Realistic or Modern Spellbound

[xrakkax]

Molly grinned impishly but agreed to leave her friend's makeup unblemished by tears. Even if they were the acceptable kind.

The two walked arm in arm to the familiar Pub. Barely a week and it felt like arriving at a friends home. A friend's home you got paid to work at, but still. The smell of lunch had Molly’s tummy growling. That dog in her belly demanded to be fed. Only kotlety with a side of mashed potatoes would satisfy. Molly didn’t even mind Micha swooping in to lead her the rest of the way. Good old boy learned by now: food first. He didn’t say a word. Micha just popped that chair aside and had her sit.

Another chair scraped from the table. Theo smiled at the sight of Willow. “доброе утро.” He greeted her with good morning, curious if she’d miss it. The sun, after all, was at its zenith.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow laughed as Micha scurried over to escort Molly to her seat. She was almost as interesting to watch as a cartoon where the character manages to float after a scent. Not that she could blame her at all today; even she was starved by this point and as always the pub smelled magnificent. She hoped it wouldn't be like her previous stint working in food where she grew tired of the smell after a few months, unable to enjoy a meal there if she tried. Somehow, she imagined it wouldn't be the case here.

Heading to her dutiful spot, she lit up seeing that familiar tanned face waiting for her. Her brows furrowed as she sat down, though. Her Russian was still only bits and pieces, but their patrons often greeted her in their native tongues so she knew at least the different sounds. "A little late for that, don't you think?" She questioned as he joined her at the table. There was brief hesitation while she weighted just how horrible her Russian would sound, before she softly repeated back what she often heard, as best as she could. "Dobree den."

 

[xrakkax]

Inwardly proud, Theo expressed apology in his feign of accepting the correction, "Oh yes, sorry. You right." He nodded as he took his spot. The others of the family working at the Old Bear were occupied with their own conversation, but they would have rolled their eyes at his little test. Theo thought it was fun though. Willow was always a welcome presence. Especially when he had to be studying. The green textbook laid open at his right elbow.

Molly noticed a green smudge on Micha's chin, "You got a li'l something there, honey."

Micha used his spoon as a mirror. He muttered in Russian as he rubbed away the stain. His sister grinned wickedly, shifting herself and squaring her shoulders. Micha said flatly, "Next time you face will be in grass."

"Not likely." Amalia floated on her cloud of smug.

"What, you guys got into a fight or somethin'?" Molly chuckled.

"No, Micha fail at race. He face plant into ground." Jovan said as he poured his drink. "Tripped on a rock."

"Race?" Molly looked the siblings.

"Yes, Seasonal Family Olympics. We try to get in first week of begin of each season." Theo explained. "We race, wrestle, shoot, pick up heavy thing-- is fun! We have prizes."

 

[Soliloquy]

The divine aroma that infiltrated her senses was well-received and Willow and wasted little time as she filled her plate with enough food to keep her going throughout the day. She was growing acquainted to more and more of the different foods, forcing herself to try a new dish if it appeared on the table, no matter what it might look like. Still, she knew better than to try and ask what was in something, less see might not enjoy it as much once the ingredients became known. Better to enjoy in ignorance!

Her eyes glanced over at Theo's text book, another session with word-packed pages that he poured over whenever he had the chance. She considered posing a few questions in curiosity, but also didn't want to divert his attention away anymore than she knew she already did. Instead, she took the talk of the Olympics and Michas less than smooth event as the lunchtime entertainment. That also seemed to be enough to draw Theo out of his book.

"That sounds like a ton of fun," she admitted, silently cheering on Amalia for victory over her brother. "You're lucky it's family though, Micha. Otherwise you'd have Molly whooping you when it came to shooting. Wrestling too, maybe; I've seen her in more fights than you'd believe!"

 

[xrakkax]

Amalia swallowed prematurely to speak before her brother, “Then is settled. Molly, Willow, you come to the next.” There was a chatter of agreement and a few chuckles at the brother’s expense.

Micha flipped his head between sister and friend, mouth agape and astonished. “Eh, no.”

Molly set her fork down, squinting her eyes, “No to what?”

