Dude! Not cool to hold out on me. Who’s the lucky girl? Valentines is tricky. It can be really crowded and impersonal at a restaurant. Any chance Ruby would let you use her house for a romantic, private, fireside picnic? February still too cold for having it in the park, I think.
Sorry. I guess I should tell you that Ruby and I talked a little last night and this morning and we decided to be together. So a restuarant and the park is out. But I think I could surprise her with a picnic at her house now that I have a key. Roses and cheese aren't overrated yet, though?
[Sam spends a minute wrapping his head around what Gus means, looking down at his phone. He soon recalls he left out a few key details like turning 18, etc.]
No. Well, there was more to it than that. Let's just say the no-touch rule isn't in place anymore.
It's good. I know you've had a crush on her forever. So you weren't
waiting until marriage? Or did you just change your mind. No judgement
here. Sex is awesome.
Yeah, I'm putting together a picnic in the back of the SUV, candles and
everything then I thought I'd take her to the bookstore and let her pick
some things out
Hazel will love that. Books are seriously expensive.
Is that what you thought? Sure. Something like that. It's complicated,
but maybe it's a lot less complicated now. Some of it was because I wanted
to respect what Ruby wanted and some of it was waiting for the right
time.
It is pretty awesome. I can see the rest of my life with her.
That's great. Let me know how the rest of the day goes. [he is
tempted to ask for more ideas, but sam also wants to figure the rest out on
his own.]
I'll tell you some other time if you really want to know more. Maybe I'm
the only one that wasn't sure how it'd turn out. Well... yeah. I know Ruby
was married before. A long time ago...
Will do. Sometime when Ruby is out of town, you may have to let me
borrow her house [Sam will do just fine on his own. Besides, it
personalizes the experience if he thinks up some ideas on his own ]
I mean I'm curious about the change of heart, but I don't want to make
you uncomfortable either. Dude, you're definitely the only one who didn't
know how it would turn out. [There's a long pause while Gus processes
that] I guess that's not weird to you? It's weird to me, but I'm 18 and
she's not
Yeah, of course. I would understand if she weren't [Gus assumed Sam
would have to ask Ruby first. He also sort of assumes that Ruby wouldn't
mind.]
Really? I get to be best man? Wait, is this happening soon or several
years down the road? I guess that makes sense. It's probably not too much
different than knowing Hazel Grace had a boyfriend before me or that my
parents were married to different people before each other. So he was
human? Ruby's ex? Or just divorced?
[Sam will text Ruby to ask for permission right after— likely get back to
Gus with 'when would you like it?' And 'Ruby said clean up after
yourselves, stay out of her office and bedroom']
I haven't got that far yet! Ideally, I would like to ask her soon but a
few years makes the most sense. [He has that look in his eye that is his
tell for when he builds a mental list. As follows: earn money, buy ring,
propose, etc.]
Those are things I didn't know– not that it is any of my business. But I
agreement I know he was human and lived until 123.
[Ruby isn't worried about Gus messing up the house, but she is concerned he
or Hazel will get into or see something they shouldn't, which is why the
directives about staying out of her room and office. There are plenty of
other rooms for them to enjoy. Ruby will even make sure there are clean
sheets on the guest room bed and put candles out for them to use]
Yeah, you want to get through college or close before I think? [Gus
can imagine that look. He knows his friend well enough to know that mental
list is being made]
I don't mind sharing. It just never came up. You were around when I was
dating other people though. That's really, really old. Cool though. It's
probably good that you don't think it's weird. I guess he died a long time
ago? I don't remember her being married since I knew her. Gotta be honest,
at first I thought she was like a half sister or an aunt.
[Even Sam can't imagine what could be dangerous in her home, but he does
believe it is fair to respect personal boundaries and spaces. It would also
never occur to him that there might be evidence of a life he lived before
in areas of her home that he, too, doesn't go in. Like maybe a photo of her
husband, an older version of himself hidden face down on her desk because
theoretically Ruby couldn't leave everything in storage.
The ... plays on the screen for a while on Gus' end as Sam shorts out his
thoughts.]
No. I don't think I could wait that long to ask to marry her. Eight
years would be too much.
I guess not. So what does that mean for your family? Like your sisters. I
remember Caroline. Yeah. It would be the world record if it was recorded.
I've never met any other demons but they all live forever. A long, long
time ago. She married him more than 200 years ago. I never thought of her
as that, but she is a friend of the family. I never thought it was weird
that she knew my grandpa or that she knew my great grandpa.
[There is some evidence of his life before hidden in her home. However,
because of the danger it poses to him, most of it is either in storage or
in the house they shared in Sioux Falls. The great that is currently living
in that house, has one of the guest rooms and agreed to keep things pretty
much as is.
Gus doesn't need a quick reply. He knows it's probably a pretty heavy
subject]
Right. Med school does last a while. I don't think I could go to school
that long.
[Now it's Sam's turn to watch the ... while Gus sorts out his reply]
By the time I came along, I think my sisters had pretty much accepted my
mom. I used to think it was weird and didn't understand why my mom had ever
married anyone besides my dad though. In your case, I guess it was because
you weren't born yet.They probably didn't record it because they didn't
want to bring attention to Ruby looking nineteen and him looking 123. So
she was like that one old person at Christmas that's been around forever
except hot. And not related. Obviously. Though if she were, it's probably
skipped enough generations that it wouldn't matter. 200 years ago you and I
could've been related. Wouldn't want to marry you though.
And I don't know anything I want to do more. [School or helping
people.] Have you made a decision on which basketball scholarship you're
taking? Its really sweet that you got three offers. Does that mean you're
gonna propose to Hazel once you're done college?
