"You want me to be a social buffer… for Julius. The most social butterfly I've ever met. And I'm supposed to be his social buffer?" Toby stated incredulously. Evie turned to see both his thin brows arched so high they were in danger of disappearing into his hairline. The snicker that escaped her had the fisherman grinning ruefully.
"Sorry, I know it's a lot, but I know you can do it. You're closer to him than anyone I know, besides maybe Kathy. And you might be quiet, but you aren't anti-social yourself," Evie pointed out, still stifling giggles behind one hand. The other hand was clasping her fishing pole, making it shake and tremble.
"No, I suppose I'm not. I doubt you'd be spending so much time with me now if I were," Toby admitted with a fond sort of exasperation on his face. Evie snorted and gamely ignored the slight heat in her cheeks. "You're seriously overestimating my relationship with the man, though. He brings out my father in me at times, and it's not a pleasant thing to see." Toby turned back to the horizon, expression pensive and serious. Evie cocked her head to the side.
"I knew you weren't on the best of terms with your parents, but I didn't think it was… bad terms, necessarily."
"Oh, no, nothing like that. He's a good man, and a good father," Toby hurried to assure her with a grimace. "He's just… a stern man. Flights of fancy and… general acceptance of things, especially things he doesn't understand, bring that out in him in the worst ways. Julius can be a flighty, shallow sort of person who means well, but tends to force his opinion– his critical opinion– on everyone around him. For their own good."
Evie winced outright at the thought. Even in the short time she'd spent with the jeweler, the description did not surprise her. Putting that together with Toby's lackadaisical, slow-paced way of living and his drabby, shapeless clothes that probably offended Julius' fashion-inclined sensibilities, well. She could imagine the "for Toby's own good" advice Julius might had given.
"I may have spoken sharply to him a number of times in our acquaintance," Toby added after the short pause.
It was Evie's turn to gape incredulously.
"You. You spoke sharply. Tobes, my precious cat-napping beachbum, I've never even heard you talk quickly. The closest you've ever gotten was the time you scolded me for breaking my own durned leg," Evie blurted in amazement. Toby lifted one of his hands from the fishing rod and rubbed the back of his neck. "Are you hiding a whole different side to yourself from me? Because I can't even put in words the betrayal I'm feeling right now."
Toby's head fell back as he laughed loud and long. "Nothing like that, really. I don't have a problem keeping on him tonight if you think it's necessary. You won't explain why?" he asked, a little imploringly.
Evie shook her head. "Not any more than I have. Sorry, it's kinda… I just don't wanna tell a secret that isn't mine to tell, but I'd really appreciate it."
"Appreciate it enough to go to the Festival with me this Saturday?" Toby asked nonchalantly. Evie blinked, startled.
"You want… You want to go to the Festival with me? Not your uncle and Paolo?" she reiterated, trying to be discreet but flinching guiltily when she heard it out loud.
Toby nodded calmly. "My uncle usually doesn't go. He buys a lantern and goes to the cemetery for the rest of the day. Paolo is going to spend the day with Taylor at Marimba Farm. He's just getting old enough to realize what he's missing, and, I think, feel guilty that he doesn't actually miss her." Toby's face fell into lines of a weary concern. "It was my idea for Paolo to go and just be away from it, rather than force a pre-teen boy to think about things he's just too young for."
"I think… if he's having those thoughts, maybe he's not too young after all," Evie whispered softly. Toby glanced at her fleetingly, then stared out over the water again.
"You're probably right, but I hate watching him grow up and thinking that way."
"So you're doing what you can to protect him. It's sweet, Tobes, but…" Evie broke off and shook her head. "Sorry, you don't need my opinion about this. It's your family."
Toby's tense shoulders slumped. "No, I don't need it, but I don't mind it, either." They shared fleeting, solemn smiles. His smile fell away quicker than hers, turning down into a guilty frown. "You're probably right, but I just wanted to hold it off a little bit longer."
Evie reached over and laid her free hand over Toby's. His expression slackened, mouth dropping open slightly in surprise and the fine lines at the corners of his eyes vanishing. Her fingers squeezed around his gently. "You'll know when it's the right time to talk about it. And I'd love to be with you at the Festival, if you'd honestly like me there."
"Of course I'd like you there. If I'd have a choice, I'd spend more time with you than without," Toby answered simply. They gazed at one another a beat too long, both unwilling to turn away.
The pole in Evie's lax grip tugged, shocking a shriek out of her as she flailed desperately to grab at the fishing pole before she lost it completely. Expertly, Toby held onto his with one hand and reached over to help steady her until she got a good grip on the handle and the reel. His hand fell away once she got a good rhythm going and her third fish of the afternoon was reeled in and safely netted.
"Another sardine. They're always good for a bite," Toby noted with some satisfaction as Evie shook the fish into the water-filled icebox. The other two fish swam in confused, tiny circles while the new addition flopped and splashed wildly for a short moment.
"I just need two more for that Apparatus. And Thalia will be big enough to lay any day now," Evie told him excitedly, auburn eyes glowing. The lid snapped shut and she needlessly checked to make sure the air hole was still uncovered. "You sure you won't mind holding onto five fish until I get the rest of what we need?"
"I'll be making sure Paolo is taking care of them, not me. But we are a Fishery. We have the right equipment and enough space to hold onto a handful of goby and sardines for a few days," Toby repeated for around the fifteenth time, tone light and joking instead of exasperated. Evie huffed and smiled ruefully.