“No to--” Micha hesitated, looking into eyes he suddenly knew had colored purple many times before, “--to coming. Is family Olymics. Not friend and family.” He argued.

“Bold of you to assume I’m yer friend, honey.” Molly smirked, spearing a Russian meatball.

Micha pressed a hand to his heart in mock pain, but recovered, grinning, “Is true, Sweethearts is more than friend.”

It was Molly’s turn to gape, whacking his arm, “Why I never.”

Theo leaned in, the biggest amused smile across his face, “Eh, two weeks?” He threatened playfully.

“Two?” Molly scoffed, biting another kotlety. “More like several.”

Quick on his feet, Micha quipped, “So still chance.”

“Alright, alright, that’s enough of this talk. No more revving up your ego-- or anything else.” Molly pointed her fork. She smiled at Willow and Theo. “Saw in my news feed today about a contest thing. I’ll send Willow the link. You two should do it. There are prizes for that as well.”

 

[Soliloquy]

The banter back and forth at the table was well enjoyed. Half of her hoped that some day Molly would give poor Micha a chance, while the other half wanted that day to be a bit further away. Not to torment the boy, mind you, just so she could enjoy witnessing his attempts to pursue her a bit longer. It felt like a real life romantic comedy and she couldn't wait for the next episode.

Molly's talk of a contest caught Willow off guard. "Oh, a shooting contest?" Her brows furrowed with confusion before it came out that no, not a shooting contest silly! There was a contest of to put on scenes are the local theater, similar to what she and Theo had joked of. "Well, I'll have to see if it fits a certain someons schedule. Seems like he's always buried in a book when he's not busing tables. I'll check it out, though."

 

[xrakkax]

“Da, I will arrange around it.” Theo assured them. He didn’t often get to have little fun extras like this. Occasionally if Grandpa Lyov wanted to see about an item at a store, or visit a botanical garden, Theo drove him in their two-door Pontiac.

“Good.” Molly perked, shifting happily in her chair. “I’m gonna get a front-row seat.”

Jovan hmph’d and said, “I will come too.” Amalia also voiced her interest, but Micha curiously did not. He only smiled up in thought and munched on his last bite of beef stroganoff. Somehow the silence worried Molly.

Theo beamed, “I will drive Granya and Grandpa. It will be family fun.”

About then the clock struck. The staff of the Old Bear moved to action. Fluid, practiced. When the last chair had been tucked and the last dish washed, Molly opened the doors to the line of people waiting.

 

[Soliloquy]

There was something overly comforting of just how supportive everyone was at the table. In comparison of her own home life where she might be lucky to have one or two people standing behind her, encouraging her along the way, everyone in this little pseudofamily she'd stumbled upon was chomping at the bit to come and see her perform. Well, almost everyone, although something told her that Micha was likely up to no good if he wasn't planning on being in the audience. Regardless, in that moment she felt tremendously fortunate to have wound up where she was.

"Well, everyone's coming. No pressure or anything," she jested toward Theo as the two finished setting the dining area for the guests. Thoughts of performing together were quickly shoved away as they were met with the set of Saturday patrons, all with stomachs too empty and wallets too full. Familiar faces flooded the room, greeted by the trio of servers, ready to face the day.

Willow soon found she was grateful Saturday only began work after lunch. She was noting that the weekends managed to be even busier than weekdays, although that made sense seeing as many would work during the day and lack that energy to get downtown to see the pub and their bright faces. The day was quickly added to the chain of many blurs. She knew that at some point they had gathered in the kitchen and had another dinner feast before going back out to handle their guests, but if anyone quizzed her on what she had eaten, she'd likely fail.

In the blink of an eye they were shooing the last customer on their merry way and wiping down all the tables on last time. One chair quickly found her bottom, letting out a long breath of air as they waited for the usual end of day chat. "One more day," she said, mostly to herself. "One more day and then a full day off." It already sounded like heaven, even without considering the picnic she'd been invited to.

 

[xrakkax]

“You can say that again.” Molly tossed the wet rag in the hamper along with her apron.