It's great that they accepted your mom. I've never got the feeling that
they treated you any differently either. You got pretty cool sisters. What
made it less weird for you? That is what I think too. But Ruby isn't the
only one in her line that's been around for a while. She has two daughters
that are still around. I never met them though. I asked her about them and
she told me her grandkids are more like us in lifespan. We could totally
still be related. Almost makes me want to look up my genealogy. I think the
feeling is mutual.
that’s cool that you know and that Ruby fits into it. I guess she’s good with being a doctor’s wife. Not yet. Mom and Dad want me to stay in Indiana, but Hazel
and I are trying to stick together so we're leaning toward California. I
got into CAL and she got into Stanford. There's a little distance between
them, but we could see each other every weekend at least. I think that's
the plan. I'll be on a four year track though so it's not nearly as long to
wait.
Nah they're great. I think they liked having a little brother to play
with. I don't know. Getting older I guess? Realizing that it wasn't that
uncommon for parents to get divorced and remarried. Do you want to meet
them? I guess you'd have to eventually. So they're like a hundred years old
and half demon. Oh. Wow. That's...that's got to suck. I know my mom was
losing it just at the idea of losing me when I had cancer before Ruby
helped. If you do it, I'll do it. Mom will be happy to help out. We might
be cousins or something.
I still have to talk to her about some things but I'll do whatever it takes
to make it work. Honestly, I'm a little bit nervous.
If there's anybody I know that can make it work, it's you two. Four years
will be quick just like High School. CAL is a great choice! I'll have to
tell her congratulations in class. It's great for both of you, if thats
what you decide. Let me know what you decide. You should talk to your
parents about what you feel and think though. [He can't say much on how
Gus' parents feel but he's been open with his own parents and come to an
understanding about moving out.]
Sounds about right. Even when I was over when we were younger, they poked
their noses in. No. I suppose it's not uncommon at all. Anyone can tell
your parents love each other. Yes. I'm actually a little nervous to ask
Ruby but once things settle down, I will tell her that I'm open to it.
Somewhere in the 100s. As far as I know, the only half demons on earth too.
[Why does that matter? Because they're Ruby's children. He has no real
illusion about replacing their father but meeting the great people she had
a hand in raising would feel special. Also, a part of his soul feels
lightness in that having a child with her is a distant but future
possibility.]
You think so? In my opinion, there's advantages to both sides. But I know I
want to live as long as possible to be with Ruby. [Unapologetically, Sam
frowns on his end as his tone switched up.] That doctor got what was coming
to him. The rest was all you. You beat your cancer.
I was just joking, but it might be fun! If you want to meet up after school
tomorrow, I'm game.
Do you think she'll want to stay here instead of going to NYC with you?
You can still make it work if she does. NGL long distance sucks though.
Thanks. Yeah, mom and dad will support me going most anywhere, but they
want me close. I'll tell them it's an excuse to come to Cali for
vacations. [It's what kids are meant to do, but Melissa will have a bit
of a time adjusting to it as will Gus' mom.]
I mean, meeting the kids is part of a relationship, right? Even if the
kids are grown. At least, there'll probably be less drama behind it since
they're adults. I get the nervous though, but they're going to love you and
you make Ruby really happy.
That makes sense because she doesn't die. Or age, right? It seems like
she's looked the same ever since I've known her. You'll end up really old
with a really hot wife though. [Gus hadn't meant to bring the
conversation down. He knows how bad things could have gone. He's just
grateful that it didn't go that way]
Cool. We can grab some of those DNA kits at the store.
I hope not. I'd rather take a leap year than go a year without seeing her
often enough. [Because they just started dating.]
Ngl I wouldn't put it past you to be on the beach everyday of summer or in
Vegas. [There is a high probability that their parents are talking to each
other and find that helps their nerves.]
Thanks, man. I needed to hear that. I think I'm just going to have to try
not to think about it too much. [...] Just be myself.
Yeah, same as as before. About 19. Is that weird? I just hope nobody calls
me her grandpa when I'm 40. [Sam is relieved that it wasn't a tragic ending
for everyone involved though. He's glad Gus is alive and they can
move forward.]
Hold on. If we're going to do this, let's do it right. I can order the full
package ones, next day shipping. [Who? Him? Yes, he has been interested in
learning the full scope of his family every since he learned the shocking
connection of his familial ties to an alternative world.]
She doesn't have an office that she goes into every day, does she? I mean,
I know she travels for work sometimes because she has to go see some of the
different spas. Seems like it'd be easier to travel everywhere from New
York City anyway
Dude, I'm not even waiting for summer. I'm going to learn how to surf and
be out there regularly all year. [For sure. They'll form a support group]
They know about you? I mean, if they don't, Ruby should probably tell them
so that it isn't a total shock. Especially if you're the first guy she's
dated in a while.
If you ever start to think it's weird, just join the country club. My
parents are members of the one here. Every other rich, old guy there has a
super young wife. [...] I don't know how to tell you this, Man, but you
should probably prepare yourself for being called her dad or grandpa at
some point, but who cares. At the end of the day, you get to go home with a
super hot chick and they don't.
Sounds good. I'll come over and we can do the test and play video games.
No... unless it changed? No. I guess I'm overthinking it, maybe. Everything
she has it set up here...
You're going to make sure to stay on your academics too, right? You know
you need to send videos of when you first start out surfing. Maybe start a
blog.
Yeah. Actually, I asked her about them a few days ago and meeting them.
Don't think they know a lot, but Ruby said they knew about us starting a
relationship. I don't know anything about how they feel or about them just
yet.
Couldn't you have try to sugarcoat it? Though that's not the worst idea.
That or maybe I'll do one better and never leave home again. I still wont
be a fan. But anyone that has anything to say about Ruby and I when I'm
older will be treated like white noise anyway.
I'll tell my mom you're coming so we can get pizza.
You should definitely talk to her about it. Give her some time to think
about it and plan.
Yeah, of course. I'll have Hazel up there to keep me on track. Plus you and
my parents regular phone calls. You've got it. I'll probably be terrible at
first.
They'll love you. You're a lovable guy.
Sugarcoating doesn't help anyone. You can't become a hermit. You've got to
just own it.
