[right][code]Saturday 16th December, around 12.
Cannery Building. [/code][/right]
Finally it was here, the big day. [I]Her[/I] big day. 

Not that Cass was self centred enough to [i]need[/I] a day. She would've been pretty happy to just have the small thing she originally planned... But she was a social butterfly. Or more a social wolf! Either way, the more it had been planned over the last week the more excited she got for it. 

For the two of them, the last week had been less stressful than it had been for the couple upstairs. Aside from the aftermath of the Dollhouse raid, it had just been mundane ups and downs. Some bickering here and there, some more boundaries set, but it was all the kind of thing they easily moved past. Not that Cass found it difficult to bounce back from even the most difficult things. Overall, it was fun! Leon had actually been around again, rather than spending crazy hours out working on making sure they weren't all going to die in a shadowy explosion. Cass wasn't exactly the clingy type, but obviously she wanted to spend a bunch of time with her boyfriend. Especially being as extroverted as she was! 

Which meant today was something she was looking forward to. Hanging out with her friends, meeting a ton of his… It was going to be great. 

Reyna was coming earlier, and as the day just crept into the afternoon, she texted when she was about five minutes away. Which meant dragging Leon outside to wait for her. Not that Cass really needed to drag him anywhere, since there was basically no reluctance on his part to go anywhere with her... But she'd still physically grabbed his hand and pulled in her rush to get out. At least Reyna had said when she was leaving too, so they weren't interrupted mid [I]fun[/I]- they made sure that was stopped with a couple of hours to spare!

So they were just outside the Cannery building entrance, with Cass bouncing from one foot to the other like she often did. She hadn't really cared to dress up- that would be an effort for later on before the party, when she'd really put some effort in. If anyone was bothered by her wearing just a tank top and small sports shorts, that was on them! At least she wasn't just straight up wearing boxers outside... And it was [i]warm[/I]. Fifteen degrees in December was insane for her. Combined with her magic meaning her body temperature ran higher, she wasn't really inclined to bundle up right now.

[color=629c3f]"-And that's why I'm never drinking Tequila again! Just the smell of it makes me wanna puke!"[/color] Cass had been rambling away, animatedly telling Leon a story of a birthday celebration during her university days. Her twentieth, where she was pissed off at the insane laws in this country that meant she [I]still[/I] couldn't legally go out drinking. So, obviously, she'd gone absolutely crazy at a house party. She didn't even remember half the night, but from what she did remember, she had some crazy stories. Mostly her doing insane shit. Because somehow sober Cass [I]did[/I] have inhibitions, and blackout drunk Cass lost all of them. It was just impossible for her to get that drunk now... Though she tried her hardest to get close during the party last week.

[color=629c3f]"God, my hangover was awful. I don't even remember some've the funnest bits! Like Rey'll tell you about how I ended up just stripping at one point, and it took her and Diyah to tackle me and wrap me up in a blanket! Also supposedly I pulled out one've my posters of you and started sobbing about- Oh, look, there she is!"[/color]

Cass pointed to the car just pulling into the car park with a wide grin and massive wave. Not that she got one back, since Reyna was a safe driver. She was right on time... Probably because she remembered exactly how to get here from the last time. Remembering that, Cass spun away from looking across all the cars to grin up at Leon. 

[color=629c3f]"[I]Sooooo[/I], how d'ya feel 'bout going back to where we had our first date?"[/color]


[color=C67C12]”Dude, that wasn’t our [i]first date.[/i] Meeting for the first time never counts, or I’d have had a million first dates and like [i]ten[/i] second ones. But, the place we met is pretty cool: There’s a reason we went that day. It’s fun. It’s always [i]been[/i] fun.”[/color]

Leon had been feeling pretty good about things surrounding his life. Casey was in a bit of a crisis, but when wasn’t he? Leon could deal with that and more, so long as the engine within kept churning. Carnal pleasures kept her happy, and with Cass, every day found some kind of joy in flesh and gluttony. He reckoned they were honestly pretty perfect for one another, and so he treated every new day like it was more and more of a treat. Especially with Cass’ sickness ever-looming over their heads, every day had to be made special in some way.

He’d started working on music again, picking up rhythm guitar from where he’d left off as an Adept. She was great for inspiration: Cass always had something fun going on in her head, and it gave him plenty to feel like singing about. It was a much different tone than what he’d written before. Still heavy, still brash and bold, but hopeful. He’d written so much ominous and foreboding music that lyrics like “Picking up the pieces of a world in flames - You woke me up from the endless pain” seemed like he was writing about flowers and puppies. 

And, frankly, he’d been just as excited about today as Cass had been. Not only to celebrate her, but to show her off to all the people she hadn’t been able to meet yet. He’d been getting texts from his own friends all morning: Or, at least their personal assistants. Some people coming to this were generally used to a lifestyle that meant the mundane aspects of their world wound up handled by other people. 

Though, Instapeg seemed to be a lot more active in terms of the group of people he considered friends. Real friends, rather than Temple cronies or close family. Cass was getting happy birthday shoutouts on the reels by the handful, from people she’d never met. Carter Druso, Kate Rolans, Sergio Cardonna, and many other massive names in Sports Entertainment. Leon seemed to know everyone cursorily, and those who either couldn’t manage, or couldn’t be bothered to attend, paid some amount of lip service to the happy couple.

Maybe it was a little strange that so many people knew his business, but at the same time, it was incredibly exciting as an experience to be acknowledged by the heroes of Cass’ youth. Leon had been explicitly clear that there were people there he was keeping as a surprise for Cass. He only hoped that it didn’t put Cass’ other normal friends off… 
Even the Temple Members who were in attendance were there strictly because of their connection to Leon and his businesses. People who were used to at least brushing shoulders with famous fighters and athletes, in order to maximize the chances that Cass would be the only person in the building fangirling out.