Jovan came out with the payment for the day. Not a cent of disappointment. Molly took her stack and sat near Willow to nestle it in her purse. Theo just finished putting away the menus when he walked up to them, saying, “Uncle, the menus are getting more and more worn. We need new ones. Another broke.”

“Hmph.” Jovan acknowledged. “I will tell Micha.” He said on his way to the back.

Theo turned to the girls, “How is first week?”

“Stars, it’s amazing,” Molly said, resting with her hands folded over her purse. “After work is done tomorrow, I am taking Willow and I out for shopping.” She gave her friend a sly sideways smirk. “Maybe find something new to wear for Park Day.”

The implication had Theo grinning, “Is Autumn, but still hot Da? Maybe shorts.” He suggested innocently. Though this was all meant for Willow, Theo did shrug and say, “Micha would agree.”

Molly blinked, a little deer in headlights. Where did-- how did this get away from her? “Oh well-- I mean, it’s not that hot.” She tried to hide her slight embarrassment behind pursed lips, but all she did was look like her mouth was full of sweet-tea.

Theo laughed, his cheeks rosy. “Willow, how about it?”

 

[Soliloquy]

Another large wad of cash was tucked into the side pocket of the inside of her purse. A quick check to reassure herself that Bandit wasn't inside and she closed it up. Tight. Little rascal had scampered off as she was closing and never again would Willow leave the pub without making sure she wasn't stowing herself away.

Talk of the menus tempted her to bring up a particular graphic design artist she knew that they had already shows satisfaction with. No doubt Ethan would be more than happy to offer his services, particularly if it meant he was going to get another shot at trying to get a response from Molly in person. Or maybe even Amalia...that boy was brave to try both in the same day. She left that up to Jovan and Micha to argue about, though, instead turning her attention to her flirting rogue.

"You don't fool me," she confronted him, although it wasn't nearly as firmly as she wanted to be as her lips pulled back so naturally around him. "You get pretty bold when Jovan isn't here to pull you back by your ear." Not that it was an objection from her, by any means. She would happily flirt back, so long as it didn't end with him getting himself in trouble.

"We'll have to see what we find shopping. Maybe shorts....maybe a turtle neck," she shrugged, feigning innocence exceptionally better than he did. Given the heat they dealt with so often in the Longhorn state, something told her it would be shorts, but she wasn't going to make it that easy on him. Between Jovan's watchful eye and her own banter, this two weeks of waiting would be a never-ending test for Theo, and one he couldn't study for.

 

[xrakkax]

Theo didn’t contest her calling out his agenda. He only laughed. That gravely, deep Russian laughter that wrinkled the corners of his eyes. Oh how that family enjoyed merriment. When she suggested the turtle neck, he grinned, “Either or both, you will be beautiful.”

Molly leaned and wiggled Willow with her elbow, “Aawwww.” Then she dropped her smile and straightened, looking behind Theo. Gravely, she nodded in respect. “Jovan.”

The Russian Rogue gave a start and peered over his shoulder to see no one. Theo’s brows raised and he lifted an accusing finger at the laughing Southern Belle. “You got me!”

“Heeheehee!” Molly got up from and slung her purse over her shoulder. “Sorry, couldn’t resist, honey.” She skipped off then. “C’mon Willow, tomorrow’s our half day!”

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow certainly didn't need the added commentary from Molly to know just how sweet the man the pursued her was. That didn't mean she didn't blush, trying to turn her head to hide the worst of it while Molly pulled a fast one on him. The laugh that came at poor Theo's expense was well earned though; that'll teach him not to to get so confident when he thought he could get away with it. Picking up her purse and forcing herself up on her feet, she watched as Molly headed out to the car ahead of her.

"If Jovan doesn't catch you then Molly's going to give you a heart attack," she remarked as they walked out the door and to the waiting Accord, one of her favorite parts of the day. "You'll have to learn new tricks to hide your flirting for the next week, Casanova."

 

[xrakkax]

“Ah, then I will.” Theo grinned, taking that as permission. Though the escort was hardly necessary on a practical level Theo would not have it any other way. When the got to the car he shot Molly a smirk and a squinty eye. Revenge would have to be had. Maybe with Micha’s help. That could be worked out later. For now, Theo helped his pretty strolling companion into the Accord. His rough, yet tender hold parted hers reluctantly.