**
Gus shows up at Sam's house after school, bumping the curb with his SUV
when he parks. Melissa lets him in and directs Gus to the game room. The
pizza has just arrived and the bar fridge is stocked with sodas.
"Hey, man. How's it going?" Gus asks despite the fact they saw each other
an hour ago at school.
I'll talk to her about it next time I see her. [Which could be the day
following Gus at his place or the weekend]
If anyone can keep you on track, it's Hazel. You can always call me. I'd be
disappointed if we drifted apart. Probably. Before you know it though,
you'll be good at surfing.
Thanks! I feel a little less nervous now. I think I'll ask Ruby if when I
meet them if they'd like to come to dinner.
Yeah. The country club sounds more and more like the only option.
**
Sam ordered two pizzas: Gus' favorite and the other Hawaiian. The little
bit of time it took his friend to show up alloted him the chance to finish
10 minutes of homework he assigned himself. As for the DNA kits, they
arrived in time and laid askew on the bar unopened not far from the pizza
and paper plates.
"I'm all right. Just got everything ready," Sam answers upbeat. "The
question is if you want to eat first and/or play video games. The kits may take a while to complete
so we should recharge first." A belief instilled in him by Theo.
Gus will appreciate that Sam thought to get his favorite pizza. He'll eat
Hawaiian (he's a teenage boy after all and it's still pizza) but he thinks
Sam is a little odd for liking fruit on pizza. Though, at this point, Gus
is accustomed to Sam's tastes.
"Definitely eat and play video games," Gus says without hesitation. "I'm
starving. I rushed home, changed out of the uniform, and did my homework."
He starts toward the table to load a plate up with pizza.
One pizza also wouldn't have been enough for the two of them. Call it a
hunch. Though, the less Pineapple Gus wanted, the more that was left for
Sam.
"Then we got double pepperoni meat blaster and double Hawaiian. I figured
you'd want coke over pepsi." He takes a plate to hand Gus before taking his
own. He hadn't had time to change out of his own uniform. These days the
clothes were oddly comfortable anyhow.
The console is already on for them to choose from over 30 digital games.
Sam's sits on the further end. "Want to pick up where we left off?" With
Counter Insurgence Legacy.
One pizza definitely wouldn't have been enough. They'll likely eat all of
two. Sam is welcome to the pineapple, but Gus will also give hima slice of
his should he want it. Gus responds with a thanks as he takes his plate
from Sam and loads it up.
Gus takes a seat and grabs one of the controllers. "Yeah. Sounds good." For
a little while it's silent while they play games and eat pizza. "I told my
parents the other day that Hazel and I really want to go to California for
college. I think we might all get together and go out there for a college
visit. Mom and Dad want me to visit University of Indiana too, just so that
I've seen all my options."
They can order a third if two ends up to be not enough. Sam pauses while he
loads up and takes another slice. What Gus reminded him of is that they
won't be able to pause the game for sustenance mid-way.
Every so often Sam clicks his tongue in concentration as they work
together. Part of the storymode has him engrossed. The other half is split
between Gus and his screen to cooperate in the operation. "I'm glad you
talked to them. It sounds like your parents are starting to come to
understand. That still means you're going down there Hazel, right? Of
course, Indiana is a good school too. You should take a look at it to
appease them."
They might end up needing a third. They can make a decision together about
what kind to get.
"Sort of what I figured with the appeasement. I think Mom just wants me to
stay close, but she knows she'll have to let go eventually," Gus responds.
"Yeah. I mean she's going to be in Stanford and I'll be in LA so we'll be a
couple of hours apart, but I figure we can see each other every weekend,
you know? We haven't talked details yet." Gus might not realize it's
probably going to be a little more difficult than that between basketball
and college classes.
Absolutely. If it gets too late, Melissa will more than likely show up with
something for them too. Chicken fingers and a veggie dish most likely.
"Yeah. Same here. I already promised my Mom that I'd call her every week or
other day if I can." Neither of them can know how things will be a little
more difficult with their college schedule. Sam casts a side glance off the
game. "Yeah. Ruby and I sort of tell each other everything. You didn't
mention if you're bringing your car but I assume you will. You two will
make it work."
She's got to get something green into them somehow.
"Your mom and my mom can have a weekly support group with lots of wine,"
Gus suggests with a grin. Little do the boys know that's already been
decided. "Yeah, definitely bringing my car and Hazel Grace is taking hers
so we'll be able to trade off when we travel. I'm not sure if we'll have
solo dorm rooms or any privacy at all, but we'll figure something out. It
won't be that much different from living at home." Gus casts a glance at
Sam before looking back to the screen. "What do you mean you tell each
other everything? Like just about your days?"
Melissa has seen all too well the consequences of not eating healthy. She
would trick the boys with smoothies if they weren't smart enough to know
better than to refuse.
Sam lets out a snort. "I don't know if I want to know how that would go. My
mom can't handle alcohol as it is." Little does he realize that would be
the point. Loose lips and a lot of laughter equals a fun time as he will
one day learn. "That's really cool. Like a roadtrip before college? You
could stop and see the world's biggest ketchup bottle. Right. You two would
probably have a roommate unless one of you got really lucky. Similar to
home, but no parents." He thinks about his answer while mashing a few more
buttons. "Everything. Ever since I was little. The biggest thing I told her
was how I felt about her months ago. That's when she told me if I still
wanted to date her, all I had to do was wait until I was 18."
"Roadtrip to college with stops along the way," Gus says, thinking a little
more about it. "Or the world's biggest ball of twine. Do things like that
actually get busy?" He doesn't really expect Sam to know, he's just
thinking out loud. "Maybe that's where the sock or tie on the door comes
in. I think that's a universal thing." Gus casts his glance to Sam then
back to the game, taking a moment to not only think through his question
but to kill a couple of bad guys along the way. "I was going to ask if you
told her the embarrassing stuff, but I guess letting her know how you feel
could be potentially embarrassing. She wanted to wait until 18 because
she's older? Isn't that like the whole Edward Cullen thing? She's so old it
doesn't really matter?"