And that was part of her present ultimately. The chance to be around so many people who she’d only dreamed of meeting previously. He hoped it was a good preliminary to what was the actual gift.

[color=C67C12]”Are you gonna show Rey all your new trophy Reels? You’ve at least gotta show her the one you got from Mercado.”[/color] being Mercado Alencia, the Iberian Fear. A Spanish boxer whom Cass had actually met on her own as a younger girl during a meet and greet in Manchester.

Mercado had a great memory in spite of the concussions, and had surprised Cass in his Reel by recounting the event in very clear detail. Clear enough that it was shocking to both of them.

[color=629c3f]”I [i]dunnnooo[/i]- she’s already gonna be dealing with a lotta it later! What if she turns around and just drives off?!”[/color] Cass shouted, ever dramatic, with her hands flinging up into the air. Not that she was actually worried about it. Anxiety wasn’t a thing she felt often. Only over very specific scenarios… But she was aware, at least right now before she got insanely excited, that going on and on about that kind of shit could annoy her friends. The whole two of them were able to go- which was pretty decent, considering how spread out across the country they were!

Sal had wanted to come, but he was flying back to Manchester tonight. Which was probably a good thing for her sanity with how competitive he got.

[color=629c3f]”I guess just that one, cause it’s so cool- I can’t believe he remembered, what the fuck? I mean sure, I was one of the only girls there and, like, one of the youngest too- but there were so many people! God, I just make a massive impression, I guess! On everyone I’m a fan of!”[/color] She grinned brightly, nudging Leon with her elbow. 

[color=629c3f]”I [i]am[/i] gonna show them all off to Jack when I get home for the holidays… Oh he’s gonna be so fucking jealous! I can’t wait.”[/color] She bounced a couple of times in eager anticipation of how jealous her older brother was going to be. 

Reyna had parked now, though she was taking her time on getting out. She seemed to be pulling a… Wooden crate out of the trunk of her car? Seemed a bit much for a one night stay.

[color=629c3f]”Oh, shit, we should help!”[/color] Cass was off before Leon could say anything, whether agreement or disagreement, bounding towards Reyna with outstretched arms. 
[color=629c3f]”[i]Reeeyyyyyy[/i], lemme take it, I got it!”[/color]

Reyna laughed, not resisting as Cass shoved in to grab the crate from her. Otherwise she just had a backpack slung over her shoulder.
[color=75a8ff]"Sure, feel free to carry part of your present."[/color]

[color=629c3f]”[i]Ooo[/i]- What is it, what is it?!”[/color]

[color=75a8ff]"It’s not really a good present if I just tell you- Please don’t shake it."[/color]

Leon was happy to take up the burden, ensuring that the box actually didn’t get shaken due to Cass’ rapid saddle movements. One leg up, the other on the ground, just like a cowboy getting up on the horse. He giggled at her excitement, hoping that Rey was more prepared than her other friend. After all, Leon wasn’t dumb. He knew neither Trisha, nor Casey wanted to be there in that capacity. And in their private discussions, Cass obviously would’ve forgiven them both if they said they weren’t coming. But, they were. Thus, having some good balance between the low and the high of the two people (Trisha and Reyna), meant that they’d hopefully have to do a lot less damage control than they would otherwise.

[color=C67C12]”C’mon, give it over. I don’t trust you not to shake as far as I can throw you. Which… Is probably further than sensible in the case of that joke.”[/color]
His hands scooped it from underneath, twisting and peeling the box away from Cass.
[color=C67C12]”How was the drive, Rey? Get stuck anywhere coming up?”[/color] he asked casually.

[color=75a8ff]"It was surprisingly smooth. The most difficult part was getting out of Portland in the first place."[/color] Reyna replied with a smile, shutting the trunk and locking her car now that Cass (and the box) were out of the way. She was more than prepared for this level of Cass excitement. While it wasn’t something she’d be able to handle every day, she was fine with it when it happened. Like Cass, her mood wasn’t one easily dampened- though her base state was the complete opposite, normally calmly enjoying herself. 

Cass was pouting exaggeratedly up at Leon for taking the box away from her- it was her present! And a chance to show off her incredible strength by easily carrying it in one hand… But it was [i]fine[/i] cause she probably would shake it too much and break whatever was inside!

[color=629c3f]”Hell yeah, I’m glad it was smooth!”[/color] She easily swapped from her fake upsetness to grinning at Reyna. Now that her hands were free, she had the perfect opportunity to pull the taller woman into a tight hug. Not so tight it’d hurt, but certainly tight enough that there was no way Reyna could escape it.

Not that she wanted to- she wasn’t Trisha. Rey was happy to hug her back, though she did start patting her after a moment.
[color=75a8ff]"Hey, not so tight. You really have been working on your magic, haven’t you? You didn’t try to crush me last time."[/color]

Cass let go, turning her head to Leon to waggle her eyebrows at him. 
[color=629c3f]”Oh, you wouldn’t believe how much I can do now… C’mon, c’mon, let’s get inside! We’re gonna show you where you’re staying the night, then we’re gonna hang out at Lee’s place! Real chill, though! Oh- I’ll show you my place first, though! It just ain’t so big, and he takes up half the couch, so it ain’t the best for hanging out. ‘Specially since I texted Trisha to come join us with Casey! Though she said it’d be a while, cause they’re in the middle of something.”[/color]

Thanks to Leon, Cass roughly knew that neither Trisha or Casey were in an amazing place. At least, not in a social place. So why drag them to even more socialisation? Well… She figured maybe they’d be able to enjoy something smaller, and it’d take the pressure off actually coming tonight. Since she [i]knew[/i] what Trisha was like. Overly worried about what Cass would think if she didn’t come! Of course, Cass wanted them there, but she wanted them to be comfortable more than anything! 