"Yeah, I know, sorry. Let's get those last two caught so I have time to change for the party tonight. I'm really looking forward to it. Maya's invited pretty much everyone. It'll be like that first karaoke night again, only better. Since you'll be around," Evie teased, bumping her shoulder against his while re-baiting her hook.
Toby scoffed lightly. "Only I'll be on babysitting duty without even knowing why."
"Don't whine. It's not a good look on you," she retorted snootily.
Toby shook his head with a quiet chuffing laugh.
Renee, Toby, and Anissa had all been– separately– warned to keep Julius away from Candace that night, with only Renee managing to weasel the real story out of Evie. Her shocked indignation– but why would he do that? I thought he'd grown up, seriously! I would've warned you sooner– had her firmly on board. Most of the younger inhabitants of Castanet were already loitering around Sonata's shop-room and dining/kitchen area, chatting, laughing, and snacking while waiting. The cake– and Maya– hadn't arrived yet, and Candace hadn't left to persuade Kathy to come over. Evie had managed to finish her fishing goal (and then a couple more she actually planned to sell for some extra auree) and still have time for a quick shower and change. She was showing off the new outfit's many pockets to Anissa and Owen when Luke finally barged his way in with Bo.
"Sorry, I've been waiting for that jerk to show up all night. I gotta–" Evie excused herself with an embarrassed wince and a wave in Luke's direction.
"Sure, no prob. I was gonna ask Anissa about Dr. Jin anyway," Owen shrugged with a smile.
Anissa turned an interesting shade of pink. "W-What w-would I know about h-him!?" she stammered in protest.
Evie moved away reluctantly as Anissa's agitation increased at Owen's unrelentingly mocking grin. She'd never seen the cool, collected Anissa ever lose composure like that. " Who's Jin?" was definitely an inquiry to remember for next time.
"Hey, princess! Where's the birthday girl?" Luke asked, a shade too loudly, as he yanked Evie into a choking half-Nelson.
"We're waiting on Maya and the cake first. She'll be here any minute and Candy can go, somehow, trick Kathy into coming over without giving it away," Evie explained. The two friends turned to where Candace was bashfully nodding at whatever Renee and Toby were saying, somehow still shy in their presence, the two least intimidating people on Castanet.
"Right. Trick. Candy couldn't trick a kid on Halloween, Evie," Luke pointed out, sounding fond and amused. Evie stifled a snort. "I saw Julius walking up with Phoebe, though. Everyone's gonna be here before the cake ."
"That's not exactly a bad thing, since the more people the better the surprise, but c'mere," Evie grabbed Luke's arm and yanked him towards the bathroom. He yelped and stumbled after her. The door clicked shut even as she flipped on the light. Before Luke could even ask, she was up in his space, finger on his chest and face stern.
"W-Wha-" His wide gold eyes were bewildered and a little terrified under her commanding, squinty-eyed glare.
"You need to help Candy tonight."
"Help Candace? Why, what's wrong, is she okay?" Luke exclaimed with eyebrows flying upwards and his mouth dropping open. He almost barrelled past her without waiting, only Evie's hands on his arms holding him back.
"Well, wait a minute, geez! Candace had a hard time this morning, and I'm worried that someone at the party might… well, they might stir it up again. She tried so hard to get this party ready and perfect for Kathy, but you know how anxious she gets, especially when she puts expectations on herself." Luke's nose scrunched over his concerned frown and she knew he was internally agreeing. She rushed to add, "So, just stay with her as much as you can and make sure no one's a dick. Could you? Please, Lu?"
Luke blinked rapidly, then sighed roughly. "I'll do what I can, but I think most of the time, Candy doesn't like me very much."
"Don't be stupid." Evie smacked the back of Luke's head, making him hiss and duck away protectively. "She's gotten used to you and likes you just as much as I do. You're just a lot to handle for someone like her and she's shy. Now, go be the great friend I know you are and please don't rough-house with her."
The look Luke gave her was positively scandalized. "Rough-house?! She isn't you, Princess."
Evie snorted and shoved him towards the door. "I'm glad we're in agreement, Lu. Just take care of our girl and try not to be obvious about it, okay?"
"I got it. I'll be real sneaky, like a spy. Just call me Bond. James Bond," Luke joked, winking at her when they stepped back into the shop. Evie rolled her eyes and grinned despite herself.
She watched with satisfaction as Luke immediately headed over to Candace, stopping to fistbump with Owen and greet a few others loudly and cheerfully, but never ceasing his forward momentum to Candace's side. Julius and Phoebe entered just a few moments after Candace's attention was completely under Luke's bright, jovial thrall. She couldn't have planned it better herself. Which, she kinda did, but not totally.
"Did you have a special assignment for Luke as well?" Toby asked her, stepping up to her side on his way towards Julius and Phoebe. She couldn't help but smother a snicker behind her hand.
"It's funny you say it like that after his James Bond reference. You carried on his goofy joke without even realizing it," Evie explained at his bemused look. It cleared away into his own expression of amusement.
"Just call me Double-O Seven," he teased under his breath. Evie barely hid an undignified snort. Julius and Phoebe were right in front of them and Julius would definitely raise an eyebrow over the snorting. "Good evenin', Juli. Haven't seen you around in a while."
"Through no fault of mine. You're welcome to come visit me any time, and my house doesn't smell like fish," Julius replied with an arch brow. Toby just laughed, cracking Julius' haughty demeanor with poorly disguised mirth. Obviously it was a long standing joke between them, segueing into more not-quite barbs.