Sam puzzles over if places like that ever get busy then shrugs. "Not sure.
But I'm really happy for you two. College seems like a whole other life
that can break two people apart or bring them closer." Obviously, Sam
thinks Hazel and Gus have a good chance of staying together. "Huh. Does
that really work? I've only seen it in movies." And it always seemed
nonsensical in his eyes. Thinking over the stuff about Ruby creates a gap
in his attention to the enemies returning fire in the game. "Yeah.
Everything sort of came out when I, um- when I admitted my feelings
for her. And I suppose she had her reasons. Does it seem that weird? Like
I'm Bella Swan in the story?"
"Definitely betting on it bringing me and Hazel Grace closer,"Gus responds.
He shrugs at Sam's question about the sock. "I guess I'll let you know when
I try it. There's gotta be some signal or people would be busting in on you
all the time." Gus's eyebrows raise at Sam's 'everything'. "You think she
already had an idea what with the pictures, tissue and lotion?" Gus grins
at the idea of Sam being Bella Swan. "Dude, you're definitely Bella Swan in
this story. Just more coordinated and less awkward. Hopefully less blood
and death in the relationship too."
"Yeah. I guess if you're in the dorms, you'll see what other people do,
too." He outwardly shows his disapproval of people walking in while
pressing a couple more buttons. Sam takes a swig of his soda when Gus goes
in another direction than what he meant. He coughs as the carbonation goes
down the wrong pipe. Eventually, he calms down and just nods. He isn't
lying to himself that she couldn't possibly know with everything else he
told her to put it in the open. "There has to be a better character than
her, but I suppose I have to agree a little. Ruby is older than me.
Sometimes she drives me to school. The best part is no one is drinking any
blood. She's a big fan of salty sweet potato fries. Thanks for that mental
image, I guess." still he shakes his head, amused.
Gus can't help but smirk at the way Sam is taken by surprise. "Dude, we all
knew. If I knew, she knew." And Gus is right, long before Sam shared, Ruby
knew what was going on. If it makes Sam feel any better, she felt a certain
amount of smugness about it. Gus shrugs a little. "I don't know. I think
they're all kind of douches except maybe Alice. You'd have to have some
visions to be Alice though." That gets another chuckle out of Gus. "You're
welcome? The no blood thing is good. The idea of anyone drinking it is
gross. I'm not sure I could watch Ruby eat fries or drink a milkshake if I
also knew she was drinking your blood."
His surprise doesn't melt right away either. His cheeks stay pink. Sam can
accept that it's not the worst thing in the world if other people knew.
What tickles him is that Ruby saw through it the whole time. Tongue tied,
he waves Gus off the whole case, not sure how much more he could take
before his brain exploded. "Okay, yeah. Rosalie has her good points too.
Not everything she did was right, but any of us would make mistakes if we
were stuck forever and doomed to not have fully developed brains." He'd be
happy to dissect how laying low as attractive highschoolers is the opposite
of smart, but that's not the point. "Only thing...I get sometimes is
dreams." He hesitates to say that last part even as open as they are.
Little does he know they are pieces of vision.
"Bleh. Good thing she's not a vampire. That would make it difficult to date
her." Sam doesn't hold back his disgust for being seperated from his blood
or an even darker that ever succum to drink it. "Not to mention never
seeing her during the day. We don't exactly live in Forks where it's cloudy
everyday."
Well, Ruby did worry a little when Sam was dating Rory. Perhaps she'd
misunderstood the reasons he'd put the pictures up and they were simply
because she was his best friend, even if a few of them were a little
safe-sexy for bff pictures. "I guess it would suck to be seventeen
forever. Would that be better than being really old forever though? Like
sixty?" Gus poses the question as they continue to play. "Yeah, I think
everyone gets those sorts of dreams." He meant the sexy ones. He pauses a
moment, letting the conversation and context catch up in his mind. "Oh.
Like...dreams about the future that come true?"
"No beach days and bikini pics for Bella and Edward. You're right.
Definitely a bright side there. I guess it's probably good your family
aren't big church goers. Or can she step inside a church? My mom went
through a phase when I was sick," Gus admits. "She was deep in a prayer
circle with some church ladies."
One day they both might look back on this period of time and wonder how
their wires got so crossed. The lesson he learned from it was trust his
gut. Rory had received his sincerest apology for breaking it off. Since
then, a few more pictures of Ruby had been added to his wall. "It depends
on how you look at it." Of course Sam weighs the pros and cons. "On one
hand, you'd be young forever but stuck repeating the same grade over and
over. On the other, you go go anywhere without anyone batting an eye, just
could have mobility issues. I'd take being 17, no question. Then I'd be
able to stay with Ruby forever." Which is about the only thing he can think
of that'd be better than what they have now. "If you could be with Hazel
forever. Would you want to be a vampire or the two of you stay human?" It's
not awkward to talk about it when it's only Gus. Sam clicks his tongue at
the game to focus on an insurgent after a hostage. The same time he puts a
stop to that. "I'm not sure. It's more like... actualizing them to come
true. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. Maybe I just know Ruby
better than I think that I can guess what she says when I see her next. It
happens on dates sometimes too. Like dream dejavu. Does that even make
sense? " His face feels a little hotter as he tries not to go too much into
overt sexy time details.
"I wouldn't have a problem with the part where glimmered. One of our
friends is already a werewolf. Our lives are weird but in a good way." He
pauses then shakes his head. "Not really. I was told the long-short of it
is that there's lots of Gods working to run things. Believing in them is
all they need to continue to exist to run things. Worshipping them
complicates matters. But I wouldn't mind thanking them in person." He
shrugs. "I think so. She's a strong demon." And he will not believe
otherwise. "Sorry. I- It's, um, great your mom found some people to help
her through a hard time. Can't believe it wasn't that long ago when it
happened. Does she still go to church now?"
