Later that night, Parisa lay on her bed in a set of silk pajamas, waiting for Kyros to turn up.
She wasn't all too delighted about Sparrow's new boyfriend either, but Sparrow had made her swear to not say anything unless she had something nice to say, so she found herself silenced. It wasn't that Gabriel was a bad guy. Actually, he was fine. But he took Sparrow away for long lengths of time, and that was annoying.
February 9, 2021

plum — 02/09/2021 2:03 AM
He let himself in after a curt knock on the door, moving to collapse beside her with a huge sigh.
"Okay, so what the hell?"

peach — 02/09/2021 9:21 AM
"What the hell indeed." Pari agreed, propping herself up on an elbow to look at him. "What do you think?" (edited)

plum — 02/09/2021 10:44 AM
"I think it's bizarre that one day things are normal and the next day Sparrow suddenly has a boyfriend. Did you know this was happening at all? When did she tell you?"

peach — 02/09/2021 10:48 AM
"I knew she liked Gabe but that was like, a year ago. And lots of girls like Gabe. He's like Prince Charming." she shrugged. "But I didn't think anything of it. Must have started when Sparrow started going to Vic's water polo practice sessions. She told me that she was getting coffee with him and I thought it wouldn't go anywhere because, come on, he's boring as hell."

plum — 02/09/2021 8:15 PM
"Sparrow would go for boring as hell, though. I mean come on, the fisherman? Not exactly a daredevil there."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:18 PM
"I mean, at least he's better than a fisherman." Pari noted. "He's good at chem and he wants to be a heart surgeon. And he's Baron Ardelean's kid. Although I have no idea how that old fart has a kid that young." (edited)

plum — 02/09/2021 8:20 PM
He just raised his eyebrows meaningfully. "You know how."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:20 PM
"No, please explain the birds and the bees to me."

plum — 02/09/2021 8:23 PM
He rolled his eyes. "I'm just saying, those green eyes had to come from somewhere, and the Baroness doesn't have em."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:24 PM
"Oh my god," she grinned, rolling over. "You really think he's an affair baby? That would be hilarious."

plum — 02/09/2021 8:26 PM
He put his hands up and shrugged. "I just wonder what he wants with her."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:30 PM
"I mean, you saw them together. He can't keep his hands off of her." Pari's nose wrinkled in disgust. "It's totally gross. He's a simp." (edited)

plum — 02/09/2021 8:32 PM
"But like you said... a lot of girls like Gabriel." He narrowed his eyes a bit. "So... why Sparrow?"

peach — 02/09/2021 8:34 PM
She looked at him and shrugged faintly. "Vic says that Gabe's liked her for a long time."

The kids were hanging out in their private lounge during their lunch break. Well, most of them: everyone except Parisa had made it there; the princess was running a little late.
Sparrow was working hard on some math problems that were due right after lunch while Mirza skimmed the last few pages of a book for a book report which he had not written, and which was due at the end of the day. Things had been quiet for the last month; after the Sevan debacle, a mutually unsaid peace had been achieved between Sparrow, Kyros, and Pari. They had decided that none of them would talk about it. Sparrow was starting to look a little better after being "fired" from her job at the palace; her cheeks were more pink, her eyes were brighter, and she was enveloped with a warm energy that she'd been missing for years. Nothing much had come of the incident beyond this, though Sevan no longer visited the palace and Sparrow had not mentioned his whereabouts. (edited)
February 4, 2021

plum — 02/04/2021 1:11 AM
"So I was thinking go-karts after school today," Vic pitched, "Before I leave to Murrica tomorrow."
"You say that as if you're not going to be back in six days." Feo remarked.
"And? We never use the go-kart track, that thing's fun."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:12 AM
"I like the bumper cars better," Mirza noted. "I can't be king of Atherdale but I can be king of the bumper car scene."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:12 AM
"For the last time, it's the same thing."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:13 AM
"Maybe in America," he closed his book. "But here in Atherdale, we're sophisticated enough to separate the tracks."
"No we're not." Sparrow said, tapping her chin. "They're the same thing."
"They are? Oh."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:14 AM
Vic jerked his thumb at Sparrow as if to say told you so. "You're just afraid of this mad go-karting action."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:15 AM
"No way. I'll even buy you ice cream if you beat me." Mirza declared. They all chose not to point out that he could afford an entire creamery, not just a cone.