Phoebe met Evie's eye and smirked sardonically. "It's like listening to people trash-talk who don't actually know how to trash-talk," she muttered. Evie grinned wide and nodded.
"Right? You know these two never played sports in their lives. It's just sad," she agreed with an overly-dramatic sigh.
"Hey, Candy-girl, where's the cake at?" rang out an all too familiar voice.
She was turning towards him even as a smile broke out over her face. It wasn't as bright and un-self-conscious as Evie's, nor was it as wide and carefree as the one in front of her, but it was a genuinely pleased and happy smile. Luke patted her head awkwardly, so used to the rough noogie and shoulder-punches he doled out so easily to others, but it still made her heart swell with fondness. He tried so hard to be gentle with her, taking particular care never to push too hard into her personal space. Just weeks ago Candace never would've believed this thoughtless, loud, and excited bundle of energy to care so much, to have that much introspection about the feelings of others. In fact, she'd always been a little terrified of his verve and brashness. Since they were children, he'd always been covered in scrapes and bruises and smiles ten-feet wide. She'd always considered herself lucky to have been in the "older" crowd, her childhood classmates being the much calmer and soothing Toby and Anissa… and Julius. None of them had been the rough-and-tumble sort, and Candace had looked on the younger kids both in fear and envy.
They'd always had so much fun.
She was beginning to regret being born four years too soon. Perhaps if she'd had Luke and Renee and Kathy as her companions in her youth, she might not be so scared and timid now…? She shook the dark thoughts away, bringing herself firmly in the present. Where she was friends with these people, finally fitting into the lives of others intrinsically.
"Maya and Chase should be bringing it any moment," Candace reassured him, internally proud of the lack of stutter around Luke. Again, looking back to just weeks ago, she never wouldn't gotten a few words out, let alone a whole conversation with him!
Luke nodded eagerly. His pretty gold eyes were shining in anticipation. "I know it's just carrot cake instead of spinach cake which is definitely superior, but cake is cake, right?!"
Candace hid a giggle behind her hand. It wasn't funny, really, but it was Luke and he was infectious. The laughter bubbled out of her every time he so much as grinned in her direction. It was a nice feeling.
"I prefer strawberry shortcake," she disagreed, almost playful, giggling again at the utterly heartbroken look on his face. He sighed roughly and dragged a hand over his head, the bandana pulling back far enough for electric blue hair to fall messily over his face.
"I guess it makes sense," he admitted. She tilted her head in question, only to see him grin wide and unrepentant. "Someone as sweet as you liking strawberry shortcake."
Candace felt the blood rush to her cheeks and she slapped both hands over her mouth. He laughed aloud and wrapped an arm around her narrow shoulders.
"You're so easy to tease. C'mon, let's work the room!"
"No, I sh-shouldn't- D-don't let me hold you b-back!" Candace stammered profusely, still floundering at his innocent flirting.
His arm was a warm line of heat that had her heart thumping wildly. No one really touched her often. Gra'mama would hug her now and then, and Evie had recently entered her life and was a very touchy-feely person. And that was about it. Even Kathy had mostly kept her limbs to herself beyond an occasional hug that never lingered too long. Not like Luke's current hold that kept her trapped at his side while he stomped around the room. He didn't even seem to notice the effortless way he lay his arm over her shoulders.
"Of course you're not holding me back, Candy. This is your party. Well, it's Kathy's, but Evie said you planned all of it. Everyone wants to talk to you, right?" he asked the nearest body. Which happened to be a baffled looking Anissa, who was talking to Renee and Phoebe– when had Phoebe shown up?
"What was that?" Anissa asked, blinking slightly. Her expression cleared a moment later as amusement shined in her ruby eyes glancing down at Candace. "Of course we want to talk to Candace. You put so much hard work into this, sweetie."
Candace fidgeted and unintentionally curled into Luke's side even more in her sudden need to hide. His hand on her shoulder squeezed gently and pulled her out of her silence with a squeak.
"Y-yes, thank you. Gra'mama helped, too," Candace murmured.
"It must've taken so much time to clean off those display tables. If you need help re-setting up the store, let me know! I'd love to come and help," Renee offered cheerfully.
"Why did you clean off all these surfaces?" Phoebe asked curiously. Candace fidgeted a little more.
"E-Everyone s-said they liked k-k-karaoke, and K-Kathy does a lot, s-so I thought… w-we needed a st-stage?" Candace confessed, face cherry red.
"Oh, that's great!"
"Really? We're gonna use it as a stage!? How fun!"
"How clever, Candace!"
Candace looked up at all the women's earnestly pleased faces and stood up a little straighter, but careful not to dislodge Luke's arm. She squeaked again when he tugged her into a tight enough hug she lost her breath for a second.
"You're the best, Candy! We'll rock out all night long! If Shelly don't care?" Luke asked, suddenly concerned. Candace shook her head.
"She's s-staying up at Ocarina Inn w-with Yolanda t-tonight. She s-said to enjoy b-being young," Candace explained. All four of her friends cheered happily. She was jostled about by Luke's exuberant fist-pumping, but it only made her duck her head and smile.
"Oh no, are we late!?" exclaimed Maya's voice. They all turned together to see a flustered and beaming Maya standing next to a grumpy-faced Chase, the latter of whom was holding the box containing the cake. "Chase wouldn't let me bring the cake myself so I had to wait for him!" She pouted and stomped her foot as she said it. Chase merely rolled his eyes.
"The cake!" shouted several voices at once– Luke's and Evie's among the loudest.