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text; morning after sam's birthday
Re: text; morning after sam's birthday
Re: text; morning after sam's birthday
Re: text; morning after sam's birthday
What? So you didn't get tired of the whole no-touch thing? In that case, being that alone might be a bad idea, or at least a frustrating one.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
No. Well, there was more to it than that. Let's just say the no-touch rule isn't in place anymore.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
[Sorry, Sam. He didn't mean to be vague. Gus pauses a moment, digesting what Sam is telling him.]
Whoa. Cool. Congratulations. In that case, the privacy is good.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Thanks. I still haven't processed it all myself, but Valentine's Day is coming up fast... It should be special.
Are Hazel and you doing anything?
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
It's good. I know you've had a crush on her forever. So you weren't waiting until marriage? Or did you just change your mind. No judgement here. Sex is awesome.
Yeah, I'm putting together a picnic in the back of the SUV, candles and everything then I thought I'd take her to the bookstore and let her pick some things out
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Hazel will love that. Books are seriously expensive.
Is that what you thought? Sure. Something like that. It's complicated, but maybe it's a lot less complicated now. Some of it was because I wanted to respect what Ruby wanted and some of it was waiting for the right time.
It is pretty awesome. I can see the rest of my life with her.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Yeah, I've been saving up since Christmas. She can't go crazy, but I can get her a couple of books. I think we're hitting up the used bookstore too.
Less complicated is good. Yeah? I always figured you'd end up dating her at some point. Do...you know...demons get married?
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
That's great. Let me know how the rest of the day goes. [he is tempted to ask for more ideas, but sam also wants to figure the rest out on his own.]
I'll tell you some other time if you really want to know more. Maybe I'm the only one that wasn't sure how it'd turn out. Well... yeah. I know Ruby was married before. A long time ago...
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Will do. Sometime when Ruby is out of town, you may have to let me borrow her house [Sam will do just fine on his own. Besides, it personalizes the experience if he thinks up some ideas on his own ]
I mean I'm curious about the change of heart, but I don't want to make you uncomfortable either. Dude, you're definitely the only one who didn't know how it would turn out. [There's a long pause while Gus processes that] I guess that's not weird to you? It's weird to me, but I'm 18 and she's not
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
I think I'd have to ask her if she's fine with that. [Always the boy scout.]
I don't know all of her reasons either but I'm fine with the way it worked out. Well, just promise me that you would use that in your best man speech.
No, not really. I've known Ruby was married before since I was little. I guess I just thought of it as part of her history with my family.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Yeah, of course. I would understand if she weren't [Gus assumed Sam would have to ask Ruby first. He also sort of assumes that Ruby wouldn't mind.]
Really? I get to be best man? Wait, is this happening soon or several years down the road? I guess that makes sense. It's probably not too much different than knowing Hazel Grace had a boyfriend before me or that my parents were married to different people before each other. So he was human? Ruby's ex? Or just divorced?
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
[Sam will text Ruby to ask for permission right after— likely get back to Gus with 'when would you like it?' And 'Ruby said clean up after yourselves, stay out of her office and bedroom']
I haven't got that far yet! Ideally, I would like to ask her soon but a few years makes the most sense. [He has that look in his eye that is his tell for when he builds a mental list. As follows: earn money, buy ring, propose, etc.]
Those are things I didn't know– not that it is any of my business. But I agreement I know he was human and lived until 123.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
[Ruby isn't worried about Gus messing up the house, but she is concerned he or Hazel will get into or see something they shouldn't, which is why the directives about staying out of her room and office. There are plenty of other rooms for them to enjoy. Ruby will even make sure there are clean sheets on the guest room bed and put candles out for them to use]
Yeah, you want to get through college or close before I think? [Gus can imagine that look. He knows his friend well enough to know that mental list is being made]
I don't mind sharing. It just never came up. You were around when I was dating other people though. That's really, really old. Cool though. It's probably good that you don't think it's weird. I guess he died a long time ago? I don't remember her being married since I knew her. Gotta be honest, at first I thought she was like a half sister or an aunt.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
[Even Sam can't imagine what could be dangerous in her home, but he does believe it is fair to respect personal boundaries and spaces. It would also never occur to him that there might be evidence of a life he lived before in areas of her home that he, too, doesn't go in. Like maybe a photo of her husband, an older version of himself hidden face down on her desk because theoretically Ruby couldn't leave everything in storage.
The ... plays on the screen for a while on Gus' end as Sam shorts out his thoughts.]
No. I don't think I could wait that long to ask to marry her. Eight years would be too much.
I guess not. So what does that mean for your family? Like your sisters. I remember Caroline. Yeah. It would be the world record if it was recorded. I've never met any other demons but they all live forever. A long, long time ago. She married him more than 200 years ago. I never thought of her as that, but she is a friend of the family. I never thought it was weird that she knew my grandpa or that she knew my great grandpa.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
[There is some evidence of his life before hidden in her home. However, because of the danger it poses to him, most of it is either in storage or in the house they shared in Sioux Falls. The great that is currently living in that house, has one of the guest rooms and agreed to keep things pretty much as is.
Gus doesn't need a quick reply. He knows it's probably a pretty heavy subject]
Right. Med school does last a while. I don't think I could go to school that long.
[Now it's Sam's turn to watch the ... while Gus sorts out his reply]
By the time I came along, I think my sisters had pretty much accepted my mom. I used to think it was weird and didn't understand why my mom had ever married anyone besides my dad though. In your case, I guess it was because you weren't born yet.They probably didn't record it because they didn't want to bring attention to Ruby looking nineteen and him looking 123. So she was like that one old person at Christmas that's been around forever except hot. And not related. Obviously. Though if she were, it's probably skipped enough generations that it wouldn't matter. 200 years ago you and I could've been related. Wouldn't want to marry you though.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
And I don't know anything I want to do more. [School or helping people.] Have you made a decision on which basketball scholarship you're taking? Its really sweet that you got three offers. Does that mean you're gonna propose to Hazel once you're done college?