plum — 02/04/2021 1:16 AM
"Worthless bet, but you're on."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:17 AM
"Yeah-ha," the prince grinned. "Who else? Feo, you coming?"

plum — 02/04/2021 1:20 AM
"Only if the girls can tag along, I'm supposed to watch them tonight."
"Aren't they like, twelve?" Kyros pointed out, gaze not diverting from the screen of his phone.
"There was an incident with some candles... They do not have home alone privileges."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:20 AM
"Ooh," Sparrow winced. "Another seance?"

plum — 02/04/2021 1:23 AM
"Yeah, to Joan of Arc apparently." He scoffed, then explained, "History homework."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:25 AM
That brought out a laugh. "Joan of Arc! I mean, go big or go home, right?"
"Imagine if they actually channeled her though." Mirza shuddered. Sparrow grinned, leaning against him. "Afraid of ghosts, Miz?"
"Duh."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:26 AM
"They need to learn a thing or two from you then," Feo shook his head. "Those two don't know how to leave well enough alone."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:27 AM
"It'll get them places." Mirza assured him. "I don't know what places, but it'll get them there."
"They would love go-karting. Illy's a fiend, though, you're all at risk of losing." Sparrow told the boys.

plum — 02/04/2021 1:28 AM
"Yeah, she gives me whiplash when she's not ramming me full speed with a small motorized vehicle."
"Eh, depends when." Kyros said in response to the original question. "I'm Skyping with Sol tonight."
"When are you not, though?" Vic pointed out.

peach — 02/04/2021 1:31 AM
"Yeahhh, come on. One night." Mirza cajoled, "For the boys. And Pari. And Sparrow."
Sparrow hesitated then, biting her tongue. "Actually..."
"What, do you have work? I thought you weren't doing that anymore."
"Well, no..."
"And if it's homework, you can skip for one night! You're doing a lot better now, right?"

Pari, who had just swung the door open and strode into the room, collapsed onto the couch besides Sparrow. She tossed her bag over the back of her seat and said, "She has a date and I'm helping her get ready for it."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:32 AM
Kyros snorted in amusement.
"Is it a big one?" Vic wondered.

peach — 02/04/2021 1:33 AM
Sparrow noticed his derision and her lips dipped into a frown, but she just turned her attention to Vic. "It's our one-month anniversary."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:35 AM
"Just invite him," Kyros said. "I'm sure Feo can bring his prank girlfriend too."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:35 AM
"Prank girlfriend?"

plum — 02/04/2021 1:36 AM
"What? Like I wouldn't know if you had a real live boyfriend?" He glanced up from his phone. "I'm not stupid."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:36 AM
Mirza's eyes widened marginally. "Wait, you didn't know?" (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 1:37 AM
"Oh, shut up. You're not even a good liar."
A shit-eating grin grew on Vic's face as he looked from Kyros to Sparrow.

peach — 02/04/2021 1:40 AM
"Oh my god," the princess cackled. "Wait, Sparrow, you didn't tell him?"
"I wasn't trying to hide it!" Sparrow protested, tugging her hair over her shoulder as she looked away from Kyros. "It just... never came up."
Parisa leaned forward in delight, her dark eyes glittering malevolently. "Oh shit, you actually left him out of the loop!" (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 1:44 AM
At this, Kyros became annoyed. "You all do not seriously expect me to believe Parisa wouldn't have come barreling into my room as soon as she found out? Please."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:50 AM
"Hey man, I tried, but Sol was over for the whole week." Pari raised her hands as though washing them of the situation. "By the time you were available for gossip, I'd already vented to Vic."
"You vented?" Sparrow asked. "About what?"
"That's between me and the ventee."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:51 AM
Vic shot her an apologetic look confirming the statement.
"I call bullshit. That's too big a thing to sit on."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:52 AM
"I wasn't sitting on it. When's the last time you came to a hang out?" Sparrow accused. "What was I supposed to do, knock on your door and be like, 'hey Kyros, I have a boyfriend!'?"