Molly shifted gears and began backing out when the engine squealed, grunted, and started to smoke. “Well shit.” She huffed. “C’mon, c’mon-- you can do it girl.” She cheered on.

Theo stood aside with arms crossed, indecision furrowing his brow. He parted to speak but closed his mouth in the end. He stayed though, keeping an eye.

Molly tried old tricks to get the hunk of metal moving. When they failed she hit the wheel. “Damn it.” Frowning, she looked sheepishly up at Theo. “Do any of you know anything about cars?”

“Eh.” Theo glanced back at the Old Bear. No one was looking. “Yes, I do.” He said finally and went to the hood. She popped it for him and made a move to get out, but Theo waved her away.

“Okay, but if I could just point a quirk out,” Molly said, halfway out of her seat.

Theo bayed her wait. “Get ready to try, ok?”

Neither could see what he was doing. Molly ached to know. If not just to use it among her usual methods. But, she listened. Theo spent a good five or so minutes fiddling around. Just as Molly meant to ask what exactly he thought he could get done with his fingers alone, the Russian had her start the car. The resulting growl of her engine stunned her. “Well I’ll be damned. I can’t remember the last time she sounded this good! What’d you do?”

Standing back up, and smudged from top to torso with black grease, Theo’s smile outlined brighter against the drudge. “There was goo.” He offered an explanation.

“Demon goo, apparently!” Molly chuckled. “Well now, if you can do what you did to this engine, I can only imagine how skilled your fingers are in other ways.” She wiggled her brows at Willow.

Theo didn't say either way. He left that to Willow to think over as he walked backwards himself, "Safe drive, girls!" He waved.

 

[Soliloquy]

Slipping into the passenger seat, she had given him what she thought would be one last grin with her usual promise of "until tomorrow." That was until they weren't exactly leaving to end the day. Had Old Faithful finally hit the final leg of her life? Her last trip across town to bask in the sun of the pubs lot. It'd be a sad day, but maybe it was time to move on to something newer. If nothing else, they could always switch up and Willow could be the one to drive them in the worlds. It wouldn't be the end of the world, just a very thoroughly used car.

She didn't want to cripple his ego when he offered to look at it, but she simply found it hard to believe that it was going to be another hidden talent of his.She gave Molly a skeptical look, but stayed quiet, the two of them listening to him tinkering about almost long enough for her to decide to say something. His call to start the engine only for to start was met with a few claps of delight. Willow looked out the window to see him absolutely filthy, grinning as she was pleasantly surprised. "Thank you!" she called as the car once more started to move, a noticeable blush decorating her cheeks.

Once they were a good block away, she reached over to give Molly a good thwack. "Molly Mallone, you are getting horrible," she scolded her, a delayed response to the fingers remark. "You're going to have him thinking I'm just some bundle of hormones!" Not that she could hold a grudge in his bucket. "We should get him something. Saved you a trip to the garage or worse - junk yard."

 

[xrakkax]

“Sorry, I can’t hear you over the sound of LOVE blossoming in the air!” Molly turnt up the music on her radio, washing out any protest. Then she immediately turned it down, “Wow, even the radio is fixed.” Molly chuckled. The usual warped crackle had vanished. “Like magic!” At the mention of getting him something, she nodded, “I think you’re right. What size are you again?” Molly wiggled her brows. Quickly she warned, “I’m driving, no hitting the driver!” After a laugh, Molly sighed in defeat, “Yes, yes, a gift. Hmm…” Molly and Willow went over a few ideas. Then Molly said, “Well, earlier I was thinking of painting the Old Bear. Maybe for like, our one year anniversary. I mean, this job, this pay-- it’s all deserving of a gift. How about this, if we see something while we shop we can get it?”

 

[Soliloquy]

The sudden blast of music made her jolt, scowling at her dear friend before they gained their hearing back. "You must have had a whole lot of goo in there," she determined, absolutely oblivious in the way of automechanics, although something told her that the speakers and engine were not directly connected. Regardless, they were grateful and apparently that also meant Molly was right back to her normal, suggestive self. If her cheeks flushed one more time that night, Willow wondered if they'd ever pale back to the their normal shade.