It's great that they accepted your mom. I've never got the feeling that they treated you any differently either. You got pretty cool sisters. What made it less weird for you? That is what I think too. But Ruby isn't the only one in her line that's been around for a while. She has two daughters that are still around. I never met them though. I asked her about them and she told me her grandkids are more like us in lifespan. We could totally still be related. Almost makes me want to look up my genealogy. I think the feeling is mutual.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
that’s cool that you know and that Ruby fits into it. I guess she’s good with being a doctor’s wife. Not yet. Mom and Dad want me to stay in Indiana, but Hazel and I are trying to stick together so we're leaning toward California. I got into CAL and she got into Stanford. There's a little distance between them, but we could see each other every weekend at least. I think that's the plan. I'll be on a four year track though so it's not nearly as long to wait.
Nah they're great. I think they liked having a little brother to play with. I don't know. Getting older I guess? Realizing that it wasn't that uncommon for parents to get divorced and remarried. Do you want to meet them? I guess you'd have to eventually. So they're like a hundred years old and half demon. Oh. Wow. That's...that's got to suck. I know my mom was losing it just at the idea of losing me when I had cancer before Ruby helped. If you do it, I'll do it. Mom will be happy to help out. We might be cousins or something.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
I still have to talk to her about some things but I'll do whatever it takes to make it work. Honestly, I'm a little bit nervous.
If there's anybody I know that can make it work, it's you two. Four years will be quick just like High School. CAL is a great choice! I'll have to tell her congratulations in class. It's great for both of you, if thats what you decide. Let me know what you decide. You should talk to your parents about what you feel and think though. [He can't say much on how Gus' parents feel but he's been open with his own parents and come to an understanding about moving out.]
Sounds about right. Even when I was over when we were younger, they poked their noses in. No. I suppose it's not uncommon at all. Anyone can tell your parents love each other. Yes. I'm actually a little nervous to ask Ruby but once things settle down, I will tell her that I'm open to it. Somewhere in the 100s. As far as I know, the only half demons on earth too. [Why does that matter? Because they're Ruby's children. He has no real illusion about replacing their father but meeting the great people she had a hand in raising would feel special. Also, a part of his soul feels lightness in that having a child with her is a distant but future possibility.]
You think so? In my opinion, there's advantages to both sides. But I know I want to live as long as possible to be with Ruby. [Unapologetically, Sam frowns on his end as his tone switched up.] That doctor got what was coming to him. The rest was all you. You beat your cancer.
I was just joking, but it might be fun! If you want to meet up after school tomorrow, I'm game.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Do you think she'll want to stay here instead of going to NYC with you? You can still make it work if she does. NGL long distance sucks though.
Thanks. Yeah, mom and dad will support me going most anywhere, but they want me close. I'll tell them it's an excuse to come to Cali for vacations. [It's what kids are meant to do, but Melissa will have a bit of a time adjusting to it as will Gus' mom.]
I mean, meeting the kids is part of a relationship, right? Even if the kids are grown. At least, there'll probably be less drama behind it since they're adults. I get the nervous though, but they're going to love you and you make Ruby really happy.
That makes sense because she doesn't die. Or age, right? It seems like she's looked the same ever since I've known her. You'll end up really old with a really hot wife though. [Gus hadn't meant to bring the conversation down. He knows how bad things could have gone. He's just grateful that it didn't go that way]
Cool. We can grab some of those DNA kits at the store.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
I hope not. I'd rather take a leap year than go a year without seeing her often enough. [Because they just started dating.]
Ngl I wouldn't put it past you to be on the beach everyday of summer or in Vegas. [There is a high probability that their parents are talking to each other and find that helps their nerves.]
Thanks, man. I needed to hear that. I think I'm just going to have to try not to think about it too much. [...] Just be myself.
Yeah, same as as before. About 19. Is that weird? I just hope nobody calls me her grandpa when I'm 40. [Sam is relieved that it wasn't a tragic ending for everyone involved though. He's glad Gus is alive and they can move forward.]
Hold on. If we're going to do this, let's do it right. I can order the full package ones, next day shipping. [Who? Him? Yes, he has been interested in learning the full scope of his family every since he learned the shocking connection of his familial ties to an alternative world.]
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
She doesn't have an office that she goes into every day, does she? I mean, I know she travels for work sometimes because she has to go see some of the different spas. Seems like it'd be easier to travel everywhere from New York City anyway
Dude, I'm not even waiting for summer. I'm going to learn how to surf and be out there regularly all year. [For sure. They'll form a support group]
They know about you? I mean, if they don't, Ruby should probably tell them so that it isn't a total shock. Especially if you're the first guy she's dated in a while.
If you ever start to think it's weird, just join the country club. My parents are members of the one here. Every other rich, old guy there has a super young wife. [...] I don't know how to tell you this, Man, but you should probably prepare yourself for being called her dad or grandpa at some point, but who cares. At the end of the day, you get to go home with a super hot chick and they don't.
Sounds good. I'll come over and we can do the test and play video games.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
No... unless it changed? No. I guess I'm overthinking it, maybe. Everything she has it set up here...
You're going to make sure to stay on your academics too, right? You know you need to send videos of when you first start out surfing. Maybe start a blog.
Yeah. Actually, I asked her about them a few days ago and meeting them. Don't think they know a lot, but Ruby said they knew about us starting a relationship. I don't know anything about how they feel or about them just yet.
Couldn't you have try to sugarcoat it? Though that's not the worst idea. That or maybe I'll do one better and never leave home again. I still wont be a fan. But anyone that has anything to say about Ruby and I when I'm older will be treated like white noise anyway.
I'll tell my mom you're coming so we can get pizza.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
You should definitely talk to her about it. Give her some time to think about it and plan.