plum — 02/04/2021 1:58 AM
"Yeah? I mean, what the hell? I've been around."

peach — 02/04/2021 2:00 AM
"Well, apparently not when I mentioned him." she said.
"You have only been to two of our hangouts this month," Mirza noted, glancing at his phone. "You left the second one early and Gabe and Sparrow had only been on like, three dates around the time of the first one, so she hadn't mentioned it yet."
"Two dates! The first was just friendly coffee."

plum — 02/04/2021 2:57 AM
"Oh, woah, woah, woah," he lifted a finger. "Dweeby Gabe? Gabriel Ardelean?"
"He's not dweeby, he's fine," Feo muttered. (edited)

peach — 02/04/2021 12:17 PM
"I like him." Sparrow defended. "I met him through Vic. They're on the same water polo team. And he's not dweeby."
At the incredulous look her cousin cast her, Pari lifted her hands again. "Hey, I already swore off of making fun of the guy, sorry." (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 12:33 PM
"Oh, that explains why you haven't come by." He rolled his eyes. "So is this a real thing? I could text him right now and he'd say 'yeah, Sparrow's my girlfriend'?"
The phrase felt so strange out of his mouth.
"I mean, you don't have his number, do you?" Vic asked.
"I mean if I did, moron."

peach — 02/04/2021 12:36 PM
"I mean, yeah. That's generally what happens when you date someone." Sparrow shot back. Pari laughed. "I still can't believe you just... didn't tell Kyros."
"Like I said, it would have been weird to randomly bring up! Like, what would it matter to him, you know?"
"Pari's the only one that ever gets to know anything." Mirza said, casting a wounded look at the two of them. "No one told me. I had to find out secondhand."
"You found out when I told Vic!" Sparrow blustered. Miz pressed a hand upon his heart. "Yeah. The last two to know."
"Actually, Vic knew because Gabe's on water polo. So really you were just the last one to know, Miz." Pari pointed out.
Mirza shook his head, forever the tragic hero. Sparrow frowned apologetically. (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 12:48 PM
"Wait," Kyros's face scrunched up in disgusted disbelief, "So all of you knew and no one thought to bring it up before now?"
"This... is us bringing it up, K." Vic pointed out. "Honestly, this is probably why no one told you. Why can't you just be cool about it for once?"
"Mirza was just complaining about being the last to know and he wasn't even the last one!" He defended.
"Yeah, but Miz was just being dramatic. You immediately went to asshole."
"I just-- like-- obviously I would care."

peach — 02/04/2021 12:51 PM
"I didn't mean it like that," Sparrow sighed. She'd been on the defensive when it came to Kyros for weeks - for good reason. "It's just that... I mean, first of all, you were really busy with Sol so there was never time to pop in and tell you anything." Because Sol hates my guts.
"And we fucked up with Sevan, 'member?" Pari reminded. "That's why I'm on a gag order. Sparrow won't say so because she's afraid of hurting your feelings."
"I mean, n-no--" she protested, waving her hands dismissively. But then she faltered. "Maybe a little bit. That did suck really bad."
"I'm not dramatic." Mirza frowned. "I could have died of heartbreak. You don't know." (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 1:21 PM
"I know, I know, and I already apologized."
"I don't think you did, actually," Feo commented in nothing but a murmur.
"-- but come on, that's different."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:52 PM
"Well, what's done is done." Sparrow said abruptly. "I'll ask Gabe if he wants to come for go-karts. If that's okay?"
"Yeah!" Mirza cheered. "One more ass to kick, yes. I'm gonna be the go-kart champion."
"I'm not doing your hair and dressing you up just for you to ruin it all by whizzing around at mach 10." Pari warned. Sparrow shrugged with a small smile. "We'll do dinner tomorrow night, maybe. Will you help me get ready then?"
"... if I have time, sure."