"I think hitting the driver is acceptable when she's making comments like that," she scoffed, arms folding up tight in an almost pout before relaxing to agree. "I do like the idea of the painting; a nice big one in a fancy frame would like fancy. But, I'm sure we'll find something, and I feel like even if it's a truly horrible gift, he'd think it was the greatest thing in the world if we gave it to him."

 

[xrakkax]

“Honey, I doubt that would be the case if it was just me. You know your special touch is what gives it worth.” Molly said sincerely, and with every ounce of confidence and delight.

The Accord had more than served the purpose of driving them from point A to point B. Dare Molly say, it even smelled better. Whatever that goo was she was glad Theo cleaned it out. They hummed to a stop in front of Willow’s apartment. Molly pat the dashboard with pride. Then she shifted to her friend. “You get good sleep now, yah hear? I plan on a full days worth in an afternoon of shopping.”

 

[Soliloquy]

She wanted to brush that remark off, but knew damn well she wasn't wrong. The moment she gazed into those wonderful emerald eyes of his, she could feel that he thought she was the world. It was a feeling that was wonderful and frightening at once, something she'd heard of in plenty of romantic tragedies but never thought she'd face herself. She'd keep that to herself, for now at least.

"Woman, you will be the death of me," she groaned, although truth be told she was looking forward to the next day. Her wardrobe, like the Accord, was serving it's purpose but it had seen better days.A few pieces to spice things up wouldn't hurt, given just how profitable her week had been. Besides, it would be nice to look at least a little nice around him when she wasn't wearing an apron and getting sweaty. "Goodnight Molly!" Blowing her friend a dramatic kiss, she slid out of the Honda and raced into her apartment complex. As ready to pass out as she was, there was still a bounce in her step and an unshakeable elated smile on her face.

 

[xrakkax]

Molly had a mind to catch the kiss and put it in her pocket to use for bargaining with Theo, but she had teased her friend enough that night. Instead Molly accepted the kiss and waved as she pulled out.

On the way home Molly felt a little chill. Autumn was nipping when the sun went down. She turned on her heater. Normally that came with a faint stink and somewhere a hole let in cold air. Molly was only grateful for help from Theo. A thing $300 for some backwater mechanic did nothing for, and now she suspected, maybe had a hand in the ‘goo’ problem. Nothing came off wrong to her. When she parked, however, she felt the smallest, faintest voice in the back of her head.

Not a bad feeling. It felt like breathing fresh, cool air. After a long sleep in a cozy bed that got a little too toasty. The kind of feeling where you get up and you want to see the world. You want to know what’s passed your door. It came upon her when her eyes happened to see that silver duct tape on that passenger corner, where it dutifully kept rain out.

Molly felt drawn to it. She leaned slightly toward it. One hand braced her weight and the other began to raise to the edge of the tape. Her finger dug at the sticky corner. It began to peel, making a sucking noise.

“BARK BARK BARK!!”

“EEP!” Molly jolted and hit her head on the roof. She muttered an ‘ow’ before she whipped her head to the side and saw Zika hopping determinedly up at a nearby tree. “Dumb demon spawn.” She grumbled. Molly sighed, feeling tiredness wash away the other sensation entirely. Molly squeaked the ragged edge into place and scooted out of her car.

Zika kept yapping and snarling.

“Hey! Zika! SH!” Molly felt no fear. She stooped down and grabbed the mongrel by the middle of its tiny body. “What the hell are you even--” Molly looked up and her heart skipped to see a crow staring down at her. A sudden rush of tingles went through her. Molly wordlessly ran into the building and up into her room without thinking. By the time she shut the door she felt Zika wiggling and whining for being squished to her chest. “Oh, sorry. . .” Molly put her down. The chihuahua turned in a circle and went around sniffing. Molly frowned. Having this unexpected guest was the last thing she wanted.

Then a thought came to her. No, that crow is.

