyebrows raised up and down a few times.
[color=629c3f]"Now you can eat even more of my insides, Babe."[/color]

[color=C67C12]”My God, Baby, you’re absolutely shameless!”[/color] Leon laughed, shaking his head before tucking her under his arm and pulling her into a kiss.

[color=ed145b]”Oh please, don’t act like we don’t remember Piper Nolan.”[/color] Mia gave a wide grin, turning her head to Ed.

The reaction was immediate, with Ed tilting her head back and laughing in a long, continuous exhalation until there was no air left. All the while, Leon shook his head.

[color=C67C12]”I’m sorry, are we bringing up, what, like almost [i]fifteen[/i] years ago? You two were barely old enough to remember a-”[/color]

[color=66bb6a]”-Oh, don’t play that game! Because she and I both have the exact same memory of you dumping us with Ms. Nolan, and the last time we saw you that day, you two were practically dry humping at the edge of the forest!”[/color]

[color=ed145b]”In plain view! Ms. Nolan literally [i]screeched[/i] like a fucking bird!”[/color]

Ed almost dropped her cake plate with laughter as Leon turned bright red.

[color=C67C12]”D’you really think either of us were paying attention at that point?”[/color] he laughed, trying to play it off as cool as possible.


[color=629c3f]"At the fucking edge of the trees?! You didn't even walk a lil in to try be hidden? Too fucking horny to even get past the fucking tree line?!"[/color] Cass cackled, reaching up to pinch Leon's cheek teasingly. It was cute how he was trying to pretend it didn't bother him while his face had gone the colour of a tomato. 

[color=629c3f]"And you're calling me shameless?! At least I ain't ever been caught dry humping by my lil brothers… or any of my family! Or my partner's family! And I had to get real creative 'bout where it happened to avoid that. God, Babe…"[/color] Cass shook her head laughing. She hoped it was obvious she was just teasing and not actually laughing [I]at[/I] him. 

Her lips pulled up into a teasing smirk. 
[color=629c3f]"Started the exhibitionism young, huh? Are the edges of forests still on the card, or you scarred for life?"[/color] She joked.

[color=C67C12]”Maybe not such a [i]public[/i] forest edge.”[/color] Leon half grumbled, embarrassed but not entirely denying Cass' playful suggestion.

[color=66bb6a]”We call that shit forest [i]edging[/i]. Horny ass people.”[/color] Ed giggled between bites of cake, the thick buttercream frosting weighing heavily on the tongue.

[color=ed145b]”Mobile ass people.”[/color] Mia chortled, covering her nose so she didn’t snort fully.

[color=C67C12]”Oh my [i]God[/i] you two haven’t stopped being annoying. Shit’s honestly crazy.”[/color] Leon replied in a jokingly defensive manner.

[color=0072bc]”I’m way more curious to hear about how you make sex during an active aerial bombardment work. Weren’t you guys basically cramped up in metro tunnels like Moscow?”[/color] Hari asked, instinctively leaning against the nearby counter in preparation for story time.

[color=629c3f]"Well yeah, but not all've the time! Only when there were actually raids, which weren't every night. Some've em weren't so major, they'd only last a few hours then we'd come out. Plenty of time to fuck outside of it."[/color] Cass shrugged. 
[color=629c3f]"Most people were too scared to be fucking during anyway! But it honestly would've been possible in the tunnels… Just try sneak off to a dim corner. The sobbing and wailing and explosions would cover it up. But the above ground ones- the fucking Anderson shelters- you were crammed in their like sardines. Moving was basically impossible, nevermind sex!”[/color]

She spoke energetically about what had been a pretty dark period of her life all round. But she was never one to mope, especially not in setting like this. She took a brief break to devour some more cake, getting a bit of frosting on her nose in her ferrous, before continuing with a more personal story.

[color=629c3f]”It was [I]way[/I] more likely a siren went off while you were doing it! [I]That[/I] happened to me, heh. I was at this girl's place cause her parents were both working, and we're right in the middle of it, y'know, butt ass naked… Air raid sirens goes off, she fucking panics, I kinda panicked… we just grabbed whatever the fuck we could before running to a shelter- one of the fucking small ones, no chance of tryna get back to it! Then I had to lie out my ass to my parents about why I was wearing shit that wasn't mine when they found me after. Thank fuck her trousers fit me enough that I didn't have to explain why I didn't have any fucking underwear on too!"[/color]

She laughed, because it was funny in retrospect. Not so much at the time. It wasn't like she was out to her parents then. Or now, really, because she knew what the reaction would be and just didn't bother. She didn't want them in her life much anyway.  

[color=0072bc]”How fucking sordid, oh my God!”[/color] Hari laughed between bites of cake. 

But Ed was the one really laughing.

[color=66bb6a]”Cousin Sydney has stories like that from before the occupation too. I don't think we would've lasted-”[/color]

[color=ed145b]”Oh, one of our dumb asses would've gotten blown up or captured or something, for sure.”[/color] Mia interrupted Ed, causing all three girls to crack up.