plum — 02/04/2021 2:02 PM
"Hey," Feo caught her gaze. "Don't give up nice anniversary plans just for us, okay? There will always be another day for go-karts."
"What about y'all do dinner after go-karts?" Vic suggested. "Or before, whatever works."
Kyros sat in a deep glower, still processing all his irritation at the situation.

peach — 02/04/2021 3:01 PM
"We could probably do an early dinner that day," she agreed, pulling out her phone. "I'll text him to ask."
Pari glanced over and sighed in relief. "Oh, good, I was worried you'd be one of those emoji girlfriends."
"What?"
"You know, the ones that name their contact something like... baby boy."
"No," she laughed and returned her attention to her phone.
Mirza looked at the rest of them. "I wanna get dinner somewhere too. Something greasy."

plum — 02/04/2021 3:41 PM
Kyros couldn't help but glance over at Sparrow's phone, though he did so with contempt.
"Ohh!" Vic snapped his fingers. "Jo's Diner! They have the best parmesan garlic fries."

peach — 02/04/2021 4:01 PM
"I'm ready for some parmesan garlic fries." Mirza agreed. "As long as they also have fried chicken."
"Aren't you a bird? Shouldn't you hate eating other birds?"
"I'm a bird of prey!" Mirza protested. "Or... I can become one."
"Mirza, in that whole situation, you would definitely be the prey." Pari informed him. "Does Jo's have salads? Because I'm trying not to gain ten pounds before the next gala."
"You could stand to gain a few pounds." Sparrow assured her. Pari shook her head in disgust.

plum — 02/04/2021 4:05 PM
"Uh... they have potato salads as a side?" Vic offered.
"So is this just how it is now, then?" Kyros asked. "Us and Gabe?"

peach — 02/04/2021 4:27 PM
"Well, we've hung out with Gabe before." Mirza said. "He's cool."
"And he wants to hang out." Sparrow added. Unlike a certain someone. "But if you guys don't want him to come..."
"We want him to come." Pari decided. (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 4:41 PM
Kyros groused at her directly.
"Didn't you say you were Skyping Sol anyway?" Vic pointed out.
"That doesn't mean I wasn't gonna come."

peach — 02/04/2021 4:52 PM
"Kyros can Skype Sol while Gabe and I are at dinner and then we can all meet up for go-karts! That works," Sparrow suggested hopefully. "Right?"

plum — 02/04/2021 5:47 PM
"I suppose..." Kyros heaved a long-suffering sigh.

peach — 02/04/2021 6:11 PM
Pari threw a pillow at him. "Hey drama king, you can dial it down a little."
"Maybe Sol can come to the next one." Mirza offered, ever diplomatic, even though they all knew the last thing in the world the Kalyharan Empress would do was to step into a dingy metal cart. "We'll need to make a jersey for Gabe though. What team will he be on?"
"We have to split them up or else Sparrow has an unfair advantage."
"But if we do that, how do we know he won't go easy on her while he's on the other team?" Miz postulated. (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 9:22 PM
"We could use the two-person ones and do every kart for themselves," Feo suggested.
"Ooh, I call Pari, she's vicious on the trash talk." Vic claimed.

peach — 02/04/2021 9:26 PM
"Yessss," Pari chortled, high-fiving Vic. But Sparrow looked hesitant. "I don't think that's a good idea because we have an odd number of people."

plum — 02/04/2021 9:29 PM
"Do we?" The corner of Vic's right eye crinkled as he counted them all up. "Huh, I guess so. Someone could go solo."

peach — 02/04/2021 9:34 PM
"No, no." Sparrow assured him. "We'll just do every man for himself! It'll be fun!"

plum — 02/04/2021 9:55 PM
"Alriiiight, but y'all better not cheat." Vic pointed at her.