[color=75a8ff]"That sounds good. We can share your present, then. And however much I see Trisha, I’ll be alright with."[/color] Reyna said easily.

[color=629c3f]”Who-Who-Whoa! Who said anything ‘bout sharing it?!”[/color] 


[color=C67C12]”Hey, I didn’t ask for a selfish birthday girl. Sharing’s caring! I assume I should bring this downstairs with me? I still need to take down that picture…”[/color] Leon replied with a grin on his face. 

After all, he didn’t really have company usually. So, putting [i]Genesis[/i] into a different room wasn’t something he usually thought about. At least with the spare bedroom free, he could easily tuck it in there and close the door.

[color=629c3f]”You’re gonna get whatever birthday girl I feel like being, and like it!”[/color] Cass retorted, sticking her tongue out playfully at him.

[color=75a8ff]"Assuming downstairs is where we’ll be then yes, it would be best to bring it down there."[/color] Reyna answered more helpfully. Though, Cass had no idea what was in the box. It was the less exciting present, in Rey’s mind, though the other one was much smaller. 

[color=629c3f]”Actually, while you’re at it, you should replace that picture with a massive one of me.”[/color] Cass added, really doubling down on the joking self centred attitude.

Leon laughed in return, shouldering the box and turning his body.
[color=C67C12]”I’ll somehow get my Orange Lux back and get it taken care of for you. It’ll be bigger, even. Take up the whole wall.”[/color] he laughed, waving the two of them off as he made way for the door and hooked the left down the stairs, leaving the two girls to themselves.

Cass grinned at his back, ushering Reyna over to the lifts. They’d had one of the other apartments on her floor cleaned up for Rey to use for the night… Though not the one Greyson and Linqian used while he was dying. That would’ve been a bit morbid. The [i]other[/i] one that wasn’t being used as Cass’ sick apartment. 

[color=75a8ff]"It’s good to see the two of you are still doing well."[/color] Reyna commented as Cass brought her to the apartment, pushing the door open.

[color=629c3f]”Of course we are! Did you have that little faith in me?!”[/color] Cass pouted, stepping to the side to let Reyna in. It was simply decorated as no one lived in it- all the essentials were there, but not much else. 

[color=75a8ff]"After Trisha, you have the worst track record."[/color]

[color=629c3f]”C’mon, it ain’t a fair comparison! You’ve dated like three people since I met you, Diyah’s only dated five, and Sal’s eternally single! But that one boyfriend he did have was kinda weird!”[/color]

[color=75a8ff]"I think most people would consider having no nerdy hobbies as being normal."[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Nuh uh. Even Diyah has a nerdy hobby, and she’s the most normal person I know.”[/color] Cass shook her head. 
[color=629c3f]”Do you wanna get settled in? I can leave you for a bit, go down and make sure Lee’s getting that new picture of me just right.”[/color]

Reyna laughed. She’d dumped her backpack on the couch, rummaging in it to pull out her normal denim jacket, which she slung over her arm, along with a large gift bag.
[color=75a8ff]"No, I’m alright. I’ll have time to get ready for the actual party later, yes?"[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Yup!”[/color]

Of course, Cass didn’t want to risk going down while [i]that picture[/i] was still there. She’d grown numb to it in the time she’d spent in Leon’s apartment, but that didn’t mean she wanted to subject anyone else to it!

So Reyna got a full tour of Cass’ flat. Not that there were many rooms, but she had plenty to show off- including her dormant but totally alive computer. [i]That[/i] actually dragged some kind of shocked reaction out of Rey. 

When they headed downstairs, Cass was confident she’d given Leon more than enough time. Even though there were a gazillion locks on the door, he’d managed to leave them all unlocked somehow, which meant she didn’t have to pull out the key she still had for the place. Instead she just shoved the door open and bounced in.

[color=629c3f]”[i]Leeeeooonn, Babbyyy,[/i] you better not have opened my present!”[/color]

It had been simple enough taking the picture down. It made the [i]safe[/i] behind it pretty well noticeable, but he didn’t think anyone coming down would be concerned over it. It was empty anyway: After all, he had another one in a different spot in the apartment. Their Dad had made sure there was plenty of squirreling space, and Clarissa had certainly helped out in that regard with her magic. The floor safe was more of a vault, with a ladder that led down into the blackness. Only, the entry hole wasn’t big enough to fit the painting, thus he’d not bothered storing it down there.

So in Casey’s old room it went, and with the door closed, he was free to mingle about the apartment. He’d gotten coffee made, and had texted Casey to make sure they were still good.

[code]L: All good my man?
C: :( 
L: Better down here. You two need space.
C: :( [/code]

Leon shook his head at that. He loved Casey, truly… But these moods were the worst. He just locked down, like the world was going to end. It’d been the only point of contention he had felt when the guy lived down there. He didn’t eat for weeks at some points. Just locked the doors, covered his windows, and shuffled furniture around until he was bunkered up. He wondered if Trisha was letting him do that or not. Probably not…

But, Cass’ voice interrupted his train of thought.

[color=C67C12]”I did! And it’s [i]all over the place![/i]”[/color] he laughed. As the two of them cleared the hall into the kitchen, he raised his hands innocently.
[color=C67C12]”Juuuuust kidding!”[/color] he grinned widely.

[color=C67C12]”What’d you think of the digs, Rey? She’s got a nice setup up there, doesn’t she?”[/color] he asked, curious to hear her friend’s judgement of the apartment he’d provided her.

[color=75a8ff]"It's very nice. A perfect size for one person, I'd say. It's very cozy, everything fits well without being too cluttered. The small computer corner she has is perfect for her. I'm just surprised you're ever able to drag her away from it."[/color] Reyna smiled. She squinted as Leon came into view, aura blindingly bright while she was holding her channeler. She hadn't brought it to purposefully read them, though- it was more a discomfort without having it accessible, and the fact she had some stuff she needed in the pockets. 