[color=0072bc]”Ed! Babe, you remember that time at the Schismata concert in Utah?”[/color]

[color=66bb6a]”Yes! Exactly! Oh my God, so, Cass; we-”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”-Oh, Jesus, spare me this one. Like it isn't embarrassing enough to have walked in on?”[/color]

[color=629c3f]"Wait, the fuck happened?"[/color] Cass asked, attention rapt on the girls.

The girls all were wracked with laughter, with Hari having to put her plate of cake down to prevent dropping it by accident. She buckled at the knees, and her torso curled inward as she tried to press all the laughter out. Her reaction only made Ed and Mia laugh harder in turn until none of them could actually tell the story. 

Leon was laughing too, but the kind of laughter that said “I'm just impressed they're laughing this hard again.”

[color=C67C12]”Yeah, yeah! You ruined a bunch of music equipment because you got to roam around backstage without having your hands held!”[/color]

[color=ed145b]”We were perfectly fine where we were! Someone scared the shit out of us! Absolutely not our fault all those amps and speakers were stacked so high!”[/color]

[color=629c3f]"Wait, wait, so you were fucking backstage? And [I]Leon[/I] walked in? Or someone else?! Or was it everyone backstage cause of all the shit that fell- holy fuck!"[/color] Cass started laughing too as she was trying to figure out exactly what had happened without actually knowing what had happened. 

She looked up at Leon with a grin. 
[color=629c3f]"To be fair, ain't it expected from a rock concert? Kinda one've my fantasies, y'know. Get to go backstage with one've the band, get down and dirty."[/color]

She waggled her eyebrows, completely serious about that one. 
[color=629c3f]"Not getting caught and ruining a bunch've equipment, though!"[/color]

[color=C67C12]”Not when you’re seventeen and you’re at a music festival with [i]several thousand people[/i] just outside. If we want to talk about shit like exhibitionism, talk about that!”[/color] Leon blurted out with a sneer.

[color=66bb6a]”We were [i]literally[/i] five or ten feet from a fucking recording camera, Cass! When all the amps fell, it absolutely decimated the guy holding it when he turned to get footage! And for a brief second, I’m certain that camera was recording us getting clobbered by the pile of electronics as it flung through the air!”[/color] Ed could only cackle harder, tilting her head back and stomping her foot against the floor.

Hari’s laughter only matched Ed’s, a truly cacophonous echoing of two bellowing ladies sharing a genuinely funny memory. Funny to them, at least: It was good so long as nobody died. Schismata was a Temple-adjacent band, and the whole family had been traveling on the tour to support Leon and Marc fronting with an early version of Decent Exposure. 
Not that it wasn’t already a crazy band to be fronted by: Half the crowd came to see Marc after the second MACHINE album had been so successful. Those were good times, and it did make Leon genuinely happy to remember it.

Mia was just mortified to have it brought up in “mixed” company. Not that Cass was much different than an old friend at this point, but she felt embarrassed anyway. She leaned against Leon’s shoulder, tucking her face into her arms and snort-laughing uncontrollably.


Cass was laughing away. The whole situation was just hilarious to her- she hadn't been there. Sure, the fact that they were underage was a bit of a problem… and the audio equipment… but fucking hell, the image was hilarious! 

[color=629c3f]"Alright, maybe coulda chosen a better place! Maybe further from the camera and, like, not so public when underage… heh… Shoulda found an empty tent or toilet like the rest of us festival going freaks!"[/color] She shook her head, wiping away tears. 
[color=629c3f]"But it's still fucking… hilarious… I'm just imagining you all in a fucking pile with audio shit tryna join! Fuck, haha- It wasn't a live recording, was it?! At least they could edit that shit out!"[/color]

She grinned, looking from the laughing woman back up to Leon. She nudged him with her elbow lightly.
[color=629c3f]"I bet you were goin' fuckin' crazy at festivals… You just ain't get caught! The lesson here is choose your spot carefully!"[/color]

[color=C67C12]”Please; too busy on stage at something like Schismata. Especially [i]that[/i] show, but… Well, only really if I’m not there to perform! Or, at least, I’ll wait until after I know there’s no more shows to do.”[/color] Leon admitted, the others starting to settle down. 

[color=ed145b]”That, I’m pretty sure, is true. Lee’s got Dad focus.”[/color] Mia nodded, looking up at him with a hint of admiration.

[color=C67C12]”Dad called it the ‘Pull of Gravity’. Makes sense to me: I see a goal, I lock in on it, and it tugs me there.”[/color] Leon confirmed.

If only he felt it how Mia felt it. The thought echoed in her ears loudly as her imagination was brought back to the two in the other room. Suddenly she was eying the two plates with cake still untouched.

[color=ed145b]”Lovebee and the Barking Poodle haven’t come out. Their cake pieces are gonna get stale.”[/color] she pouted.

[color=629c3f]"Oh fuck, you're right!"[/color] Cass exclaimed. She'd basically already finished her slice in between laughing and talking. She hoovered up the last piece before putting the plate down and pointing a finger at Leon. 

[color=629c3f]"You distracted me from the love of my life, Trisha, with thoughts of festival sex. Fuck!"[/color] She unfairly and jokingly accused, finger darting forward to poke his cheek. She followed it up with a bouncing kiss in the same spot.