Yeah, of course. I'll have Hazel up there to keep me on track. Plus you and my parents regular phone calls. You've got it. I'll probably be terrible at first.
They'll love you. You're a lovable guy.
Sugarcoating doesn't help anyone. You can't become a hermit. You've got to just own it.
**
Gus shows up at Sam's house after school, bumping the curb with his SUV when he parks. Melissa lets him in and directs Gus to the game room. The pizza has just arrived and the bar fridge is stocked with sodas.
"Hey, man. How's it going?" Gus asks despite the fact they saw each other an hour ago at school.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
I'll talk to her about it next time I see her. [Which could be the day following Gus at his place or the weekend]
If anyone can keep you on track, it's Hazel. You can always call me. I'd be disappointed if we drifted apart. Probably. Before you know it though, you'll be good at surfing.
Thanks! I feel a little less nervous now. I think I'll ask Ruby if when I meet them if they'd like to come to dinner.
Yeah. The country club sounds more and more like the only option.
**
Sam ordered two pizzas: Gus' favorite and the other Hawaiian. The little bit of time it took his friend to show up alloted him the chance to finish 10 minutes of homework he assigned himself. As for the DNA kits, they arrived in time and laid askew on the bar unopened not far from the pizza and paper plates.
"I'm all right. Just got everything ready," Sam answers upbeat. "The question is if you want to eat first and/or play video games. The kits may take a while to complete so we should recharge first." A belief instilled in him by Theo.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Gus will appreciate that Sam thought to get his favorite pizza. He'll eat Hawaiian (he's a teenage boy after all and it's still pizza) but he thinks Sam is a little odd for liking fruit on pizza. Though, at this point, Gus is accustomed to Sam's tastes.
"Definitely eat and play video games," Gus says without hesitation. "I'm starving. I rushed home, changed out of the uniform, and did my homework." He starts toward the table to load a plate up with pizza.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
One pizza also wouldn't have been enough for the two of them. Call it a hunch. Though, the less Pineapple Gus wanted, the more that was left for Sam.
"Then we got double pepperoni meat blaster and double Hawaiian. I figured you'd want coke over pepsi." He takes a plate to hand Gus before taking his own. He hadn't had time to change out of his own uniform. These days the clothes were oddly comfortable anyhow.
The console is already on for them to choose from over 30 digital games. Sam's sits on the further end. "Want to pick up where we left off?" With Counter Insurgence Legacy.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
One pizza definitely wouldn't have been enough. They'll likely eat all of two. Sam is welcome to the pineapple, but Gus will also give hima slice of his should he want it. Gus responds with a thanks as he takes his plate from Sam and loads it up.
Gus takes a seat and grabs one of the controllers. "Yeah. Sounds good." For a little while it's silent while they play games and eat pizza. "I told my parents the other day that Hazel and I really want to go to California for college. I think we might all get together and go out there for a college visit. Mom and Dad want me to visit University of Indiana too, just so that I've seen all my options."
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
They can order a third if two ends up to be not enough. Sam pauses while he loads up and takes another slice. What Gus reminded him of is that they won't be able to pause the game for sustenance mid-way.
Every so often Sam clicks his tongue in concentration as they work together. Part of the storymode has him engrossed. The other half is split between Gus and his screen to cooperate in the operation. "I'm glad you talked to them. It sounds like your parents are starting to come to understand. That still means you're going down there Hazel, right? Of course, Indiana is a good school too. You should take a look at it to appease them."
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
They might end up needing a third. They can make a decision together about what kind to get.
"Sort of what I figured with the appeasement. I think Mom just wants me to stay close, but she knows she'll have to let go eventually," Gus responds. "Yeah. I mean she's going to be in Stanford and I'll be in LA so we'll be a couple of hours apart, but I figure we can see each other every weekend, you know? We haven't talked details yet." Gus might not realize it's probably going to be a little more difficult than that between basketball and college classes.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Absolutely. If it gets too late, Melissa will more than likely show up with something for them too. Chicken fingers and a veggie dish most likely.
"Yeah. Same here. I already promised my Mom that I'd call her every week or other day if I can." Neither of them can know how things will be a little more difficult with their college schedule. Sam casts a side glance off the game. "Yeah. Ruby and I sort of tell each other everything. You didn't mention if you're bringing your car but I assume you will. You two will make it work."
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
She's got to get something green into them somehow.
"Your mom and my mom can have a weekly support group with lots of wine," Gus suggests with a grin. Little do the boys know that's already been decided. "Yeah, definitely bringing my car and Hazel Grace is taking hers so we'll be able to trade off when we travel. I'm not sure if we'll have solo dorm rooms or any privacy at all, but we'll figure something out. It won't be that much different from living at home." Gus casts a glance at Sam before looking back to the screen. "What do you mean you tell each other everything? Like just about your days?"
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Melissa has seen all too well the consequences of not eating healthy. She would trick the boys with smoothies if they weren't smart enough to know better than to refuse.
Sam lets out a snort. "I don't know if I want to know how that would go. My mom can't handle alcohol as it is." Little does he realize that would be the point. Loose lips and a lot of laughter equals a fun time as he will one day learn. "That's really cool. Like a roadtrip before college? You could stop and see the world's biggest ketchup bottle. Right. You two would probably have a roommate unless one of you got really lucky. Similar to home, but no parents." He thinks about his answer while mashing a few more buttons. "Everything. Ever since I was little. The biggest thing I told her was how I felt about her months ago. That's when she told me if I still wanted to date her, all I had to do was wait until I was 18."
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
"Roadtrip to college with stops along the way," Gus says, thinking a little more about it. "Or the world's biggest ball of twine. Do things like that actually get busy?" He doesn't really expect Sam to know, he's just thinking out loud. "Maybe that's where the sock or tie on the door comes in. I think that's a universal thing." Gus casts his glance to Sam then back to the game, taking a moment to not only think through his question but to kill a couple of bad guys along the way. "I was going to ask if you told her the embarrassing stuff, but I guess letting her know how you feel could be potentially embarrassing. She wanted to wait until 18 because she's older? Isn't that like the whole Edward Cullen thing? She's so old it doesn't really matter?"