peach — 02/04/2021 10:07 PM
"Of course not," Sparrow batted her lashes at him, leaning over to rest her elbow upon his shoulder. "I would never."
February 5, 2021

peach — 02/05/2021 2:55 AM
Sparrow was running just a little bit late for her date with Gabe, but this was okay because he was also running late. Her phone buzzed with a message - Be there in fifteen. It was one of the things she liked best about him.
It felt like so much time had passed since that day she'd admitted her tiny crush to Feo. Who knew that months later, Gabe would approach her while she was waiting for Vic after water polo practice, and ask if she wanted to grab a coffee sometime? Part of her had wondered if Vic had talked her up. Maybe he'd convinced Gabe to take her on a pity date? But no, Vic wasn't like that, and neither was Gabriel.
He was the son of a baron so he really shouldn't have noticed her at all. He was part of Pari and Kyros' crowd, though the latter would most certainly snort and remind her that Gabe belonged to the lowest rungs of their social ladder, but Sparrow thought this was even better; she was intimately acquainted with the two people at the apex of the pyramid and she knew what it turned a person into. It wasn't that she didn't like Parisa or Kyros - never - but their world was so incredibly detached from hers that sometimes they felt like strangers. Gabe was rich too. He had a sterling reputation. He consorted with all matters of nobility. But he was kind, and he was humble. She'd met his mom and dad only a week ago, but being there had been... comfortable. Their home wasn't particularly large for a manor and everyone stayed in the central rooms, leaving the outer corners for guests and entertaining. It meant that those living spaces were warm and cozy and casual, and Mr. and Mrs. Ardelean had never made her feel less-than. Not like she often did at the palace. They had sat with her and Gabe and they hadn't even mentioned that she was an ex-staff member at the palace; in fact, they'd talked to her like she was... a person. It was a refreshing change. Gabe had been embarrassed while Sparrow had fallen in love.
[3:00 AM]
But before she met him for dinner, she had to make a quick stop. The conversation earlier that day sat in the pit of her stomach like a stone, weighing her down with guilt.
She had never meant to keep the whole thing from Kyros. In all honesty, she was just trying to avoid Mojisola, and in doing so, had inadvertently avoided the prince as well. But Sol hated her, and she wasn't nice, and Sparrow was sick of skirting around the Kalyharan empress-to-be. It was easier to just not be around when she was visiting.
But that wasn't the entire truth either. She had known that Kyros hadn't known and she'd been putting it off. She could have mentioned it one of many times - it might have been a little odd and very unprompted, but she could have. She'd known how Kyros would react, though: his derision that she'd agreed to date someone as comparatively inconsequential as Gabriel, and his disbelief that she'd snagged anyone at all. Pari had let it slip, after all, their mutual concern about her alleged romance with Sevan. He's a fisherman! the princess had cried. I mean, we were so worried that you couldn't get anyone better. Like Kyros said, maybe a doctor or something at least, but a fisherman?!
Sevan was no fisherman - at least, that wasn't all he was - and even if it had been everything about him, he had no reason to be embarrassed. Gabe had no reason to be embarrassed either. But Sparrow felt her heart shrivel at the idea that Kyros pitied her.

That wasn't the point of her brief stop at his room tonight, though. She knocked on the door, hoping that he hadn't already dialed Sol's number.

plum — 02/05/2021 3:04 AM
"Who is it?" The prince's voice called from inside the chamber.

peach — 02/05/2021 3:05 AM
"Me," Sparrow said, her hand on the knob. "Can I come in?"

plum — 02/05/2021 3:08 AM
"Oh," there was a note of surprise in his voice. At least the derision and moodiness from lunch was gone. He tugged on his tangled laptop charger, inviting, "Yeah, whatever, it's open."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:14 AM
She poked her head inside, glancing about the room. She looked... a little different. Pari had done her hair and makeup, so her eyes were dark and large and her cheeks were pink, though there was no telling how much of that was the blush of puppy love and how much of it was actual blush. The princess had managed to accentuate her long throat with a few thin strands of gold, to define her shoulders and clavicle with a brush of shimmering dust. But since she and Gabe had decided to go to a small Asian bistro, nothing fancy, Pari had allowed her to utilize her own wardrobe. Her outfit was that of a crop top and shorts, both familiar sights. The complex hairdo, which had taken Pari a good hour to put together, was already starting to fall out in gently curling strands. It was these things that kept her looking like herself. "Hey, Kyros. Do you have a sec?"