[color=629c3f]"I'll go check on ‘em! They're probably just being all cuddly and shit… I got the toughest skin, I can handle getting stung by an angry Trisha if she ain't happy to be interrupted!"[/color]

She didn't wait for a response, bounding right towards the Den and pushing through the slightly ajar door. 
[color=629c3f]"[I]Honeyyyy[/I], there's cake waiting for you!"[/color]

Trisha looked up as Cass slipped in, letting the door fall half closed behind her. She'd been enjoying the moment of peace, curled up against Casey like she was trying to become part of him. She was relaxed enough that she didn't snap at the sudden intrusion, just hit Cass with a withering stare. 
[color=d1b300]“We’re alright."[/color]

[color=629c3f]"But it's gonna go stale!"[/color] Contrary to her concern, Cass actually climbed onto the empty spot on the couch with a grin. 
[color=629c3f]"Ohhh… are you still full from what Casey made?! Or- all the food from your date?! Oooh, Casey, how did you find the sandwiches Trish made? Where they… extra [I]wet[/I]."[/color]

Casey had his face half-buried in Trisha’s hair, and started to laugh as soon as Cass asked about the sandwiches being wet. How could he not, knowing full well what [i]could[/i] have been.

[color=577d06]”God, no! No, she recanted after you savagely bullied her for her… Cum tunnel sandwich!”[/color] he started giggling wildly, pulling Trisha tight and squeezing to make sure she couldn’t run from the embarrassment.

Trisha started to turn red, trying to twist in Casey's arms to at least hide her face against him if she couldn't escape. She never should've sent Cass that picture asking for advice… She would've ended up doing what she did anyway, and just not put any mayonnaise in them! 

[color=629c3f]"Hey, I didn't savagely bully her! I just sent a bunch of laughing emoji and said it looked like my dick! Which it totally did! Or maybe it was more like my-"[/color]

[color=d1b300]“No! Don't start comparing it to other things! Get your head out of the gutter!"[/color] Trisha interrupted, now bright red. Not that she'd minded Casey's joke at the time or now just the more it went on… the more she thought about her own failure to make a fucking sandwich. 

Cass cackled, shuffling forward closer to them both. 
[color=629c3f]"Hey, I think it's cute you tried even though it clearly ain't somethin' your good at! I [I]bet[/I] Leon'd do the same if he tried to make me a sandwich!"[/color]

[color=577d06]”Y’know how hard it would’ve been to keep a straight fuckin’ face if you pulled that shit out of the bag, Babe? I’m sorry, I think I would’ve lost it in your face.”[/color] he giggled, kissing her on the top of the head as she somehow got closer to him than she already was.

He probably wouldn’t have eaten it, either. There was mortar condiment, but then there was a step too far. A clear mishap. Thankfully, she at least managed to intuit that something was wrong, and made steps to correct the problem. Even if that meant exposing herself to harassment by text.

[color=577d06]”To answer you, Cass, the sandwiches were great. She decided we should mayo up our own sandwiches, and brought some with her kit. Way better decision. Though, we’re gonna talk about toppings and stuff, because it was chicken and raw cucumber. I get where her head was at, but they were still haggard. We’ll get there, Bee.”[/color] he rubbed her shoulder, still giggling away.

Trisha managed to smile, nodding.

[color=629c3f]"See, that's real smart, letting everyone do their own mayo! Stops it getting soggy as fuck!"[/color] Cass grinned. Chicken and raw cucumber didn't sound like the worst combination… she'd eat it, at least! Then again, she'd eat just about anything. 
[color=629c3f]"Just gotta get some filling lessons then you're sorted!"[/color]

[color=d1b300]“It’s not like I ever bothered making my own… or thought much about what was in them."[/color] Trisha said softly.
[color=d1b300]“I was rarely hungry enough to try making one."[/color]

[color=629c3f]"Yeah, which is a bad habit too! You totally didn't eat enough!"[/color] Cass immediately snatched up a new point, looking at Casey for agreement. Though, from what Cass had seen she'd been doing better recently. At least there was someone there to eat with her and make sure she did eat.

[color=577d06]”I’m getting more used to the whole bird-behavior. Mia was kinda like that as a kid, and Dad used to say something about her not starving, ‘cuz you’d notice. Way I see it, she eats what she wants when she’s comfortable to do so! She’s been alive this whole time otherwise, and I’ve [i]seen[/i] hunger. Been hungry myself. She’s… Not.”[/color] he grinned sincerely, unable to prevent himself from growing sweet and understanding no matter what Trisha’s problem was.

Was it realistic, or just enabling as a behavior, he wasn’t sure. But, he was sure that Cass had a very different perception of what healthy was as opposed to either of them. He was far more concerned with her mental health, with the assumption that she’d get better over time in the physical aspects. 