[color=629c3f]"I ain't that bad!"[/color] Cass protested. Her head jerked between Leon and the unopened crate, trying to decide which to tackle first. In the end she went for Leon, practically launching herself at him. Arms and legs wrapped around him completely as if she was trying to tackle him to the ground- though she didn't actually put much strength behind it, so she obviously wasn't. She leaned in to press a purposefully loud kiss to his cheek. 

[color=629c3f]"I ain't that bad, am I, Babe? You don't feel like I'm aboutta abandon you for technology, do ya?!"[/color]

Reyna chuckled, moving towards the couch to lay her jacket over the back of it, letting her actually look at the two of them. 
[color=75a8ff]"Now that's a loaded question if I've ever heard one."[/color]

Leon gave a wry grin and chuckled aloud.

[color=C67C12]”Honestly, I don’t mind the days she’s caught in the hole. I know it’s more hyperfixation than it is dedication, but I think her passions get put on display regardless of the cause.”[/color]

His arms were wrapped around her, holding her up so she didn’t have to cling too hard.

[color=C67C12]”Plus, even if the damn thing grew legs and a dick, I think she’d still like me more. It's the [i]fantasy[/i], y’know? I am who I am!”[/color] he winked. 

[color=629c3f]”Which is pretty damn awesome! Obviously, I ain’t caught dead dating non awesome people.”[/color] Cass laughed, using her new found arm freedom to squish his cheeks playfully.

[color=629c3f]”Though… I could totally give my computer legs and a dick! I ain’t ever thought ‘bout it, but it’s possible!”[/color]

Reyna groaned softly and shook her head at Cass, though she was still smiling. 
[color=75a8ff]"Please, hearing it breathe was enough. I don’t need that image."[/color]

[color=629c3f]”What?! Leon came up with it! It ain’t like it’d be anything more than a magical experiment! That ain’t actually something I think I’d be into… Not enough to bother, at least! I’m plenty satisfied there anyway.”[/color] Cass grinned, patting Leon’s arm.
[color=629c3f]”Lemme down, Babe, I wanna open my [i]giiiffttt[/i].”[/color]

Leon looked down at her, eyes narrowing.

[color=C67C12]”Dude, [i]you can get down.[/i] You got yourself up here!”[/color] 

As he said that, he was sure to squeeze around her just a little tighter to tease her.

[color=C67C12]”I know you can! Don’t be scared of heights!”[/color] he laughed.

It was always a welcome moment when he got to get her back for the constant cycle of soft bullying. In tender moments, the facade faded away into two very sweet and sappy people. But, this kind of tender moment was for laughs and giggles. For a little teasing, as Leon felt her starting to wriggle out, and made the effort to take steps away from her gift just to make it harder.

[color=C67C12]”I know you’ve got this!”[/color] he prodded again, starting to really laugh as her strength built up.

[color=629c3f]”I don’t wanna beat you to the ground in front’ve Rey! We’ll never live it down!”[/color] Cass wailed around her own laughter. She was doing her best to pry Leon’s arms to the side to give her enough room to wriggle out, making progress as Green Lux really started to enhance her muscles. But he was still so annoyingly strong! And it was a pain to get out of a grip like this!

[color=629c3f]”And I don’t wanna go all noodley in front of her either!”[/color]

[color=75a8ff]"Do whatever you need to. I won’t judge."[/color] Reyna commented from the side with soft laughter, leaning against the couch and folding her arms. 

[color=629c3f]”[i]Ugghhhh[/i].”[/color] 

Cass made a split second decision about which was cooler, before thinking fuck it, and going with the weird option. She got rapidly longer, thinner and floppier until she practically slid out of Leon’s arms. It was like she was made of rubber. She didn’t even bother solidifying herself as her feet hit the ground. Instead she flopped over, wrapping around Leon’s legs completely.

[color=629c3f]”Now [i]you’re[/i] trapped!”[/color]

Leon stuck his leg up in the air, both arms sweeping out to present the scene to Rey.

[color=C67C12]”Look at the absolute control! Not a lot of people can do shit like this with such rapidity, I’m not sure if you know… But, this is pretty impressive. We have a lot of fun pushing her limits!”[/color] he explained casually, grinning from ear to ear as he did his best one-legged hop back over to her gift.

[color=C67C12]”Now, get [i]off![/i] You won again!”[/color] he beamed widely, looking down at her unchanged face.

[color=629c3f]”Heh heh heh, I always win!”[/color] Cass cackled, unravelling herself from around Leon’s leg. Her arms hit the ground first, doing a roll towards the box and shifting back to normal on the way. She landed perfectly on her ass in front of it. 

Reyna’s eyebrows were creeping closer to her hairline, though she was still laughing over the goofy scene in front of her. It was impressive. Incredibly impressive. She didn’t know many Green Adepts personally, but she knew enough magical theory to understand what went into it. 

[color=75a8ff]"It’s very impressive, considering what she was doing a month ago. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone improve that rapidly, though my experience is limited to a few Adeptal families. I’m surprised you’re doing limit testing already."[/color] 

Cass’ near permanent smile faded for a moment, though thankfully she had her back turned to both of them as she was pulling open the box. She loved how much she could do with her magic, but she’d only improved so quickly because of the fucking curse! 
[color=629c3f]”Well, I’m just that awesome- [i]Ooo[/i], beer! Hell yeah, thanks Rey!”[/color]

The crate was filled with a variety of craft beers. There seemed to be a couple of bottles of each flavour, and most of the flavours seemed pretty interesting. Cass pulled one out to start squinting at it. At least the excitement of the present opening outweighed the thoughts of her illness, and hopefully Rey wouldn’t ask too many questions about how Cass had gotten so strong. She’d need to tell her other friends eventually, but it wasn’t exactly a fun prospect.