plum — 02/05/2021 3:17 AM
It was hard to hide the double take, but after a moment of marvel, his mind turned quickly to his own girlfriend and how incensed she would be if she was watching this, so he simply didn't mention it.
"Yeah." He confirmed easily. "Stupid laptop's dead."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:18 AM
"Oh no, is it gonna take long to charge?" she asked, approaching the couch to sit beside him.

plum — 02/05/2021 3:22 AM
"Nah," he snapped the charger into place. "Aren't you supposed to be somewhere?"

peach — 02/05/2021 3:22 AM
"We're both running late." she grinned faintly. "Guess it's meant to be."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:33 AM
Her wording confused him for a moment before he realized she was probably talking about her and Gabriel, not the two of them here. "You'll be later if you stick around, you know."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:33 AM
"He'll be at the palace in fifteen." she assured him. "And this won't... take super long. And it's way overdue. I just wanted to apologize. I'm really sorry that I didn't tell you about... us."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:37 AM
Ugh, the word sent a revolted shiver down his spine. Something about her words still rang in his head like a joke, but here she was, dolled up and doe-eyed for Gabriel Ardelean.
"It's fine. I've decided I don't care-- I'm happy for you." He tried so badly to sell it.

peach — 02/05/2021 3:40 AM
"Oh." that stung a little - that he didn't care. And then he'd tried to overcompensate by claiming that he was happy for them, but he didn't... actually care. Why did she think he would care? Sparrow's face flushed a little in embarrassment. She'd hoped that Kyros would at least... genuinely be happy for her. But it didn't matter and that wasn't the crux of the issue. "Um, thanks. I just... I didn't mean to not tell you. I guess I was kind of avoiding it, and that was wrong of me to do... that's not something friends do. So I'm sorry."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:44 AM
"Well, you said it yourself. I don't have the best track record." He wrapped his fingertips tightly around the opposite edge of the laptop. "I just got spooked. Guess I'm no better than Pari in that sense. But I mean it when I say good for you, he's a nice guy."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:45 AM
The corner of her lips tugged up in a hesitant smile; she bumped her shoulder against his. "Thanks. That really means a lot to me -- your opinion."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:47 AM
"Yeah," he let out a small puff of air. "Well. He's boring, but good boring. Won't get you assassinated or targeted by mysterious evil entities boring."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:48 AM
"Oh my god," she laughed a little. "I hope not. He's super... chill. His parents are really nice too. Too nice to be assassinated."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:53 AM
"Weird to think that's definitely how I'm gonna go," he remarked, but redirected, although he did not miss the line about meeting the parents. "But hey, it's cool to date someone who's got their death options so open. You know? You two can both die normal person deaths together."
He knew it was strange territory to veer into but he didn't seem to have full control over his thoughts right now.

peach — 02/05/2021 3:54 AM
Sparrow, however, was not going to let go of that extremely ominous statement. Brow creased in concern, she reached over to take his hand. "Hey, what? Why would you say that? Nothing's going to happen to you." (edited)

plum — 02/05/2021 3:59 AM
"I mean, yeah, hopefully not for a while." He confirmed, oddly unbothered at the moment.

peach — 02/05/2021 4:00 AM
"No," Sparrow told him. "Not "not for a while". Never. Tasia will take care of you, Faey and Rosco will, I mean-- Parisa will. You don't actually think you're going to get assassinated - do you?"

plum — 02/05/2021 4:01 AM
"Sparrow, listen, when I die-- because we all eventually will-- what's the most likely scenario for me? It just tracks."

peach — 02/05/2021 4:06 AM
She frowned and said decisively, "No it's not. You'll die old and happy with... with Sol at your side! And lots and lots of grandkids."