[color=577d06]”She’s been doing good though, Cass. We’re working on it!”[/color]

Cass let out a thoughtful hum as she looked between Trisha and Casey. 
[color=629c3f]"I suppose she had been doing better… just don't come crying to me if she faints from forgetting to eat for a few days!"[/color]

[color=d1b300]“That only happened twice."[/color] Trisha responded evenly, glad that Casey seemed to be on her side. Not that Cass wasn't. She was just concerned… but Trisha just didn't really feel hunger. And she had gotten a lot better at following a meal routine so she ate what her body probably needed. 

[color=629c3f]"Three times! I'm counting the time I wasn't there!"[/color] Cass put her hands on her hips, trying to look stern- but it didn't last long until she was smiling again. 
[color=629c3f]"You guys know best, I suppose. I trust you to make sure she doesn't either away, Casey."[/color]

[color=577d06]”Hey, y’know, worst comes to worst, I gaslight her into eating a piece of chicken. Sometimes I tell her it's a Sycamore member she doesn’t like, and she gets all ferocious. Just, it probably isn't a good thing that it's almost always fried chicken. I can’t keep myself away, honestly.”[/color] he admitted, thinking about all the late night order-ins where he basically fed her drumsticks while she stared at a screen.

Cass tilted her head back and laughed. 
[color=629c3f]"Hey, so long as you work it off, it ain't a problem, right?! Motto I live by! Or used to, it ain't a problem anymore cause I just burn shit off by existing. But I wanna see ferocious Trisha devouring Sycamore fried chicken!"[/color]

[color=d1b300]“I don't get that ferocious."[/color] Trisha grumbled, one hand wriggling up to pinch Casey's cheek to express her joking displeasure. Not actually upset, apart from maybe that he was sharing a joking and cute moment between them… but it was with Cass. 

[color=629c3f]"Heh, sure you don't… So if I tell you the cake is, uh, Greyson, will you eat it? I mean it's technically my body but we can pretend!"[/color]

Trisha stared for a moment before laughing. 
[color=d1b300]“No, I don't want to poison myself!"[/color]

Casey giggled at the exchange, appreciative of their friendship. Ultimately, Casey loved that Trisha had [i]anyone[/i] like Cass. But, for her to be [i]perfect?[/i] The greatest kind of foil that a person like Trisha could ask for? It felt like fate and divinity playing games in her life. Giving, and also taking.

[color=577d06]”Leon’s eaten Greyson’s cake before, I bet. All those nights spent drinking alone in hotel rooms? They’re both totally gay… Leon likes danger, and I hear Greyson likes getting dommed.”[/color] Casey grinned, sticking his tongue out from between his teeth as he heard loud shuffling.

[color=C67C12]”I’m gonna ignore that you said that and just eat your piece of cake.”[/color] Leon grunted, stuffing the hunk of cake into his mouth frosting first.
[color=577d06]”Ewww, that’s incest big bro, get away from my cake.”[/color]

[color=ed145b][b]”Caseeeeeey!!!”[/b][/color] Mia groaned, pushing in from behind Leon and moving back to her seat.

Casey and Leon both started laughing. Ed wasn’t far behind, picking up the humor.

[color=66bb6a]”Oh, I know, like she’s totally hung up on that one!”[/color] Ed laughed. 

Suddenly, the living room was filling back up with laughter and fun as the group fully shuffled in to recapture the family vibes. A piece of cake [i]was[/i] brought in for the lovey dovey couple, which Casey ate most of but managed to share with Trisha before the co-op session started. 

A relatively quiet evening, with the looming threats lurking in the background of St. Portwell. One to cherish as the days grow harder.
[hr]
Even though it had been a chill evening of coop gaming in the second half, Cass was still incredibly energised when they went back to her apartment later. More so because there hadn't been as much excitement… She was still more than energetic enough during anything, but nothing used up her energy. 

It made it really hard to not just jump Leon the moment they were in the door. There were days of lost time to make up for, after all… but they had shit to talk about! She couldn't let her horniness and high energy take over! Otherwise, it'd just come out at the worst time anyway. They'd talk about it, get it over with, [I]then[/I] have marathon sex. 

[color=629c3f]"[I]Sooooo[/I]..."[/color] Cass started as she bounced fully into her apartment, twisting around to flop onto her couch rather than climbing Leon like she really wanted to. 

[color=629c3f]"Can we talk about some things? That came up when I was talking to Mia? It, uh, ain't just the one thing I assume you ain't told me yet cause I was sick. I got stuff to talk to you about too!"[/color] She was doing her best to not just launch into it like she'd made the mistake of doing before, but also couldn't just ask to talk without some kind of qualifiers. She was too used to dealing with people with insane anxiety!

Leon cleared his throat instinctively. If it had to do with Mia, it must have to do with what happened the other night. And, probably this morning. She had gone down to make up… But in that regard, prospects only expanded as to what the discussion could be. What exactly had they gotten into? 
Rather than sit on the couch next to her, he proceeded to divest himself of shirt and pants in favor of simple basketball shorts, before sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of her to look up. When he was younger, he’d learned to do this with Lynette as it kept her mostly placid knowing she had your full attention. 

Now it was somewhat habitual, though they hadn’t had enough moments like this where his full attention was actually being requested.