[color=629c3f]”They’re from the brewery in Chicago… You seemed to enjoy them when you visited, so I got you a selection when I was back home. Some are even unreleased flavours, since the owner is so friendly with my parents.”[/color] Reyna explained.
[color=629c3f]”Those are the smaller present.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Small?! This is a lotta beer!”[/color] Cass started rummaging through the box, trying to figure out what she wanted to go first. She twisted her head around to grin at Leon.
[color=629c3f]”Want one, Babe?”[/color] 

It made Leon terribly happy that Cass had such attentive friends. Rey’s thoughtful gift from a place they couldn’t easily get to made a good impression on him. 

[color=C67C12]”Absolutely! Thank yooooou!”[/color] he sauntered up, kissing the top of her head before peering into the beer crate. 

They were packaged nicely! So nicely, in fact, that they hadn’t even really rattled around in the case when he was coming downstairs. He knew there was liquid in it based on how moving it felt, but he figured there was some sealed vat of British tea rather than a bunch of individual bottles. One he picked up because it had a bit more color than the other bottles. Bright orange, in fact.

[color=C67C12]”Oh fuck, is this [i]carrot?[/i]”[/color]

Turning the bottle in his hands revealed a much different flavor, however.

[color=C67C12]”Mouth-Smoking Malt? This… [i]Has fucking cayanne pepper in it.[/i]”[/color] 

His eyes narrowed down at Cass, then over at Reyna. Then, ultimately, squarely back to Cass.

[color=C67C12]”She wouldn’t buy this as a joke… The others seem [i]good![/i] So… You must actually…-”[/color] He kept his eyes narrowed at Cass, then slowly let the bottle twist in his hand until it was outstretched to Cass. He held it there, assuming she’d either laugh, or do the worse alternative…

[color=629c3f]”Spicy drink for a spicy gal!”[/color] Cass grinned, reaching out to snatch the bottle from him. She flicked her thumb up to flick off the cap, staring back at him the whole time.

Sure, she’d never had Mouth-Smoking Malt in her life! She had no idea why it was in there! But she was absolutely going to take the opportunity to fuck with him again. So long as Rey didn’t blow her cover and out that it was a joke.

Reyna watched, pressing her lips together to stay silent. What had actually happened was she gave the owner a list of the ones she knew Cass liked, and her general taste to fill the box. Obviously, he’d snuck in a few… Interesting ones. But she didn’t want to ruin Cass’ fun- or miss watching her drink it.

[color=629c3f]”You [i]don’t[/i] like your beer so hot it blows your head off, Babe? You’re missing out.”[/color] Then she knocked it back, taking a massive swig from the bottle.

[color=629c3f][i]Holy shit![/i][/color]

Cass had a good spice tolerance. She also had magic. She’d just underestimated the strength of cayenne pepper infused beer and not bothered magically bolstering her tongue and throat. So they felt like they were on [i]fire[/i]. Tears immediately spilled down her cheeks, and she sniffed to stop her nose from running everywhere as her body reacted to the intense spice. 

[color=629c3f]”See? [i]Soooo[/i] fucking good, I’m crying outta joy!”[/color]

The beer was cursory to the strong pepper that crept into Leon’s nose. His eyes began to water immediately, mouth opening on reaction like a dog on a hot summer day. He didn’t even have to have a sip to know that it was disgusting, and nothing he’d ever want to try. 

[color=C67C12]”Nooooo, [i]nooooooo[/i]! No, who the [i]fuck[/i] would drink that!? That’s not natural, that’s not even humane! It’s like pepper spray mixed with yeasty- Ugh, it’s like spicy ass! Don’t expect me [i]anywhere[/i] near your lower extremities for the next couple days, [i]holy shit![/i]”[/color]

Unlike Cass, he didn’t have much of a stopgap between his own senses, and the hyperacute sensory depth of Lelou. Only, it was a bit more of a problem that she was stirred by the smell… [i]And compelling him to take a sip.[/i] 

[color=a36209][i]”Leon… I want that nectar.”[/i][/color]
[color=C67C12][i]”What!? Nooooo! No, please, you can feel what it’s doing to my-”[/i][/color]
[color=a36209][i]”I’ll take the pain. I’ll even reward you! Just… Drink! Drink it now!”[/i][/color]

As if it were a machine of its own, Leon’s arm stretched out and snagged the bottle before tucking it up to his lips. His eyes were wide with fear as the wretched liquid poured into his stomach and started to form a hot ball of gas like a baby star. But he could also feel Lelou’s absolute ecstasy over the intensity and newness of this flavor. She [i]loved[/i] spicy things. Loved it whenever Leon got the extra hot chicken, or had a particularly good Indian curry. The heat, the pain, the intensity of its foreign and unexplored nuances, all made her incredibly satisfied in even a small moment like this.

When he pulled the empty bottle away and let it clack onto the counter, he had a terribly pained face on.
[color=a36209][i]”And the reward is that you won’t be tortured by Cass drinking it slowly in front of you.”[/i][/color]

[color=C67C12]”Oh God, she [i]lied to meeeeeeeeeeeeee![/i]”[/color] he whined out, tilting his head back and trying not to throw it all back up.

[color=629c3f]”[i]Awwww[/i], Baby.”[/color] Cass’ attempt at sympathy and comfort was massively hindered by the way she was cackling like a maniac. Sure, she’d been upset for a moment when he snatched the bottle away- but she’d experienced Lelou’s sudden limb takeovers enough times now to realise what was going on. 

[color=629c3f]”It’ll be ok! It’ll come out one way or another!”[/color] She continued, very unhelpfully. She did hop up onto the counter so she could reach his shoulders, massaging them in an actually comforting action. 
[color=629c3f]”And now you [i]really[/i] ain’t gotta excuse to get outta going down there!”[/color]

Unlike Trisha, Reyna had gotten to a point years ago where she was unbothered by Cass making comments like that- even if she sometimes still tried to get her friend to pull it back a bit. So instead her attention and response were about something that did actually concern her, something that was clear in her tone.