Wow. Why did it still ache to say things like that? She was - she was happy for him, of course she was! She saw the way he and Sol looked at each other, held each other, both lit up each others' worlds. She'd seen the way he whispered in the Kalyharan heir's ear and the way Sol pressed her lips to Kyros's cheek proudly, out in public, even when she was supposed to be regal. She'd known a lot of their peers to find love, but never had she seen a romance that seemed to run as deeply and truly as the one that had blossomed between Kyros and Sol - and they were perfect for each other. Everyone knew it. Even if they weren't both the most powerful leaders of their respective countries, they were both proud and important and razor-blade sharp. They'd both sliced Sparrow's heart to ribbons in their own ways.
She gave his hand a squeeze and dropped it, laughing around the lump that had suddenly risen in her throat. "You're going to live a long and happy life, K." (edited)

plum — 02/05/2021 4:10 AM
"You too, Sparrow." He dropped a hand on her shoulder. The tone had grown far too serious for his liking, so he added, "And if it makes you happy... I'll keep tragic but genuine travel accident on the board."

peach — 02/05/2021 4:11 AM
She snickered this time, shaking her head again. "Stop it!"
At that moment, her phone buzzed in her pocket. With a glance toward Kyros, she pulled it out and looked to the phone screen. Gabe's picture grinned back at her, a single message beneath: Here :)
A soft smile bloomed upon her lips.

plum — 02/05/2021 4:20 AM
He pressed his lips together and inhaled deeply, patting the laptop. "Well. I guess I'll see you at go-karts."

peach — 02/05/2021 4:24 AM
She bounced off the couch and tossed one last smile in his direction. It came easier now, as all things did, with a little bit of re-evaluation. She'd never been meant for Kyros. Kyros hadn't been meant for her. They were of completely different worlds, even taking the whole "future king" thing out of consideration.
Gabriel... well, she wasn't sure if they were bound together the way she imagined she one day would be. He was two-tailed. But maybe she could bring him into the fold... one day. And Gabriel liked her back, which was the most important part of it. "Have fun with Sol... see you later." Sparrow bid before heading out the door.

plum — 02/05/2021 4:32 AM
Kyros heaved a sigh that turned into a groan once she'd cleared the hallway, letting his head roll back onto the couch. Apparently whatever stupid pep-talk-slash-talking-to Feo had put him through after lunch had worked, at least in making up for being so shitty about Gabriel to Sparrow's face earlier. Even if he still felt justified. But their friendship mattered more to him than whatever dumb guy she picked to be her high school puppy crush and he owed it to her to be someone she felt good about talking to. Even if it meant sitting through things like that. Feo had at least talked the idea of losing her to this guy out of his head-- "it'll be your fault if you lose her, not his." The rest was just bottling it up and saving it for Parisa, because though he knew she'd taken a vow of silence, she could still there and validate him... right?
February 6, 2021

peach — 02/06/2021 6:37 PM
peach — 02/06/2021 6:53 PM
The group had enjoyed a fast-paced, high-adrenaline game of go-karts-slash-bumper-cars with Mirza having reigned supreme, for which he was currently gloating. Vic owed him ice cream now. Feo trailed dutifully after Illy and Vera, who were dancing around the prince in hopes of joining in on the ice cream action. Pari and Kyros were perched beside each other now, the former examining her nails to make sure nothing had broken, while the latter nursed a glass of cool water. Sparrow and Gabriel were in his line of sight, standing together in the doorway of the recreation room.
There was no accusing Sparrow of making up a boyfriend now - when Gabriel wasn't doting on her, he was looking at her tenderly from wherever he stood. They held hands and she leaned against him while Vic mapped out the rules. He'd spun her around before setting her in a kart, and then when he'd won a game, she'd laughed and thrown her arms around him. (edited)
[6:56 PM]
Gabriel Ardelean. He was a quiet guy but friendly, with a good reputation among his peers. He was known for his ability to explain chemistry with relative ease, and in a way that those who were listening in might understand. He was on water polo with Vic as well as a litany of other sports. He wasn't very remarkable in any other aspect, but Sparrow gazed at him like she was looking at a stack of precious stones.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Sparrow asked, touching his shoulder as she stood in the circle of his arms. "I saw you get tossed against the car. Sorry, Vera can be so competitive."
"No way, don't worry!" Gabe assured her with a soft smile. "I've had it much worse from lacrosse."
"Your game is tomorrow night, I just want to make sure nothing happened to that winning arm. Vic would be upset."
"But not you?"
"No." she teased with a grin, her cheeks dimpling. Gabe laughed and pressed his thumb against one as he reached up to cup her face. "Don't worry, I'm a strong, independent man."
"I still like taking care of you."
"I like it when you take care of me." he leaned down and Sparrow rose to meet him and then they were kissing, and he traced a line along her lower lip. "I'll see you tomorrow, Sparrow."
"See you." she said quietly, glowing pink as they pulled away from each other. (edited)