[color=C67C12]”Sure, sure… What’d I say my middle name was? Transparent and honest or something stupid? Shoot, Babe.”[/color] he prompted her, leaning in to look up at her fully.

[color=629c3f]"Can you- Did you hafta take most of your clothes off?!"[/color] Cass squeaked out weakly, covering her eyes for a moment.
[color=629c3f][I]Deep breaths, Cass. You're more than your instincts. You won't be defeated by insane pecs, abs and calves. Nope. You see it all the time! Control yourself![/I][/color]

It was so much harder when they weren't in public to keep that control… but she managed it, clearing her throat and uncovering her eyes like she wasn't some rabid horny dog ready to jump him at a moment's notice.

[color=629c3f]"I guess we'll start with your stuff, then… Mia said about the leash? That you're thinking about taking it off? Destroying it, even? Cause she ain't up to it and Lelou suggested the beans… I dunno, it's a big thing, cause you were so excited to get it back! So I was kinda shocked! And it affects other people around you too… Anyway, I'm hoping you were gonna tell me, and just haven't yet cause there wasn't a chance?"[/color]

[color=C67C12]”Well, no… I was going to tell you the moment it became a plan rather than a consideration.Though, I can already see where you may take that as, like, a decision affecting you. Because it does. But, again, I won’t lie and say that I was just waiting for a [i]good[/i] time.”[/color] Leon explained in a very flat fashion.

Typically, in a situation like this, he just gave himself up. If the relationship buckled under the pressure of truth, then that’s where it was structurally weak to begin with. He didn’t expect the answer to satisfy her in any regard, but it was the simple truth of the matter: That releasing Lelou now, to give her a bigger part in his life with the promise of better things to come, would hopefully break the bullshit cycle of keeping her locked up.

[color=C67C12]”I’m more than happy to go into the thought process behind my reasoning too, I mean, you just say the word.”[/color] he waved her on to make any potential request she had vocal.

Obviously Cass wasn't particularly thrilled that he hadn't planned to say anything until it was already decided and done. It wasn't like she was controlling or anything and thought they had to tell each other everything… but some things were more major than others! Like technically her helping Mia had nothing to do with him, but she was still gonna talk to him about it first! 

[color=629c3f]"Yeah- Yeah, I wanna know your thoughts! I ain't bringing it up to, like, shoot it down and tell you not to. I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea or anything!"[/color] She said. 
[color=629c3f]"But you can see how it'd be way worse to have it just dropped on me down the line, right? Like way more of a fucking shock… I just think it's good to be open about major things, y'know? I ain't even saying you gotta take my opinion into account here. But yeah, this one's something pretty major, so I'd like to know before… and the whys! 'Specially since Mia mentioned the beans, and I assume it ain't just that, but I don't want you making a decision just cause've something that helped me!"[/color]

Leon nodded his head immediately, trying to figure out why he assumed that telling her then was better than before. Well, obviously she was kind of right no matter what: There hadn’t been [i]so[/i] much time that they weren’t just grunting and cussing at one another. Frankly, it was a miracle it was coming up now. He was almost certain she would’ve been disarmed by the strip knockout. But, her heart was clearly into the topic, so he couldn’t blame her.

[color=C67C12]”Well… For starters, my main thought was that, if you expressed an overly negative opinion toward the idea when I presented it to you, then it’d outweigh my decision at the time and I’d happily reverse course and plan something new alongside you. It never crossed my mind that the decision was completely made by the time it reached you, if that makes sense?”[/color] he did his best to explain the conclusion he came to about the prior topic.

[color=C67C12]”Beyond that, it becomes a matter of a few personal ass things. I’d say that, uh… Well, I’ve had a lot of vivacious partners since Lelou and I have come into our thing. And, a lot of the time, she enjoys the fun. But, honestly? I’ve never felt the satisfaction that I feel from her when I’m with you. And, that’s… Part of why I miss her, I think. Uh… Is it… Damn, y’know, saying it out loud right now is making this sound [i]way[/i] different than my initial thought was, okay, back the fuck up Lee…”[/color]

He cleared his throat again, eyes widening at the newly acquired prospect in his head. With a much sharper expression, he looked squarely at Cass.

[color=C67C12]”Babe, you’re… So fucking crazy right, right? If… Honestly, if I thought about it more like this, I would’ve come to you as soon as I had this thought! Because, uh… I… I think I’m trying to say I want… And I think she’d consider… Can polyamorous love exist between two people and a ghost?”[/color] he asked her, eyes widening, hands reflexively softening as if he had no more will to guard.

The fully truthful, entirely actualized Leon.

[color=629c3f]"Why couldn't it? She's a- Well she ain't a person, but she's gotta mind of her own, right! She's her own… being. That's all you need for any feelings to exist, right?"[/color] It was a pretty easy answer for Cass. Honestly, there'd always been some assumption on her part that Lelou was involved? Maybe not in the same way emotionally as her and Leon were. Like, Leon was her boyfriend, but Lelou wasn't… nothing. 