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Sam puzzles over if places like that ever get busy then shrugs. "Not sure. But I'm really happy for you two. College seems like a whole other life that can break two people apart or bring them closer." Obviously, Sam thinks Hazel and Gus have a good chance of staying together. "Huh. Does that really work? I've only seen it in movies." And it always seemed nonsensical in his eyes. Thinking over the stuff about Ruby creates a gap in his attention to the enemies returning fire in the game. "Yeah. Everything sort of came out when I, um- when I admitted my feelings for her. And I suppose she had her reasons. Does it seem that weird? Like I'm Bella Swan in the story?"
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
"Definitely betting on it bringing me and Hazel Grace closer,"Gus responds. He shrugs at Sam's question about the sock. "I guess I'll let you know when I try it. There's gotta be some signal or people would be busting in on you all the time." Gus's eyebrows raise at Sam's 'everything'. "You think she already had an idea what with the pictures, tissue and lotion?" Gus grins at the idea of Sam being Bella Swan. "Dude, you're definitely Bella Swan in this story. Just more coordinated and less awkward. Hopefully less blood and death in the relationship too."
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
"Yeah. I guess if you're in the dorms, you'll see what other people do, too." He outwardly shows his disapproval of people walking in while pressing a couple more buttons. Sam takes a swig of his soda when Gus goes in another direction than what he meant. He coughs as the carbonation goes down the wrong pipe. Eventually, he calms down and just nods. He isn't lying to himself that she couldn't possibly know with everything else he told her to put it in the open. "There has to be a better character than her, but I suppose I have to agree a little. Ruby is older than me. Sometimes she drives me to school. The best part is no one is drinking any blood. She's a big fan of salty sweet potato fries. Thanks for that mental image, I guess." still he shakes his head, amused.
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Gus can't help but smirk at the way Sam is taken by surprise. "Dude, we all knew. If I knew, she knew." And Gus is right, long before Sam shared, Ruby knew what was going on. If it makes Sam feel any better, she felt a certain amount of smugness about it. Gus shrugs a little. "I don't know. I think they're all kind of douches except maybe Alice. You'd have to have some visions to be Alice though." That gets another chuckle out of Gus. "You're welcome? The no blood thing is good. The idea of anyone drinking it is gross. I'm not sure I could watch Ruby eat fries or drink a milkshake if I also knew she was drinking your blood."
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
His surprise doesn't melt right away either. His cheeks stay pink. Sam can accept that it's not the worst thing in the world if other people knew. What tickles him is that Ruby saw through it the whole time. Tongue tied, he waves Gus off the whole case, not sure how much more he could take before his brain exploded. "Okay, yeah. Rosalie has her good points too. Not everything she did was right, but any of us would make mistakes if we were stuck forever and doomed to not have fully developed brains." He'd be happy to dissect how laying low as attractive highschoolers is the opposite of smart, but that's not the point. "Only thing...I get sometimes is dreams." He hesitates to say that last part even as open as they are. Little does he know they are pieces of vision.
"Bleh. Good thing she's not a vampire. That would make it difficult to date her." Sam doesn't hold back his disgust for being seperated from his blood or an even darker that ever succum to drink it. "Not to mention never seeing her during the day. We don't exactly live in Forks where it's cloudy everyday."
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
Well, Ruby did worry a little when Sam was dating Rory. Perhaps she'd misunderstood the reasons he'd put the pictures up and they were simply because she was his best friend, even if a few of them were a little safe-sexy for bff pictures. "I guess it would suck to be seventeen forever. Would that be better than being really old forever though? Like sixty?" Gus poses the question as they continue to play. "Yeah, I think everyone gets those sorts of dreams." He meant the sexy ones. He pauses a moment, letting the conversation and context catch up in his mind. "Oh. Like...dreams about the future that come true?"
"No beach days and bikini pics for Bella and Edward. You're right. Definitely a bright side there. I guess it's probably good your family aren't big church goers. Or can she step inside a church? My mom went through a phase when I was sick," Gus admits. "She was deep in a prayer circle with some church ladies."
Re: text; week* after sam's birthday
One day they both might look back on this period of time and wonder how their wires got so crossed. The lesson he learned from it was trust his gut. Rory had received his sincerest apology for breaking it off. Since then, a few more pictures of Ruby had been added to his wall. "It depends on how you look at it." Of course Sam weighs the pros and cons. "On one hand, you'd be young forever but stuck repeating the same grade over and over. On the other, you go go anywhere without anyone batting an eye, just could have mobility issues. I'd take being 17, no question. Then I'd be able to stay with Ruby forever." Which is about the only thing he can think of that'd be better than what they have now. "If you could be with Hazel forever. Would you want to be a vampire or the two of you stay human?" It's not awkward to talk about it when it's only Gus. Sam clicks his tongue at the game to focus on an insurgent after a hostage. The same time he puts a stop to that. "I'm not sure. It's more like... actualizing them to come true. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. Maybe I just know Ruby better than I think that I can guess what she says when I see her next. It happens on dates sometimes too. Like dream dejavu. Does that even make sense? " His face feels a little hotter as he tries not to go too much into overt sexy time details.
"I wouldn't have a problem with the part where glimmered. One of our friends is already a werewolf. Our lives are weird but in a good way." He pauses then shakes his head. "Not really. I was told the long-short of it is that there's lots of Gods working to run things. Believing in them is all they need to continue to exist to run things. Worshipping them complicates matters. But I wouldn't mind thanking them in person." He shrugs. "I think so. She's a strong demon." And he will not believe otherwise. "Sorry. I- It's, um, great your mom found some people to help her through a hard time. Can't believe it wasn't that long ago when it happened. Does she still go to church now?"