[color=75a8ff]"Did his Apparition just take over part of his body?"[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Uh, yeah! It happens sometimes- but it’s fine! It’s all good now, ain’t it, Babe? Don’t gotta worry ‘bout any of that shit we told Rey last time, right?”[/color] Cass twisted her head to look at Reyna, still massaging his shoulders. The last time they’d seen her, he’d told her about his concerns about going on a rampage and hurting Cass. Far as she was aware, it wasn’t a risk anymore, since they had an agreement. She certainly wasn’t going to get hurt, considering how Lelou treated her whenever she was in charge of the body!

Lelou wasn’t one to be talked about like she wasn’t there. A mouth opened up against the side of his neck, tongue lolling out and whetting its lips before speaking.
[color=a36209]”Contrary to your assumption, I actually [i]didn’t[/i] take the initiative. He did! Because I asked him to!”[/color]

Lelou’s voice echoed out directly solely at Reyna, turning into a devious grin.

[color=a36209]”From now on, you are the brewmaiden. And I [i]expect[/i] more of such delectable nectar upon your next visit!”[/color]

Leon’s face twisted into a grimace.
[color=C67C12]”Absolutely not! You’re never going to drink that again!”[/color]

Lelou scoffed, finally letting a single eye roll to the surface of Leon’s flesh to stare at Reyna.

[color=a36209]”Hello, gorgeous…”[/color]

Though there was some shock in her eyes, Reyna managed to keep up her calm smile. While she wasn’t used to directly interacting with Apparitions, it wasn’t quite enough to completely throw her off. 

[color=75a8ff]"It’s nice to meet you… Lelou, correct? Thank you for the compliment."[/color] She somehow managed to brush the strange flirting aside with politeness rather than rejection. 
[color=75a8ff]"Unfortunately, I’m not sure how many bottles of that drink exist. I think it was one of the experimental ones, and it seems unlikely it’ll sell."[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Aw c’mon, you’re saying me and Lelou ain’t got good taste?!”[/color] Cass gasped. 

[color=75a8ff]"No. Just that your taste doesn’t align with the majority."[/color]

A second mouth opened on the other side of Leon’s neck.

[color=a36209]”Be still your adventurous heart, my little princess. We shall have our nectar yet. Leon!? We [i]must[/i] visit the land of Chicago. Throw your human dollars at them!”[/color]

Leon shook his head, unable to do anything besides laugh while the intensity of the drink passed through him. It may not’ve been instant, but he metabolized [i]everything[/i] fast. The horrible drink was no different.

[color=C67C12]”You’ll have to forgive us, Rey… There were a few switch-ups since you last left. But, at least you know that uh… Well, she’s getting along just fine with Cass. I think she likes her more than I do.”[/color]

[color=a36209]”She fucks as if Death is looming, and she can outpace it!”[/color] was Lelou’s proud response, eye and mouth staring at Reyna unblinking. The smile seemed, if not evil, tellingly malicious. As if she had plans for everything she saw.
[color=a36209]”I would devour humanity were anything to happen to Our Princess.”[/color]

At least Leon didn’t have to worry about that sort of thing anymore.

[color=C67C12]”Just, y’know, what I was saying, Rey? It, uh… We changed the dynamic a bit. Came to a better understanding of what we both want. Cohabitation, as opposed to more of a prison tower setup. Does that make sense?”[/color] he asked her, his hand climbing up to his neck and gesturing to it as if that was the evidence of their cohabitation.

It was a very different cohabitation than the main one Reyna had observed. Trisha’s Apparition rarely seemed to speak to her, never mind anyone else. But she knew that each Adjoining was different. Though Lelou was unnerving in her gaze towards her, at least she couldn’t sense any lies in what she said about Cass. Not that she could magically check without being blinded, unfortunately. 

[color=75a8ff]"It does. I have limited experience with Adjoined, but I was taught enough to recognise the difference. It seems for the better if there’s no fight for control and less risk to Cass."[/color] Reyna said evenly.
[color=75a8ff]"If anything, it seems Cass is safer. Terrifyingly so. As long as she’s safe and happy, I have no complaints."[/color]

[color=629c3f]”Why wouldn’t I be happy? I get the best of all the worlds! And showered with sappy compliments on all sides!”[/color] Cass grinned, one hand still massaging Leon’s shoulder while the other went to rub just underneath where Lelou’s second mouth was. 

Rey shook her head slightly at that. She didn’t think anyone else could handle this kind of setup, but of course Cass could… She found threats to devour humanity to be sappy. 
[color=75a8ff]"Then I don’t have any complaints."[/color]

Cass was happy that Reyna was so accepting of it. She was calm and understanding, but often the one that put her foot down when something was out of line or truly concerned her. It had caused some tension between her and Trisha in the year or so after their breakup. But she was always convinced by logic and evidence, at least. 

[color=629c3f]”Good! Cause I’m super duper happy.”[/color]

Both mouths let their tongues loll out again, though only one found fingers to lick. Which gave Leon enough cause to take as much control as he could, and seal both mouths back up. Lelou’s laughter echoed in his head as he closed his eyes and shook it.

[color=C67C12]”It’s absolutely been interesting. But, I can speak for both she and I when I say we’re happy that you came.”[/color] he spoke to Reyna between huffs of air as he tried to get the last of the capsaicin oil off his tongue.

[color=C67C12]”There’s snacks and stuff in the fridge. Lots of cut fruit, my brother loves the stuff. But, we’re all big eaters, so there’s like-”[/color]
He waived himself off, shrugging and getting up to slide over to the fridge. Popping it open, he pulled out a few massive fruit trays.