She leaned forward, hands reaching out for Leon's.
[color=629c3f]"Did you not wanna say till you'd decided cause've that thought?! Well I guess you just said you would've come to me if you thought more about it like this… anyway… Yeah, it absolutely could exist! Well I ain't sure if Lelou's definition is the same… And it's a bit weirder when the two of you gotta share your body… but totally!"[/color]

Her head tilted from side to side as she tried to figure out exactly what to say and how. Like yes, let's go for it, try and make a weird ass poly relationship work? Ultimately, if he wanted Lelou out, it was his choice. But it was still not that simple… would destroying the leash be enough to stop her from trying to take over his body? Because Cass really didn't want that… 

[color=629c3f]"Honestly, I didn't think too much about it, but I assumed there was kinda already something there with Lelou like… since she was always there, in you, even if it wasn't… A relationship. If anyone was gonna have problems with it, I assumed it'd be you!"[/color]

Leon shrugged off the tension, somehow still shocked that she’d have an entirely pragmatic and understanding viewpoint of what was going on. But her adaptability felt so good… So affirming.

[color=C67C12]”I didn’t realize how good things had gotten until I realized that… Well, I liked the benefits of her being loose. Or, looser. I think letting the seals free is something we’ll need to work up to, obviously. I’m hoping she is who I think she is in that regard… That, y’know, a lot of what I’ve dealt with is because we’ve been treating her unfairly. My family and I, I mean. She was always something that needed suppressing, or quelling. That’s why the seal system is so complex, and why it needs an external controller to begin with. It’s… Rough.”[/color]

Not like he wasn’t interested in naming the actual benefits to having her in his head, but the sensation of hope he had was so strong that it was hard to suppress in itself. 

[color=C67C12]”Then, when you came around, things got really good. I had the chance to actually, y’know… [i]Enjoy her too.[/i] It was always a tenuous attraction, but once you came, I could feel her comfort too. The part that was missing, I guess.”[/color] he shrugged again, this time not really knowing how else to describe what he was feeling.

[color=C67C12]”For the first time ever, since my Cousin disappeared with the Leash, she started actually filtering my hearing through her brain first. I could taste and smell better. Even touching you. She made everything better for me, because I was making things better for her, I think. An understanding was building. God, I feel insane…”[/color] he finally admitted with a sigh.

Cass slid off the couch and onto Leon's lap, thankfully focused enough on the conversation to ignore any horny thoughts it brought up. She just felt fucking weird talking to him from above, and they were basically talking about relationship shit now! Why shouldn't she be touching him? 

[color=629c3f]"It ain't that insane… not any more insane than having a ghost in there in the first place! Like… I bet people have loads've different ghost relationships. From what Trish and you've told me, the Temple don't seem to have too good an opinion of Apparitions at all… So of course the most common thing is suppressing. And you're feeling stuff that goes against all've that!"[/color] Even if he was technically engaged to Lelou, something he'd told her before anyone else could. She'd accepted that too, though then it had purely been a Temple oddness thing. 

[color=629c3f]"She ain't just gonna make things easy for you when you're suppressing her, but I bet she wants it to work out… like you said, an understanding was building! More of an [I]equal[/I] relationship!"[/color] She wasn't sure where she was going with this besides agreeing with him on that point. It did make sense the problems were because of the suppression, assuming Leon really had gotten to know Lelou. 

[color=629c3f]"Either way, I don't think you're insane to think or feel that. Kinda hard to not like shit being better!"[/color] She continued, reaching up to hold his face in her hands. She couldn't help but squeeze it a bit. 
[color=629c3f]"I don't think it's as easy as just taking it off, cause you're gonna have to… Well, she ain't gonna be too happy it went back on in the first place, is she? But if it's what you wanna do and what you think’s best… I support it. And I'm down for whatever funky poly relationship comes outta it."[/color]

[color=C67C12]”I won’t even know until the Leash is deactivated. That’s kind of the other [i]other[/i] part. Daisy and I were [i]friends![/i] She was like another sister, but way tougher than Mia. She could handle the fuck out of the Leash. But, Mia can’t. And the Leash is set up purely for the Daughters of the bloodline to tame the Queen of Beasts. Mia’s out. Daisy’s [i]definitely[/i] out, my other cousins are either Blind or gone, and my Mom certainly ain’t the one I want carrying that torch. But, I really can’t keep pushing that onto Mia.”[/color]

He was doing his best to remain logical through all this. After all, this had come up as something having to do with her initially. 

[color=C67C12]”It’s not fair to her when she never asked for this. Nobody here asked for this but me, really. Well, Mom encouraged me. But, you’re right ultimately. People in my world [i]hate[/i] Adjoined. People think they’re complimenting me when they say shit like ‘Oh you’re so brave, I [i]never[/i] would’ve given up my magic.’ Like they’re so fucking humble. Like if I’d have done it for the connection, I would’ve somehow become a fucking pariah. I guess I would’ve.”[/color] he shook his head, holding onto Cass’ side to keep her upright fully.