"And me!" Maya retorted, hands on her hips.
"You better go get the birthday girl, Candace," said a smooth, velvety voice that had her whole body going tight. How ridiculous, she scolded herself. She lifted her eyes to meet Julius' all too familiar crimson gaze. We're not children and he's not a bully anymore.
Not really… not on purpose…
"Y-yes, I should–"
"I could come with you–" Julius began, but Toby smoothly cut in.
"Actually, Julius, you have a much better eye for presentation. You should help with the candles," the fisherman suggested mildly. Julius pursed his lips, obviously flattered, but hesitant.
Candace frowned over at Evie, who was poking Luke's side. He winced and stared at her, before his face lit up in some kind of understanding. "Right! The- uh… the karaoke machine! I better go with Candy, bro," Luke told Julius, punching his shoulder hard enough that Julius glared at him. "She needs muscle, and I think that's on me."
"I suppose everyone has their purpose," Julius said coolly, eyebrow arching. Luke just grinned widely while Evie glared at Julius and Candace winced empathetically.
"Yeah, I'm pretty awesome. Thanks, bro." Another slap to Julius' back almost had the taller, older man falling to his knees with a grunt. Luke was already wheeling Candace to the door. "We better hurry up before Kathy hears us 'fore we can grab her!"
"Y-yes," she said, rather stupidly, still staring wide-eyed up at him. Had he even noticed Julius' disapproving tone and judgmental look? It had rolled off him like water off a duck's back. Some people might think Luke was too dumb to notice it, but… Candace wasn't so sure.
Luke was so much better at controlling his strength than that after all.
Kathy was staring them down just a few minutes later, arms crossed and toes tapping. "Where have y'all been?! It's my birthday and I ain't seen hide nor tail of anybody t'day! I'm honestly cross, ya hear me, cross," Kathy admonished, finger wagging in their faces.
Luke rubbed the back of his head, laughing, while Candace cringed. It took all her willpower not to blurt out the truth, which left her tongue-tied and mute. She hated the upset in Kathy's voice, but she knew Kathy was going to love her surprise. How do people do this!? Luckily, Luke took one look at her staring– most likely pleadingly– at him and quickly filled in the blanks.
"I'm sure everyone's on their way, Kat! I'm here, right? I bet they're right behind me," Luke assured her, swinging his fist across his body as he smirked. "I'mma go get that blueberry cocktail, that cool?"
Kathy snorted like a horse and tossed her pretty blonde ponytail– also very horse-like. "Fine, fine. And what about you, Candy? You're not a drinker." Her green eyes narrowed and for a moment Candace could see the flicker of hurt even more clearly.
"N-No, I-I made a c-cake," Candace stuttered painfully, trying not to wince at the lie. "I-It's p-probably not very good, b-but w-would you like to eat and d-drink s-some t-tea with me?" Candace asked desperately, sticking to the script Gra'mama had suggested the other night.
Kathy blinked once and then grinned widely. "That's more like it! A'course I'll come. Papa, I'm goin' to Candy's!" she shouted over her shoulder.
"Enjoy yerself, sweetheart," came his rumbly reply. Candace glanced over to see his surreptitious wink in her direction. He was much better at keeping cool under pressure Candace realized with none too little envy.
Kathy tossed her little half-apron to him. Hayden caught it easily and stowed it under the bar. Luke leaned down to Candace, fast as a blink, his voice low and hot against her ear, "I'll get the machine and be right behind y'all. Don't give it away, Candy-girl."
She blushed beet-red, but shook her head wildly, braids slapping at her cheeks.
Kathy looked between them, eyebrows high. "You comin', Candy?"
"Y-Yes! C-Coming!" she yelped breathlessly. She hurried to Kathy's side to lead her to the Tailor's shop.
"You… you and Luke… no, that's crazy," Kathy muttered a few seconds after they left the Bar. Candace looked up at her in confusion.
"Us being friends? … I guess it is a little crazy," Candace said, looking to her shuffling feet. "He's so much more fun than me. I'm always surprised that he tries so hard to make me comfortable. He's kinder than he appears."
Kathy blinked rapidly and scoffed aloud. "No, you goober. He's lucky t'have ya as his friend. He's a giant puppy, we all know that. You're a special girl, Candy. Anyone's lucky t'have ya as their friend."
Candace pressed both hands to her cheeks and shook her head. "No, no, I'm j-just me. You and Luke and Evie and– and everyone, you're all so f-fun and loud and not shy at all. I'm so lucky I'm f-friends with you. I'm so lucky to celebrate your b-birthday with you, Kathy."
Kathy let out a loud squeal and threw both arms around Candace, hugging her tightly. "Aw, ya precious li'l cardigan-wearin' snowflake. Ya deserve ever'one in the whole durn world as your friend."
Candace hesitantly wrapped her arms around Kathy's waist and hugged back fleetingly. "Thank you. B-But t-today is your day. So it should be about you," Candace replied tentatively.
Kathy snickered and pulled away. "Bossy bossy."
Candace gasped in horror. "Oh no, I didn't mean to be!"
Kathy doubled over laughing. She was still laughing when she pushed open the door to Sonata and stepped inside, Candace on her heels.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!" shout-sang the whole group of people waiting inside. Kathy reared back, almost mowing Candace down. The singing continued, loudly and mostly off-key, as Candace gently nudged Kathy further into the building. Everyone was laughing and clapping as they sang. Then, they all stepped aside for Owen coming from the kitchen, cake in his hands and candles flickering.