[color=C67C12]”-Sometimes all Cass and I do now is cook shit. It’s domestic as Hell, and super cute. So, we’ve got this stuff, then-”[/color]

Then bread he’d had delivered early that morning, and pastries, and jars of preserves; breakfast without the fuss. There was even a tray of bacon and egg sandwiches that just needed a little reheating. All of which slid out onto the counter and surrounded the box of beers.

[color=C67C12]”-plenty! Plenty of shit for a few people. I was thinking maybe my sisters would be here too, but I think they’re either still sleeping next door, or aren’t actually there.”[/color]

[color=629c3f]"You'll get to meet ‘em later! They should be at the party… They're real sweet!"[/color] Cass was already digging into the food, stuffing a pastry into her mouth. She needed to get back those calories she lost from becoming all floppy, after all. 

[color=75a8ff]"You're making me feel a little like a disapproving mother you're trying to introduce to the family to impress."[/color] Reyna smiled, moving forward to help herself to some of the fruit. She wasn't a big eater like either of them- she'd seen how they ate at her place- but at least it was lunch time now, so there was no forcing herself to eat out of politeness. 

[color=629c3f]"Heh, well, I'd much rather your approval than my Ma's."[/color] Cass snickered. 
[color=629c3f]"But it ain't like that! Me ‘n Lee are just crazy generous hosts, we've been cooking up a storm. Then… Well, you're my only friend coming to this who ain't already met a bunch've the people! So ‘course we wanna make sure you're all comfy and introduced to ‘em… Specially since there's gonna be a shit ton of people for me to meet too."[/color]

She shrugged, looking up at Leon with a grin.
[color=629c3f]"Besides, we’re gonna end up eating most of the food!"[/color]

[color=C67C12]”Not to mention the lovebirds upstairs aren’t uh… Well, they’re not looking forward to going out, that’s for sure. You know Trisha, and my Brother ain’t really one for big parties either. So, you may end up on babysitting duty, and to me, that means a little buttering up is required!”[/color]

Leon didn’t exactly do well with “secrets”. Not actual secrets, which he kept a lid on like nobody’s business. But, rather, the stuff he felt was only a secret to the ignorant. Anyone would wind up noticing Trisha’s sourpuss, or the way Casey managed to drown himself in booze within a few minutes of contact with a group of free-roaming people. At dinners and other more organized events, he was usually fine. But, big open spaces full of roiling crowds? Not so easy to convince him that it was a good thing.

Plus, he really did feel like Reyna deserved the heads up. After all, Trisha was her friend! And not just a casual thing either. He knew they’d been together intimately, and that part of Rey’s heart was always going to be with Trisha. It would’ve been difficult letting Casey fold under scrutiny without at least being there at his defence should the need arise. Plus, he’d had the heart to admit that he was doing poorly mentally. That made sense to Leon too, as Casey didn’t have anything buffering his emotions about the coming plans for the end of December. 

The end of their world as they’d grown in for so many years. The end of their [i]mother.[/i] Every bit of Lelou had issues with Lynette, and she happily bolstered his mind and soul with urging wards that brought a sick kind of desire to him whenever the thought came across. Even now, he grinned from ear to ear as he thought about the ensuing fight, and who would be the ones to stick with her in those last moments. Who would defend her memory [i]after[/i].

Cass nodded. 
[color=629c3f]"Though I'm hoping if they come down, maybe they'll feel alright with saying they don't wanna go! Not cause I don't want ‘em there, just I don't want ‘em to feel obligated to go to something they really don't wanna."[/color]

[color=75a8ff]"Trisha isn't the type to admit she doesn't feel up to something."[/color] Reyna responded with a slight frown. Last time she visited, Trisha had been doing well. There'd been the incident when they were out but that was just a typical Trisha blowup. She knew that when she got with someone, she became more of a homebody than anything… But at least when they were together, she'd had the ability to deal with all sorts of social events with a little bit of support. 

[color=75a8ff]"Normally she can get through these kinds of things as well, even if she doesn't enjoy it. More touchy, but she's surprisingly good at coping unless something else is happening. I'm happy to babysit, but I'm not sure if she'll let me."[/color] She looked thoughtful, glancing between Leon and Cass. 
[color=75a8ff]"Has something happened? When I last visited, they seemed quite good at supporting each other."[/color]

[color=629c3f]"Uhhhh…"[/color] Cass held up her hands, looking at Leon. 
[color=629c3f]"You can explain way better than I can."[/color]

Leon didn’t want Reyna to look at Casey like he was wrong for Trisha. She was right! He was an amazing supporter, and if anyone could take and deal with the proclivities that Trisha provided, it was him. That being said, his abilities weren’t foolproof. And he wasn’t always the most patient man: Anyone would know that from how long it took him to propose. You heard about those kinds of relationships in movies, or if they happened in real life, they never ended well.

It was, as he knew it, just another action in a manic episode. There’d been hopes, directly from Casey’s mouth even, that her being in his life was the end of the dry seasons. The end of the pain and fear of loneliness. But, everything he’d told Leon recently sounded like that wasn’t the case… And now the guy was scared. Scared of losing what he knew he wanted, and scared of facing what he didn’t.

So, Leon shrugged.
[color=C67C12]”Ehhhhh… Casey’s not great all the time. He was always a bit of a loner when it came down to things. As far as I’m aware of, this is his first [i]real[/i] relationship. He managed to develop entire disorders before being with a woman. So, that’s probably your ‘something else going on’ that you mentioned. I asked our family shrink, and she says his PTSD probably just exacerbated an undiagnosed case of Bipolar.”[/color]

He stopped frowning.
[color=C67C12]”He’d never physically hurt Trisha. But I know they’re the same in the aspect you mentioned: That neither of them would ever admit they’re not up to doing something… So, if they’re both pushing themselves in an unhealthy way-”[/color] Leon trailed off, letting Reyna process his allusion.