[color=629c3f]”Probably…”[/color] Cass frowned slightly, letting her arms wrap around his shoulders. The situation with Adjoined was pretty fucked up all around. 
[color=629c3f]”I mean, it’s still a pretty big thing to give up your magic for it! But I don’t think it’s any fucking… Heroic shit? Not entirely, and it don’t make you any better than the other Adjoined. And us Adepts ain’t any better than Adjoined just cause we got genetic magic! But that ain’t the point right now, is it?”[/color]

She managed to stop herself before she went on a full rant about it, lips pulling up into a rueful smile. 
[color=629c3f]”If you want to embrace it, you should. The leash was never going to work as a permanent solution, was it? Or maybe that was the plan but… It sure don’t seem practical… Especially not when there’s anyone to do it. Cause yeah, I don’t think Mia can deal with the extra stress.”[/color]

Leon grimaced. He wasn’t sure how much of the stress was really even Mia’s. She’d been pulling the confidence, but at the same time, what if she was getting something else outside of what she wanted? Outside of her control, even! What if-

[color=C67C12]”I’ve got this gut feeling like she- Lelou, I mean -is having a hard time too. Maybe worse than either of us are really imagining. I don’t expect it’s going to be easy.”[/color] he shrugged in admission.

There was only so much he could do until he made the decision fully. And he wasn’t sure he was ready. What if he just…

[color=C67C12]”The other option is Severance. If I release the seals all at once, fully, it rejects her from my body like a parachute. There’s a chance it kills me, but a higher chance I live and she disappears into whatever funky realm Apparitions disappear to until they get new bodies. But, I… If we did that, I’d save it until after everything’s said and done… When people don’t need me to be strong like that anymore.”[/color] he frowned, thinking about what he was saying before.

And then he started to tear up.

[color=C67C12]”But, I don’t think I want that to happen… But I’m scared I’m just projecting this feeling, and I don’t know what the fuck to do, Cass…”[/color] 

[color=629c3f]”Hey, hey, well we don’t have to think ‘bout that till after everything’s said and done if you ain’t even gonna consider it till then! And, like, well… I suppose there’s no point in tryna guess what anyone else is feeling without asking- especially a fucking Apparition!”[/color] Cass tried to comfort him as best as she could.

It wasn’t the easiest thing to do in this situation. She was always a solutions comforter, and there wasn’t an immediate solution which wasn’t ‘take off the leash and ask Lelou.’ Which… Was basically the same as making a decision, and he would’ve just done that if he knew he definitely wanted to!

[color=629c3f]”It’s like… Any relationship you don’t wanna lose, right? You gotta take the step! Well I guess it’s a bit different cause this is a ghost in your head- but whatever… Admitting to shit always comes with the risk of losing someone. Like, uh… I could’ve turned around and been totally fucking grossed out by the two human one ghost poly suggestion. But you still said!”[/color]

He scrunched his face.

[color=C67C12]”I just have to know for sure… I have to… Either ask Elise, or ask-”[/color]

The name choked in the middle of his throat. He didn’t even want to consider it, but she’d have a far clearer picture than anyone.

[color=C67C12]”-I’ve… Gotta ask Mom. Before it's all too late. I just have to… She’ll read the room and give it to me straight: I’ve played the game with her long enough to know she’ll do that for me. And then she’ll let me live with the consequence of knowledge, as all serpents do.”[/color]

At least that was a resolution he could follow. Nodding his head, he tucked his bottom lip slightly, nodding in confirmation.

[color=C67C12]”I… Did that answer all of your questions about that part?”[/color] he asked her, assuming she’d move along if so.


Cass didn’t say anything for a moment, before slowly nodding. She couldn’t exactly tell him to [i]not[/i] talk to his own Mother about it, even if she was incredibly fucked in the head. At least he knew that… And she didn’t really have any other questions. At the end of the day, it was his decision. She just wanted to know that he was making it for himself, really… 

[color=629c3f]”There ain’t… Uh, do we need to swap positions? I gotta kneel on the floor when I bring up the stuff I wanna be honest about? That how we doing things?”[/color]

Leon giggled and shook his head.

[color=C67C12]”I only ever want you lower than me for something pleasurable. Everything else, I wanna look up at you. Dad taught us that. Creepy, again, but some shit sticks with you. Now, clue me in. [i]Howl at me.[/i]”[/color] he gave her calm, almost dreamy eyes with a sly grin.

[color=629c3f]”Well that kinda don’t work when we’re just walking around cause you’re so much taller- that’s not the point! I get it, it ain’t that! Ugh, you make me wanna howl at you in a completely different way, fuck!”[/color] Cass waved a hand before she sidetracked herself from something she wanted to bring up. 

It was a bit harder when he was smiling at her like that. She wanted to skip it! Not have to ruin the mood again by bringing up wanting to help Mia with her drug habits! But… She couldn’t help without talking to him. Her conscience wouldn’t allow it. 

[color=629c3f]”Well, me and Mia talked. About what could actually help her with… Y’know. She asked me to scrub that shit outta her system. Course, I don’t wanna encourage it… I said I wanna try helping her sleep with my magic first, y’know! Gotta be a way to make it work! But I, uh, agreed… Cause if she’s gonna use anyway- I assume when it’s Ren it’s also fucking with the body- ain’t it better it’s as safe as can be?”[/color]

Leon’s face reactively sunk. It wasn’t like he didn’t want to find some kind of solution; only that Mia made things so fucking difficult in that regard. He hoped she’d have enough self control not to make it Cass’ problem, but suddenly he felt like her good nature was being used without regard… And that rubbed him the wrong way immediately.