Kathy's face went pale and then red, hands over her mouth and green eyes glassy. Owen's dark grey eyes were already shining with tears, his smile tremulous and shaking, his face pale but hopeful. In that moment, Candace realized that she hadn't seen Owen or Kathy anywhere near each other since the Festival. And even then, they'd carefully avoided each other all day.
"Hey, Kat."
"Oh-bro," Kathy breathed, the corner of her mouth quavering into a smile.
"Go on, make a wish, Kathy," urged Anissa.
"Uh, right, a'course," Kathy said, eyes still locked with Owen's. She closed her eyes, took a deep, if shaky, breath, and leaned forward. Every candle went out and cheers blasted towards the roof. "Thank y'all, really. I can't believe Candy kept the secret!" Kathy teased, looking around to find the bluenette in question.
Candace smiled and fiddled with the hem of her shirt. "It was v-very difficult."
Everyone laughed and the door opened a second later to reveal Luke struggling to pull the karaoke machine in. Chase and Evie hurried to help– Evie threw Chase a surprised look as they stepped up together– but Owen was still holding onto the cake looking paler with a steeled jaw. Kathy was slowly beginning to frown. The door closed behind the threesome and the TV trolley, but it went ignored as Owen spoke up at last.
"There's… there's something I oughta say," Owen began. Kathy's eyes widened in shock.
"Owen, you don't gotta–" Kathy tried to interject, only to break off when he shook his head. His hand tightened convulsively around the cake tray; everyone inhaled sharply as it wobbled dangerously for a moment.
"I know I don't gotta, Kat." He said it softly, but firmly without wavering, at odds with the fine tremors in his hands. Owen turned towards the crowd, dark eyes darting to each face– lingering oddly enough on Chase– before meeting Kathy's once more. "Kathy is the greatest person I've ever known. I know I haven't been 'round the world much," he chuckled self-deprecatingly at that, a few others joining him. Most the young people in the room hadn't gone much farther than the next town over most of their lives. "But even if I went around twice, a hundred times, there wouldn't be anyone as amazing, as tough, as kind, as Kat."
Kathy smiled, lips shaking and hands pressed to her chest. Owen smiled back, fleeting, before his features went stern and… guilty. Candace's heart went out to both of them. There was something poignant and heavy hovering in the air between them and Kathy seemed to know exactly what Owen was going to say, somehow conveying in just a look that she was there for him.
"But Kathy… she hid a huge part of herself, because of me, for my sake. And I… I let her do that for years," Owen finally admitted.
Several gasps bounced around the room and Candace felt her own mouth drop open at the insinuation. Luke leaned around the karaoke equipment to stage-whisper, "wait, what?" to Evie. She shook her head at him, looking distinctly uncomfortable but also sympathetically grimacing in Owen's direction.
Candace's attention was yanked back to Kathy and Owen when Owen continued on.
"She's always been the better person, the better friend. I never shoulda let my fear hold you back, Kat," his choked-up words were directed straight at the birthday girl, his voice thick and wet. "When you told me you liked girls, I knew I didn't, 'n you did, too. You lied for me, Kat, over 'n over, 'cuz I needed you to, 'n you never hated me. You shoulda hated me, Kat." There were real tears streaming down his face and the tremors had become shaking– shaking so bad that Anissa's hands were rising towards the cake as concern warred with her discretion. "I just gotta say thank you. Thank you, Kat, for being the best friend I coulda asked for. You never let me down, not once. You're my best friend, and I'm sorry."
Kathy let out a loud, broken sob, head bobbing up and down as she grinned through tears. "Ya big, stupid rockhead. Sumbiddy better get that cake," she ordered brusquely, rubbing over her eyes with her fist.
Anissa snatched it away with a grateful sigh, even as she sniffled through her own tears. A tiny, encouraging smile met Owen's gaze, then Anissa moved away. Just in time for Kathy to launch herself across the space into Owen's already outstretched arms. She quite literally jumped, legs wrapping around Owen's waist, and arms in a chokehold around his thick neck.
Candace clapped her hands over her mouth, eyes swimming in tears. Around her, not one eye was totally dry. Anissa had put the cake safely away and was mopping her face with the kerchief she normally kept around her neck. Renee and Maya were hugging each other, smiling and crying. Julius had a lacy handkerchief in hand, dabbing at his eyes, before handing it over to a glassy-eyed Chase, who turned away with a 'tch' and a sniffle. Phoebe had her glasses in hand, wiping at them with her face suspiciously downturned and hiding under bangs. Luke looked confused, but was grinning dopily at his friends. The two of them fighting had probably been the hardest on Luke, who was friends with both. Candace froze at the sight of Evie leaning in close to Toby, laughing quietly behind her hands as she wiped at her face. He lifted his hand to wipe away the tear stains from her cheeks, his body curving towards hers and erasing almost all the space between them. Candace quickly averted her eyes towards Kathy and Owen, flustered and feeling very voyeuristic. Fortunately, Luke whooped and clapped, making everyone burst out laughing and clapping with him. Candace couldn't help but give him an approving smile. He raised his eyebrows at her and grinned.
"What? It seemed like the right thing t'do," he told her simply.
"It was," she whispered back. He grinned even wider somehow, a redness burning across his cheeks and nose. He scratched at his face– almostbashfully– and shrugged.
"C'mon, Evie, help me set this crap up."
"On it!"
"Oh, me, too!" Candace offered quickly.
