I AM MORE.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more serious about anything ever before.” This was said quietly but with confidence. She was nervous, but Elise had made up her mind that this was what she needed. “Is that a yes?” 

                    “Lucky and content,” he snorted as if in affirmation; struck with the impression that such combination was as recherche as any. Luck came in tandem with money in Caleb’s case, although for most with financial gain it never quite secured a level of happiness many were deluded into obtaining when and if pockets were loaded; Caleb an emotionally void exception on that respect. How could one be stuck in a sense of unfulfillment when their very viscera ran rampant with selfish bargaining? “They’re just waiting to find the meaning of life or some crap. All I know is that there’s no God or Ghandi to sing praises to me if I live a morally good life; that shit is all fake.”

“Until the day they put me in the ground,” Milho replied, tilting his head to crack the muscles in his neck. Sleeping on a bench definitely wasn’t the best of ideas at his age. “Please, I’ve dealt with worst smells coming out of those two’s asses than anything in here,” he chuckled, standing from his seat. He shook his head, already knowing the reason why they were here. “They’re on the outs with their mother again. I’d say they got all their stubbornness from her but I’d be lying.”

“Hopefully that’s still at least a few days away,” CJ mused, glancing over in the direction of the stalls his one child had been frequenting, “so they’re on the outs but you get the brunt of it? Sounds like a good time.” Her words were dry, as per usual. 

Central Park was buzzing with life today, the warm weather practically forced people out the door so they could enjoy it. Just in case the weather turned again. Spring and Winter seemed to be raging a war this time of year, and the crisp breeze proved winter hadn’t fully lost yet. Perched on a bench with a travel mug in hand, Aerith pushed her sunglasses up the bridge of her nose. People watching had always been a hobby of hers but in New York there was so much more to see then back home. And it offered just as many eyes to see them with. Leaning back against the seat, she caught the eye of one of her companions. The black bird was peering out from behind the branches, watching the same way she was. 

Lowering her gaze she took a sip of her tea as she watched the other approach, greeting them with an easy smile of acknowledgement. “Good morning.”

                    A smirk embellished his countenance, his own flagrant disregard to how effortless his life had been since the night he was bitten woefully apparent in every encounter he could endure, a meager shrug being produced in tandem with her flippant inquiry, “Something like that. I’m aware my life has been pretty fucking peachy, in any case.” A trust fund as a booster to whatever future he latched on to and parents that could get him out of trouble in the blink of an eye warranted his warped sense of view, Caleb knowing full well it would be difficult to sway him. “If I die tomorrow or when I’m seventy five at least I’ll know I’ve lived a pretty full life,” sable hues flitted over to his older counterpart, raising a near challenging brow, “Can you say the same?”

“No, you’re not,” he said wryly, giving her a look. His siblings didn’t need to know he had been pushing himself on his own time. Without them hovering or looking over his shoulder. They still insisted on treating him like the baby of the family. His injuries had been severe, but they were willing to go back to training far earlier than they were willing to let him join in. “And I hardly think Aquafit is going to strain anything.” Still, the idea seemed fun. And weightlessness was definitely a bonus. The removal of the impact from running or other land activities was a nice break for his missing leg. “I’m not made of glass.” 

“You may not be but you’re not an idiot either. But....I agree,” CJ gave a wry laugh and shake of her head, “I doubt Aquafit will strain anything and if it does, well, that’s a different conversation to have. About where you’ve slacked off in your training altogether.” She nodded at him, “when was the last time you were on a hunt, Matt? It’s not good to get complacent.”

calxrhodes‌.

@jonahrhodes, @cj-rhodes

“I didn’t think I’d be this nervous.” Calypso spoke aloud, confiding in the oldest of her siblings. She’d gotten ready with Chrisjen’s help, only seeing her mother again at the front of the aisle. It was up to CJ and Jonah for the last give away, for them to place the red veil atop her head before she’d walk out with Jonah. After all, they’d always been the two people she looked up to growing up in this family. Her fingers brushed against the fabric of the dress’ skirt, eyes gazing out the car window where the botanic gardens slowly came into view. The closer she got, the more nervous she got. Was she at all ready for this? Change her name, her location, her priorities? But she loved him, wasn’t that enough? Air sucked into her lungs as the car stopped, seeing the bridesmaids gathered down the path. As she opened the door, inhaling deeply, she waited, looking over to where the guests were seated and she saw a glimpse of her soon-to-be husband. 

He smiled at Calypso. Jonah didn’t want to admit it, but he was nervous too. He knew the wedding would go smoothly, but it was a big change, albeit a happy one. He tried to think of it as if they were gaining a new member of the family, yet he couldn’t help but see it as losing his younger sister. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Blaze —he was actually glad it was Blaze — he just wanted his family to be close after all they had lost. “It’s going to be great. You’ve got a great support system after all.” He pointed between CJ and himself, trying to lighten the mood. He patted Calypso’s back. “We all love you, Cal.” 

@cj-rhodes​

Anna nodded quietly. CJ was entirely too right, it would do no one any good if she wasn’t top of her game. God forbid something happen to her or one of her siblings due to exhaustion and then they’d have to live through another loss and another funeral. Anna smiled softly, “I’m starving, I could go for some dinner,” the younger huntress responded. She’d always take CJ up on any offer to spend time with her because it wasn’t often that CJ did anything with any of them.

“Good, then we can discuss how to convince Calypso not to put us in a ball gown for the wedding.” CJ added lightly, pulling on a sweatshirt and tying her hair back so it was out of her face. Flipping the light switch, she exited the locker room and headed towards one of the Sanctuary’s exits alongside Annabelle. “What are you in the mood for?”