Molly rested her hand on the knob. Somehow she knew if she turned it she wouldn’t like what she saw. “You’re being silly.” Molly scolded herself, frozen in place. It could have been her mind. It was so late. But Molly swore she the metal grew cold. She swore she heard a flap just passed the wood of her door. Just an inch of wood. Slowly Molly took her hand off the bulbous tool that divided the world out there and the little space she called her own. She took a step back. Then another. Molly’s eyes trailed down to the bottom. The hall light needed to be replaced. It cast dimly. But even so, Molly thought. Even so, she could just pick out the shadow of a--

“Grr, grr.”

Turning around Molly saw Zika playing tug-of-war with the sleeve of one of her favorite jackets. “Hey!” Molly rescued the coveted clothes item. Then she pulled Zika into the crook of her arm. “You are going straight to your home tomorrow morning. I don’t care if they’re not there, I’m leaving you in the balcony.” Thankfully Zika’s home was on the first floor.

A last glance at the door and Molly couldn’t see that shadow. She shook her head and went to sleep. It was a great relief to know her dreams were free of black feathered scavengers.

Next morning Molly got out a little early to make good on her promise to Zika. Then she hopped into her car and headed off to Willow’s. The heater kept her feet nice and warm. And the thoughts of birds were out of her head.

 

[Soliloquy]

The Accord pulled away as she headed inside, this time ignoring the fallen digit from her door. It wasn't as if she had to worry about anyone trying to find the right door, especially when she was rarely home with the busy schedule at the pub. Once inside, she carefully tucked away the newest stack of cash to the flour jar that was turning into her temporary bank. She knew she shouldn't be keeping that much, even at home, especially coming from a family in the financial industry. The next time she had a day off and wasn't already engaged in something she planned on making a deposit of at least some of it.

Knowing that Sunday was going to be a shorter shift, she took it upon herself to do a few things to straighten out the apartment. A conversation prior of getting a plant or fish to spruce things up came to mind, although now she didn't know how much she wanted to vest in smaller material things. Instead, she'd like to think that she could build up the egg that was tucked in that porcelain container and eventually find a neighborhood that wasn't quite as questionable as her current. Getting closer to the bay would be preferred, honestly missing the smell of water waking up, just as she had growing up. But that all would be far away, no doubt. For now she'd take everything a day at a time, starting with one more work day before their much anticipated break.

Sunday, September 24th, 2017​

Once again, Willow was met with the unfortunate adjustment of her biological clock, waking her up earlier than she needed to. Still, it gave her the chance to take a longer shower than she normally might have. She was halfway out the door to meet the approaching Molly when she remembered their evening plans. On her toes, she reached for her cash stash, pulling out what felt like the appropriate number of bills; a good way of trying to control herself (and moreso Miss Mallone on shopping spree).

She seemed in a peppier mood than normal as she bounded to the passenger side. Once in, she gave a curious look toward the hood, one brow perked in thought. "So it wasn't just a fluke last night, huh? She really is running smooth," an observation before they started off on their usual path to the Old Bear. "I think I'm going to try and bake for the picnic tomorrow... Do you think that's a mistake?" It had been a hot minute since she had done anything non-essential but it also only seemed fair to contribute. She assumed even Molly planned to pitch something in.

 

[xrakkax]

No, not a fluke! And Molly was floating on excitement over the fact. The radio was turned on low, so they could enjoy some decent tunes while they sped over to the Pub. When Willow mentioned the baking, she shook her head, “Oh no, don’t poison them!” Then she laughed, “I’m kidding! Definitely bake. I think I have some old heat pans we can take. To keep it warm.” Molly hummed in thought over what she might contribute. “Well, I don’t know if they’ll like my food. I can camp-cook just about any odds and ends.” If you dropped Molly in a forest odds are she’d come out the other side alive. Dirty, smelly, probably wild-eyed, but still alive. “Maybe I can bring drinks.” She noticed people tended not to think about drinks. “I wonder what they’ll do at the park. Pa and Ma used to go, but I’d just immediately run off to find kids and toads. How about you Willow? Have any family park memories?"