Reyna frowned, folding her arms. If they were both doing that, then they'd keep doing it until one of them broke. It had always been difficult with Trisha to get her to admit to anything she thought would disappoint people. Rey only ever succeeded because she could read it with her magic. But she'd seen Trisha bury everything as deep as she could and pretend everything was fine no matter how much someone tried to point out that it was. 

At least it gave her a good idea about what state her friend would be in. 

[color=75a8ff]"They'll be coming tonight, however they both feel."[/color] Reyna said with a soft sigh. 
[color=75a8ff]"I'm used to dealing with Trisha, but I can't pretend this doesn't worry me. I trust when you say he won't hurt her physically, and that Cass is a far more fierce protector of her than I am. Of course no person is perfect. But if they push each other unhealthily and not talking about it-"[/color]

[color=629c3f]"It ain't like most of her relationships, honest! They do talk- you should see, Trish has been more open with me too. It's just… Well, a big hurdle for them. Like when the honeymoon phase wears off, except it's timed with Casey's own shit flaring up. But far as I can see, they're still treating each other well."[/color] Cass interrupted. She understood why Reyna would be concerned. Not necessarily because she thought Casey was some awful person, just that Trisha had a bad habit of letting herself get more miserable in a relationship without leaving or fixing it. She had low standards. But from Cass' point of view, this wasn't that. 

[color=629c3f]"Like you said, nobody's perfect! But I ain't seen anyone as good for her as Casey, even if he's got this kinda shit going on. It just means we gotta support her too! Cause that's part of the problem, ain't it? She refuses to go to anyone else! At least Casey talks to Leon."[/color]

Reyna managed a slight smile. 
[color=75a8ff]"I know that better than most. The fact she tells Casey things already indicates they've made progress most of her relationships haven't."[/color] She looked directly at Leon. 
[color=75a8ff]"Do [I]you[/I] also think this is something they can work through? Obviously, there's nothing I can do beyond watching over them tonight… But I'd like to know what I can. Trisha's my friend, after all."[/color]

Leon nodded immediately and emphatically.
[color=C67C12]”If there’s anything I’m sure of, it's what kind of man my brother is. He’s had the chance before. Women have been set up for him, he’s not taken them, and it had nothing to do with whether or not he was manic or depressed. For whatever reason, he chose to go out on a line with Trisha on that Halloween night. I didn’t introduce them thinking this would happen. But, the one thought I did have that night, was that if anyone could deal with Trisha, it was Casey. That’s why I pawned her off on him and evacuated as soon as I could.”[/color]

His expression shifted slightly, maybe out of guilt for admitting that he hadn’t wanted to see Trisha at all. But they were working on their problems too! And it was all thanks to the “happy” couple’s continued work with one another.

[color=C67C12]”And, honestly, if my and her past is anything to go by, then I think she’s made incredible strides in a month alone. If they can make all that progress in a month? Then as long as they don’t absolutely self-destruct in the downtime between, I [i]know[/i] they’ll pull through. Just, uh… [i]This month is rough.[/i] We’ve also got a lot of personal family stuff happening, we’re kind of dealing with our Mother dying… It’s all a little bit of a crapshoot. Just, not good timing all around. They’ll be [i]totally fine![/i]”[/color]

And he really did believe that. He meant what he said about knowing Casey, and about knowing that whatever reasoning he had behind taking such a shine to Trisha, it wasn’t done out of impulse. He’d seen the guy low, and he’d seen him high, and in both instances, there’d been a woman somewhere who would’ve wanted to be around him intimately. And he’d never really bitten down. It was always casual, almost effervescent in tangibility. Like he was a cat avoiding company.

He jumped into the deep end with Trisha. It was like seeing a whole new man. Even if that shell was temporary, Leon knew for certain that Casey could and would bounce back. He always did. They’d gotten through what he thought was the darkest points. Over the grimness of his magicless childhood, and over the initial return home with rampant survivor’s guilt and suicidal ideations. He’d had his scares, he’d done the drinking and the sobbing and the angry screaming. He’d reenlisted into the Reserves, found new things to do… They’d [i]gotten him better.[/i] 

Everything that was left, he figured, would be there forever. He could only hope that it all became numb one day, and that their love would overpower such a dull and ancient ache. 

[color=75a8ff]"I'm sorry about your Mother and family issues… But if it's as you say, then we'll just have to be there for her if it falls apart. Though I'd rather avoid any of that self-destruction."[/color] Reyna responded with a soft sigh. 

[color=629c3f]"Hey, your negativity's showing, Rey! It ain't gonna fall apart… and they won't self-destruct!"[/color] Cass waggled her finger at Rey, before gesturing to herself and Leon. 
[color=629c3f]"That's what we're here for! Y'know, if I smell any self destruction I ain't just gonna let Trisha go through with it… and Lee's the same for Casey!"[/color]

Though she knew at the end of the day, Trisha was too stubborn to listen to others. Especially when it came to digging herself into deep holes of anxiety, and pulling all the dirt onto herself so she suffocated. But the progress she'd made so far had been enough that Cass really hoped it would get better… that eventually, she'd actually come to, and rely on other people! Not just Casey! 

Reyna shrugged one shoulder. 
[color=75a8ff]"If you say so. I'll trust what you say about Casey, at least. In the glimpse I got, he seemed good for her. Into her in a way I haven't seen from anyone else… And it was the same from Trisha to him. That I know better than most."[/color] She smiled again. 
[color=75a8ff]"There isn't much else to be done anyway. The worst thing would be to try and get involved. Cass did once, and it didn't go so well."[/color]

Cass let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. 
[color=629c3f]"She didn't talk to me for weeks… I mean, I did punch her boyfriend at the time! But he was an abusive asshole!"[/color]