plum — 02/06/2021 9:59 PM
Kyros's knuckles were white against the water glass and it was all he could do to tear his vitriolic gaze away before they had the chance to catch him looking. He uttered to his cousin, "You know we have to talk about this."

peach — 02/06/2021 10:11 PM
"Oh, for sure." Pari muttered back, resting her elbow on the table as she glanced the couple over. Her nose wrinkled just the slightest bit. "I only said I'd be nice to his face."

plum — 02/06/2021 10:11 PM
"Thank God. Your room after this?"

peach — 02/06/2021 10:23 PM
"Yeah, I'll text you after I'm done with my shower."

Sparrow flounced over and dropped to sit besides Pari, resting her chin on her hands and offering the two a brilliant smile.

plum — 02/06/2021 10:48 PM
Kyros's expression cleared up and he gave her the best teasing grin he could muster. "Looks like you had fun."

peach — 02/06/2021 11:11 PM
"Yeah..." she sighed happily.
Pari snorted, looking over to the others. "I can't believe Miz won. He actually wasn't bullshitting this time."
February 8, 2021

plum — 02/08/2021 3:42 PM
"Miz is the silent killer when he wants to be." Kyros confirmed. "Underestimate him and you're in trouble."

peach — 02/08/2021 4:30 PM
"Underestimate Mirza?" Sparrow laughed. "Never. I've seen that maniacal Tyrneamitore grin."
"Hey! What are you talking about?" Pari demanded.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about." Sparrow retorted. "Your MTG is a permanent fixture."

plum — 02/08/2021 6:11 PM
"I wouldn't call it... maniacal."

peach — 02/08/2021 6:12 PM
She bared her teeth in what could only be described as a demented mockery of a smile, then pointed at him. "That's you."
Pari crowed with laughter. "Please never make that face again!"
"What face? My Kyros face?" (edited)

plum — 02/08/2021 7:00 PM
"That is not what I look like. Ask anyone."

peach — 02/08/2021 7:01 PM
"Okay. Pari, does K look like this?" she asked and made the face, to which the princess gave her an enthusiastic nod.

plum — 02/08/2021 7:02 PM
"Someone who doesn't have a vested interest in pissing me off," he clarified.

peach — 02/08/2021 7:04 PM
"You didn't say that before!" she prodded him reproachfully, laughing. "And geez, I don't think there's anyone in this room without a vested interest in pissing you off." (edited)

plum — 02/08/2021 7:04 PM
"Wow." He shook his head. "And I trusted you lot."

peach — 02/08/2021 7:05 PM
"That was your mistake, cuz." Pari said, leaning back in her chair. Sparrow beamed at him. "You make it so easy."

plum — 02/08/2021 7:06 PM
"See, Pari I expect to take the low road, but you?"

peach — 02/08/2021 7:07 PM
"Not so morally superior anymore, am I?" she teased in a mild tone, though bringing up the fight stirred a pang of discomfort deep in her chest. (edited)

plum — 02/08/2021 9:43 PM
He shrugged affably as Feo and the girls called their goodbyes from the door.

plum — 02/09/2021 8:35 PM
He turned his head to peer at the opposite wall, gaze calculating as if the answers would be written in the marble. "It'll just suck if she gets hurt."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:37 PM
"I mean yeah, but from everything I can tell, he really is genuine. You don't think I poked around? So far he's taken her out to nice places - casual, because it's Sparrow, but still nice; they're constantly facetiming or texting each other; she even met his parents." Pari snorted. "Watch. He's gonna get her a promise ring in another month at the rate this is going.