The crowd dispersed to give the two reconciled friends some much needed recovery time. Most going to "help" Luke set up the machine, and others grabbing plates and cutting the cake. Candace passed by Kathy, who was finally on her feet and cupping Owen's face a little too roughly, his cheeks squishing together.
"Ya asshole, ya hadta go make a nuisance of yerself on my birthday," she was saying.
"You know I had to, Kat. And you havta know, if I coulda loved any girl, it woulda been you," Owen replied, quiet and fond. Kathy huffed, but smiled.
"Yeah, I know, and I feel the same. But, yanno, I figger bein' your best friend is a hella lot better," she retorted, affectionate and loving. Owen laughed and hugged her again, burying his face in the curve of her throat, shoulders shaking. The laughter turned into something a little different, and Candace hurried out of earshot, guilty and heart aching.
Aching in the best way.
Candace sidled up close to Evie and Toby, both standing a normal distance apart and looking the same as usual. If a little red-eyed on Evie's end.
"There you are. Great job keeping the secret, but I think MVP award goes to Owen tonight," Evie joked, linking her arm with Candace and pulling her close.
"Ah, c'mon, Candace deserves her spotlight. You done good," Luke assured her, popping out from behind the TV to wink at her. Candace blushed and shook her head.
"N-No, this was about Kathy. I'm happy she and Owen made up. It was strange to think they weren't talking," Candace protested mildly, hands clasping tightly in front of her skirt.
Evie tilted her head to the side and frowned. "You guys are all okay with Owen and Kathy, right? Owen looked… well, shook," she pointed out, her voice dropping low.
"It'll take some getting used to, to remember they aren't dating. They've been dating for years. Or… pretending to be," Toby answered with a shrug. "Other than that, I don't see it being a problem around here."
"Yeah, man, we're all like family in Castanet," Luke agreed from behind the TV. "Anyway, he coulda told me years ago and I coulda told him I do, too. Nothing to be scurred of."
Evie, Toby, and Candace stared at the TV and the Luke placed behind it.
"Wait, you like boys?" Evie asked– rather bluntly. Luke's shoulders shrugged.
"And girls, too. I just like people, I guess. Never really cared about any parts. Is the screen on?"
Evie leaned towards Candace, who could still feel how wide her eyes were. "He just blew our minds and he doesn't even care. How can he be that blasé about being pansexual and not even know the word for it?"
"I don't think Luke cares about labels," Toby replied dryly.
Luke popped up and around the TV and leveled them with a frown. "Are y'all ignoring me?!"
Candace stammered, "I-It's on." He cheekily saluted her.
"Great, lemme just get the volume goin'…" He disappeared again.
"That's… nice…" Candace heard herself say pensively. Toby and Evie turned to her, equally curious expressions on their faces. She felt her cheeks warm, abashed at her own loose lips. "Just… loving like that. Putting no limits on yourself other than who someone is as a person-" she broke off, dismay filling her at her own implications. "N-not th-that l-loving any other w-way is wrong. It j-just s-sounds nice. T-To be so f-free with it," she hurried to add, words choppy and embarrassingly broken.
Evie nodded, hand on her chin, brows lowered in thought. "I wonder if it would make dating harder or easier?"
"I'm sure there are disadvantages and advantages to both," Toby pointed out wisely.
"Take it from me," Luke said, sitting back on his haunches with a satisfied grin and his hands patting against his thighs absently. "It hasn't made itany easier for me. What's that joke? Location, location, location, man," he complained good-naturedly, making everyone around him chuckle. "I've had maybe five dates my whole life, and most of 'em weird blind dates in the next town over. Oh, and Renee when we were fourteen." He shook his head in disappointment. "Not awesome, man."
"Blind dates aren't always the best ways to find true love," granted a voice smoothly from behind Candace. Her shoulders immediately tensed in alarm. "But there are pleasant surprises to find in life if you look for them. Don't you think so, Candace?"
Candace swallowed hard, barely catching the exasperated look on Evie's face. Candace turned to see Julius and Phoebe standing there, both holding extra plates of cake and forks.
"You looked busy, so Julius thought we should bring the cake to you. Plus, Evie, I wanted to discuss going into the Watery Cave with you," Phoebe told them, passing out the extra plates while Julius handed one of the two he held towards Candace with a beatific smile.
"Th-Thank you," she murmured.
"Watery Cave!? You mean, going down looking for a black pearl, right?" Evie asked eagerly, eyes lighting up. She bit her lip and turned towards Candace.
With a small smile, Candace hoped she looked reassuring enough for Evie. She had no idea why Evie seemed so worried, though. Maybe if Julius wasn't standing so close, his elbow brushing hers, she would be able to think properly. But he smelled just like roses and her brain was spinning in her head.
"Hey, where's my cake?" Luke exclaimed, outright pouting.
"Sorry, I didn't have enough hands," Phoebe apologized, actually contrite.
Julius raised an eyebrow. "I didn't see you back there. But there's plenty left in the kitchen."
"You c-can have mine, Luke!" Candace gasped, thrusting the little plate towards him desperately. "I c-can g-go g-get another!"
Luke pffted and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, tugging her into the warm cradle of his side. The smell of pine and sap and sweat cleared her mind and she sagged against him in relief, breathing deeply. "Nah, Candy, we'll just share. You ain't scurred of cooties, are ya?" he joked, waggling his eyebrows so ridiculously she giggled like a child, feeling lighter and steadier at the same time.
"No, I g-guess not."
