- ̗̀ firework ̖́-

“Is skipping an entire week of work a smart idea?” Alice paused and looked at the sandwich “Remind me not to let you near my lunch” she said shaking her head, a soft laugh passing her lips.

“No shit Sherlock, I’ve been looking for you everywhere, where the fuck were you?” Marlene slaps his arm and frowns, then shakes her head, “I mean— I know, mum told me it was probably not the best idea to go to your house or anything if you didn’t want to be out there in public or whatever, but.. you can’t just fucking vanish, Gids. I was worried. Me! Fucking worried, who am I, Lily?!”

Lexie freezed in place for a second, kicking herself mentally for making this mistake again. “I’m so so sorry Fabian. Your hair is just different today and it totally tipped me off.” The colour moved up to her cheeks as she realised she was starting to ramble. “But, are you allowed to skip work at the hospital? That sounds dangerous. Not for you, but for the other people, you know, your patients.”

“That’s because Gideon decided to style it today,“ Gideon flattened his hair, internally cringing. “Ah, yeah, sure it is. I mean, the sick people from,“ he remained silent, shrugging slightly. “The sick people from last week are all cleared out and I decided to take some care for my family.“ He fixed his hair, taking a bite out of his sandwich and grinning in that specific way in which Fabian never would. “Okay, I can’t believe you fell for the trap. Like, we are distinguishable as all hell.“

Lily beamed at him, placing her hands on either side of his face when he pulled back. Standing on her tip toes, she pressed a light kiss on his forehead. “I’m glad to be out of the hospital, and I’m also happy to see you’re all right. I just told you, I was worried about you.” She tilted her head to the side, still smiling affectionately at him. “Stealing your brother’s food is definitely something Gideon would do. You know I’m here if you want to talk about anything though. I know you will say no, but the offer stands.”

When Lily’s orange locks passed by his face, a stupid smile instantly found its place on his lips. While their relationship was never anything but platonic, such signs of affection from Lily always felt special to Gideon, even if he would never admit that. Silently, he thanked her by squeezing her hands while they were still on the sides of his head. “I’m glad that you’re okay. I’ll beat the ass of whoever put you in that hospital bed. Seriously, no one messes with Team Redhead’s members!” he stated, truly standing back behind his words. “I wanna talk about... well, anything, really. Anything interesting with you?”

“Yes, I spoke to Fabian about you, because I was worried, but it’s good that you’ve all had each other. Red Velvet? A… cloak or shirt?” She scrunched up her nose wondering how a material could offer any help. Her heart skipped, as he returned her hug, but it usually did that whenever Gideon even came close to her. “Partying? You’ve been partying?” She asked, that being the only thing she had picked up on in that sentence. She wished that with all that partying she had been able to see him to, but she had to remember to just be grateful that she was seeing him after all this time. “I’m glad you’re okay, so am I. It’s my birthday soon as well, so I want to do something to bring people together. It’s a party, so I’m sure you’ll come and join me for that reason alone, right?”

“Wait, hold up -- do you want to tell me what Red Velvet is? No, do you imply you haven’t even TRIED it? I am personally offended and slightly disappointed. Scratch that, MASSIVELY disappointed.“ Gideon stuck his nose in the air, acting like he was mad. “Yeah, well, understand ‘drinking everything that’s in the house’ under partying. I’ve been staying at home mostly.“ Hestia’s bubbly personality brought a grin on his face, one that wasn't planned nor anticipated. “Hestia Jones partying? That’s such a wild concept. Where’s it gonna be?“

“You are not paid to be insolent, Prewett. Let me remind you your job is not a hobby. Why exactly were you away? Your deceased father is not an excuse.”

“I was away because I was feeling like being away. You’ve got any problem with that, Letrange?“ he anwered steadily, eyes lingering on his opponent. “I would refrain from involving my deceased father in any of this if I was you.“

“Both sound like they could be useful…  but, I’ll take whichever you’re willing to share.  Dealer’s choice.”

“Oh, is this a hint towards a second date with my brother?“ Gideon prompted, almost choking on his words. “I mean, he didn’t tell me much about it, but I assume it went well. The Prewetts have that charm, you know.“

“He makes really good sandwiches. I feel like I’ve seen him eat quite a few.” Remus nodded in agreement. “Long time indeed. I’ve been doing my own thing for a bit.” He shrugged. “And you?”

“Your own thing?“ Gideon furrowed his brows, the corners of his lips pulling upwards. “That sounds fishy... and sexual,“ a shrug, “Or maybe it’s just the sandwich talking.“ He laughed at his own joke, features dying as quickly as they had lightened up. “Been with the family this entire week and I... well, I’ve been eating cake and drinking. For the time being. Doesn’t sound like me, eh?“

“I’m sure he wouldn’t think that it was the best idea.” Remus chuckled, greeting Gideon with a nod. 

“I bet he has at least five more with him. He’s obsessed with them! I think he beat his ‘let’s see how many sandwiches I can eat at once’ record recently.“ Gideon stated, following with another bite. “He’s a dork, I love him. Long time no see, Lupin.“

“Shit that’s good, that you took time for yourself,” he agreed with a nod before laughing. “I’d agree with ya, that looks delicious.”

Gideon nodded too, taking a bite out of his sandwich. “How have you been, my friend?”

Lexie frowned slightly, a bit confused. “What? But you can’t steal your own sandwich- oh, no, you’re Gideon. Totally Gideon. I’m sorry.”

“Took you a while,“ Gideon grinned, shrugging. “But you’re wrong, I’m Fabian.“ his voice dimmed, lips pulled into a Fabian-styled dorky smile.