[color=C67C12]”Shit… That’s really not what I [i]wanted[/i] to follow up with. [i]Fuck.[/i]”[/color] he grimaced.

[color=629c3f]”Nor did I! But I ain’t gonna sit on it either.”[/color] 

[color=C67C12]”It’s just… When you’ve seen it so much, it becomes worrisome! I fear her level of honesty, and everything. I don’t love that I don’t trust my little sister, after all: It sucks! But, out of the three of them, she’s the only one without any kind of natural defense to it… Y’know, sometimes I feel extra bad that the girl can’t just do her drugs in peace. But, with Ren-”[/color]

Leon shook his head harshly.

[color=C67C12]”No way. They’re all in agreement at this point, that Ren’s powers ain’t toys like that. Like… If they let her do her thing, I bet it wouldn’t be so bad. Except, Ren can’t always control shit. Puts people in total torpor. Can do it to anyone who lets her in. Hell [i]I[/i] have to worry about it. Plus, there’s a serious moral issue when they want to treat her like, y’know, their child. It kind of becomes this- Well, I’m… I’m just talking. But, you seriously… I mean, how’s it make you feel [i]really?[/i]”[/color] he asked with deep interest.

[color=629c3f]”Pissed off at all of the adults in you guys’ lives growing up! Like, who the fuck lets three teens get addicted to heroin?! And who thinks its just fucking normal to have a nightmare Eldritch being around your kids? And that I bet is generational!”[/color] The immediate response was more about the situation surrounding their drug use, rather than completely answering the question. But it was important to her thought process. 

[color=629c3f]”It makes me feeling conflicted! Cause I wanna help Mia- all of em- but I don’t wanna enable her! I want them all to stop one day… Cause I care about ‘em! But shit ain’t changed around ‘em yet, has it? So they ain’t gonna stop fully till it does. I’m realistic enough to see that. I’m worried if I help she won’t wanna stop even when shit’s better. But I’m more worried if I don’t that she won’t even have a chance if she goes back to it, cause she ain’t gonna be sober enough to drag herself out. So, yeah… real conflicted.”[/color] 

[color=C67C12]”Well, you’ve got the spectrum of emotions covered pretty succinctly. I feel as though I should be giving you some kind of insight, but frankly… Well, uh… Who knows, honestly Cass? Like, I could tell you all the bad shit, but what good would that do? None for me, none for her, none for you… So, I encourage you to treat it how you want. That’s… Probably the biggest gift I can give her now, as her brother. Someone who has no prejudgment, and just wants to help. God knows, it’s like pulling teeth with Trisha.”[/color] Leon intoned, rubbing Cass gently with both hands.

[color=C67C12]”I’ll look the other way. And I’ll trust you to come to me if you ever feel it getting out of control. What do you think?”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”That… Sounds like probably the best we can do right now. It ain’t exactly an easy situation, is it?”[/color] Cass rubbed the back of her neck with a half smile. She did just want to help… And honestly, she could deal with any consequences that came with it- if they did. Hopefully! 

[color=629c3f]”I don’t plan to keep it up forever… I mean, course I plan to be in Mia’s life no matter what, but I don’t like the feeling of being trapped like that anyway! When shit calms down, and things can be sorted more? Hopefully she’ll be able to get proper help… and if it doesn’t work out, I’ll have to cut it off at some point. But, yeah, I’ll come to you if shit happens! I mean, I think I’m pretty good at being open about shit. Too much, sometimes! Hiding’s way harder for me, anyway.”[/color] 

Leon nodded, giving her a warm smile.
[color=C67C12]”You’re stronger and smarter than just about anyone I know. Like I said, if there was a person to trust with something like this fucked up situation, it’d always be you first. Maybe that’s a curse but hey, it’s yours.”[/color] he giggled, adding another curse to the pile of problems.

At least that kind of a curse was admired.

[color=C67C12]”Is there anything you think I can do to alleviate any anxiety [i]now?[/i] Well, besides going a few rounds… That’s… [i]Coming.[/i]”[/color] he cuddled into her, nose sniffing against her neck.

Cass giggled, relaxing fully into him- not that she’d been that tense to begin with. Worried how he might take her agreeing to help his little sister get high without side effects, sure, but not exactly tense. 

[color=629c3f]”I ain’t really that anxious! I’m a solutions gal… When shit’s talked about and there’s a plan in place, I’m all good!”[/color] She meant for both the Mia situation and the leash… While neither ‘plan’ was ideal, at least there was something solid for both. 

With a grin she craned her head to try to look at him- which was a bit difficult when he was in at her neck. 
[color=629c3f]”Only a few rounds?! I thought we were gonna go all night!”[/color]

[color=C67C12]”Oh, Baby, why not go for endurance rounds? C’mon, let me show you what I mean-”[/color]