 

[Soliloquy]

Drinks weren't a bad idea, although she had to wonder just what she'd have in mind. Sure, it was a family function, but she also wouldn't put it past Molly to have a chance at drinks. It'd been an eternity since she'd had anything besides the very, very rare glass of wine with a book at night. Then again, on a few occasions in college she also might have drank enough in a night to cover a good years worth. Her liver likely appreciated the break. "Just be mindful if you pick sweet tea. Something tells me their taste buds won't be ready for it."

The question about family activities made her pause to think on it. "Well, most the time when we were younger we had outings to the beach over the park, seeing how close it was," she started, watching out the window as they drew near the pub."We did go camping a few times, though. Olympic National Park was our favorite; plenty to get done there. Hiking, a bit of mountain climbing - smaller mountains, mind you- and, horseback riding along the coast. It wasn't too bad, although I'm pretty sure we never went again after I turned eleven or so. Mom and dad were always so busy and once Everest was in high school he was less interested in it. We used to play this weird game of survival, though. Traps set up, targets to hit, obstacles to go around. It was like the outdoors was a jungle gym. Pretty fun, but even that stopped. I can't say I ever hunted toads, though, I was deathly afraid they'd give me warts!"

 

[xrakkax]

Well, Willow wouldn’t be wrong. Molly enjoyed a beverage of the fermented kind. However, with Granya being around for the park, she was likely to the root kind of beer.

Molly chuckled over the toad comment. Maybe she'd prank her friend with one some day. “Sounds like your family and my Pa would have gotten along.” Molly could see it too. Her Pa talking with Mr. Crosse about ways to make their obstacle courses harder, maybe in degrees of levels. “Come to think of it, I am all for a little run-around, but I hope these upcoming Family Olympics aren't too strenuous. I hope for a lazy park day. Where I can lay in the sun before it gets too cold for that.”

They pulled into the parking lot right on time. “C’mon, we don’t want your fated lover to worry.” Molly mused, walking with her friend into the familiar dining hall of the Pub.

 

[Soliloquy]

There was no doubt in her mind that their fathers would have been like old chums. They both had the same values, as she knew from the few times she'd met the General during her and Molly's friendship. The two were both frequently absent but when present they seemed to be parallel with their expectations. "If it gets to be too much, I'll fake a limp and you can say you have to sit beside me so we can laze about," she offered with a smirk while they headed inside. The prospect of seeing Theo certainly sped up her step a tad.

Once her eyes adjusted to the lack of sun, she was quick to glance about, searching for the rogue they spoke of. "He wouldn't worry from just a few minutes," she brushed the idea off.

 

[xrakkax]

The suggestion was well received. And so was the sight of food spread over the table. Now routine, Micha took the rest of the stroll with Molly. Theo came from the kitchen, a smile on his face. He helped Willow to sit and did the same.

A light disagreement between Jovan and Amalia marked the beginning of the table conversation. He wanted only traditional Russian food on the menu. Amalia insisted that if he had a problem with the apple-strudel, she’d never give in by way of words. The only way she’d relent is accepting the results of a fair fight. Jovan shook his head, frowning, grumbling that she wouldn’t. Then they laughed and the issue was settled. The German desert would stay.

“The order, Micha? The menus? When they come?” Jovan asked.

Micha shifted, “Need to find a guy.”

“Why? What happened to Ethan?” Jovan asked.

Molly spoffed and brought out her phone. “I could ask--”

“No, no, I have handle. I will get done. Just--”

“Micha.” Jovan said the name flatly. A silent conversation was had between nephew and uncle. Finally Micha sighed and took out his phone.

“Need new menus.” Micha murmured as he typed out the requested order. Molly laughed and stowed her phone.

Theo peered over his green book to enjoy the back and forth. Then he shut his textbook and put that away too. He called for attention. “Hey, good news. Residency ends October. Will begin work on twenty-fifth.”

“Eehh, good!” Micha happily thumped his mug on the wood. Amalia toasted the news. Jovan said some praise is Russian. There was a general agreement and merriment all around.

Molly asked, “So what will your schedule be like?”

“One full week. Four days on, four off.” Theo smiled.

“Will need more help again. Soon.” Jovan scruffed his chin.