Julius glanced between the two blunettes with a strange glint to his eye, and Candace felt herself wilt under the look. It reminded her too much ofback then , and as his mouth opened, her tongue was already twisting itself into knots. Luke's mouth was stuffed with cake and he was trying to shove the fork into her hand, blissfully unaware of Julius's assessing looks. Thankfully, Toby cut in smoothly–
"I don't s'ppose you'll be singing Prince tonight, Juli?"
So neatly distracted, he turned to Toby with expression aghast. "Not sing Prince? Now more than ever Prince deserves the tribute!"
"Does that mean you do the dove cry sounds? Cuz I'll pay money for that," Evie chirped, auburn eyes dancing wickedly. Julius winked at her, totally unabashed.
"I made it my duty to recreate the song perfectly in his honor," Julius said confidently.
"Let's do this!" Luke exclaimed, throwing his fist in the air and whooping.
Candace caught sight of Luke's face and blinked; cake frosting was already smeared across his cheek. She quickly snatched the napkin from under the plate and tried in vain to wipe it clean. He just keeps jumping around, she thought with exasperated fondness. The machine crackled to life with an electronic screech that had the room flinching in unison. When he squinted towards her with a self-deprecating little smirk, she smashed her hand to his face a little too exuberantly. It sent him toppling behind the TV and the cake in her hands to go flying as she rushed to catch him, horrorstruck.
"I'm so sorry! Luke! Luke, are you all right!?" Candace exclaimed while the room erupted with laughter. Owen waded through to yank Luke back to his feet.
"Pretty sure that's not how we turn it on, bro," Owen joked. Candace felt her cheeks burn guiltily, hands pressed to her face. She didn't even notice the fork still in her hand and the frosting sticking to her hair.
Luke stood up, an arm loped over Owen's shoulders, laughing so hard the breath was wheezing out of him. He rubbed at the moisture in his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, Candy, I'm fine," he panted, glancing towards her. Only for the guffawing to continue a second later, his body doubling over at waist and dragging Owen down with him. Candace gaped at him incredulously. Her eyes darted to Owen frantically.
"Is he really okay?"
Owen chortled and shoved Luke off him. "Yeah, he's still an idiot. Who's getting up on stage first?!" the red-head bellowed over the crowd.
"Oooh, me! Me! Me and Kathy! C'mon, Kathy!" Maya shrieked. She was already dragging Kathy up by her wrist, the blonde rolling her eyes and grinning.
Candace fluttered around Luke, anxious and guilt-ridden, but he seemed just fine. Although there was still a bit of frosting on his face. She reached up automatically to wipe it away with her bare hand, motion slower and hesitant and easily captured in his much larger, faster grip. She jerked in surprise and flushed from her toes to her hairline.
"I-I'm s-so s-s-sorry-" she gasped, voice rising when the first song began to play. Something pop-y and loud, and probably Maya's choice.
Luke just grinned his lopsided grin and his free hand reached up to touch her hair. "We match now."
"Wh-Wha?" Candace twisted awkwardly, trying to grasp at her hair where Luke was touching, only to see the fork in her hand and the mess she'd made of her hair. "Oh my! I didn't even notice!"
Luke just laughed more and took away the fork she was uselessly waving in the air, trying to figure out where to put it. "Let's both go get cleaned up in the kitchen. We'll get more cake, too!" he suggested eagerly.
"Yes, you're right." Tension seeped from her shoulders and her flailing hand drooped.
"Hey, don't forget the mess here!" Evie reminded them, shouting to be heard over Maya and Kathy's enthusiastic singing. Phoebe was already handing over her unused napkin with a twitch to her mouth.
"Th-Thank you!" Candace sighed gratefully and knelt next to Luke, scooping the cake up with her fork onto the plate. While Luke smeared the frosting over the floor mostly ineffectually.
"I could help–" Julius started, even beginning to bend at the knee to help. Astonishment had Candace freezing in place and gawping up at him.
Toby's hand appeared on Julius' shoulder then, and he gently, but inexorably, led the taller man away. "Actually, I think there's money on your Prince impression."
"It is not an impression. It is an ode, a homage, Toby!" Julius protested in affront.
She and Luke finished the clean-up seconds later and escaped to the kitchen. Even though she got him to clean his face off properly after washing their hands, he ended up messy again with his new slice. This time she let it be. Instead, she just smiled to herself every time she caught sight of the frosting on his mouth for the rest of the night. For some reason, he had stayed close. He'd cajoled her onto the stage with him and Evie for a boisterous (on their part) performance of "What's Up". (They even let her get away with whisper-singing between the two of them, the microphone clutched tightly in her hands, while their arms were looped over her shoulders as they swayed back and forth.)
She'd never had so much fun at a party. Kathy's heartfelt thanks and tight hug at the end made the few difficult and humiliating moments worth it.
It was bearing on midnight by the time the party finally started to disband. Evie, Toby, and Phoebe were some of the first to leave, mostly because Evie and Toby both were early risers and Phoebe had, in her own words, her "fill of entertainment for the month". Evie lingered a little longer to make sure the sleepily yawning, but happily smiling Candace was okay with her leaving, but Renee and Luke had both sworn to stay till the very end to help, so Evie was soon out the door with a clear conscious.
The group of three took the walk slowly. For Evie, it was a little strange to be in such a quiet group. After a few moments of awkwardness on only her part, she came to appreciate it, though. The silence made the sounds of the night even clearer; the waves breaking upon the shore and the breeze rustling over grass and through the distant trees, merging together into a soothing lullaby that had her pulse slowing and her eyelids drooping, the energy she'd fairly been vibrating with when she left Sonata all but gone.
The lights of her little house shined ahead and her shoulders sagged in anticipation of sleep and bed. She tottered a bit, knocking into Toby and mumbling an apology. The arm laid over her shoulders was warm and surprising. She threw a grin up at him and purposefully bumped their hips.
"Are you okay going up to Garmon alone?" Evie asked when they drew to a stop next to her well. At Phoebe's eyeroll, Evie snickered.
"I promise not to fall asleep walking upright. What time should I be here in the morning? Is eight, okay?" Phoebe clarified, bringing back their private conversation from the party. Evie lit up excitedly and missed the lingering glance Phoebe's grey eyes gave Toby's hand on Evie's shoulder.
She also missed Toby's answering lift of eyebrow back at the inventor.
Evie tapped her chin, staring unseeing in the direction of the pond, going over the duties of the next day. "I'm pretty sure I'm pretty much scott-free till the Firefly Festival. Eight shouldn't be too late for me. We'll probably be spending all day down in the Cave, so as long as we're back before too late tomorrow evening, it'll be shiny."
Phoebe nodded seriously. "Make sure to bring enough food to fill you up, and some extra, too. It'll be hard work. Oh, and a towel."
Evie blinked. "For… blood?"
Both Phoebe and Toby burst out laughing, which had Evie scowling at them. Obviously she was missing something, or it really was a joke about her broken leg again.
"There's- there's a hot spring down there!" Phoebe managed to wheeze out.
Evie narrowed her eyes suspiciously back and forth between the two of them. "Really?"
"Really. You'll have to get past it before getting close to where you could find a black pearl. It's a good idea to stop and refresh there," Toby concurred, fist over his still infuriatingly smirking mouth.
Evie huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. "You weren't throwin' shade about my leg?"
Phoebe shook her head, eyes gleaming with amusement in the moonlight. "I could try again and do it right this time?"
It was Evie's turn to roll her eyes, mouth twitching despite herself. "No, it's good. I believe you guys. A hot spring sounds great. Especially since I tend to get battered up while mining."
"You do indeed. But I'm positive I remember a promise about no more bones being broken," Toby said mildly.
"I won't try to, it was no picnic for me, either!"
Phoebe and Toby snorted softly. The jade-haired inventor said her last good nights and went on her way. Leaving the other two standing just beside Evie's crop field in companionable silence.
"Did you want another invitation in?" Evie asked, yawning discreetly behind her gloved-hands.
Toby's arm slid away slightly, until only his hand rested on her one shoulder. "You don't have to give it. I enjoy walking you home."
Evie flushed and shook her head. "That came out wrong. It was s'pposed to be just teasing," she said, a little apologetically. She reached up to take his hand in hers and tug him along. "I appreciate the sacrifice, by the way. My bed can't be comfortable enough to choose to stay." She smirked back at him, nose scrunching. Toby shook his head slightly, his hand twisting under hers, fingers wrapping warm and sure around her hand.
"It isn't the bed I'm here for."
Her heart actually stopped, breath caught in a knot in her throat. The honest, simple words had her reeling, casting a wide-eyed stare over the front of her house speechlessly.
She didn't know how it happened, but one moment her hand was reaching for her door, the next her hand slipped on the doorknob. Balance completely and suddenly shot, she fell forward and her nose slammed into the unforgiving wood.
"Oh ow, shi-knuckle! Cracker snap son of a gun– is it bleeding? Crapcrapcrap!"
Toby immediately darted into her space, one hand tipped her chin up so he could anxiously peer at her nose while his other hand opened the door properly. "No, I don't think I see blood. How in the name of the Goddess did you do that?" he demanded, his tone humored and bewildered at once.
"I don't know," she wailed piteously. She fumbled with the light switch as he closed the door, his hands cupping her elbows a breath later. Concern had his brows drawing low.
"Please tell me you have ice or peas or something."
"Uhhh… I've got really cold water?"
"Evvy."
Evie laughed at the sheer exasperation loaded in that single name. Just to wince and gently pinch the bridge of her nose. "Oh, cheesus, it's swelling, isn't it? Did I just blacken my nose?"
"It's better than a broken one," Toby sighed, leading her to the sink to wet the only washcloth he could find.
"I did promise no broken bones," Evie snorted and abruptly groaned in pain, curling over herself and clutching her face. "Oh fu-frackin Jove and Juno, my nose."
"Evie?!" Finn woke up, trilling in alarm and falling off the bed. He luckily caught himself before hitting the floor and buzzed over to her. "What happened?"
She was laughing and groaning while Finn twittered and Toby pushed her into a chair and slapped– gently– the cloth over her nose.
"Bubblesuit. We could all force you into it," Toby told her warningly.
Evie cackled, half-choking on water. "I might not need to be forced. Mining in a cave with a shiner is gonna be just peachy."
"Whatever a bubblesuit is, we need to go buy one right now!" Finn declared, his tiny hands patting at her damp cheek next to the rag. Evie choked on more laughter, body shaking with it as the fairy and the fisherman tried scolding her into silence simultaneously.
A/N: I'm not sure how I feel about some of this chapter, but I love other parts. So... here we go~ I hope you enjoy a new POV added, because our new POV character will return again a few times. I'm kinda stuck doing so much work right now that I can't go back to every other week TTwTT but I can keep up the every third week. Stupid job transfer is taking forever. See you 10/11/2017! (Almost Halloween! Maybe I could have a Halloween chapter...? Maybe a timestamp?)
