[IC] 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐞

[MissCapnCrunch]

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚑 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚜.

𝚆𝚑𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎? 𝙷𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗'𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚎𝚝? 𝚈𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚍. 𝚈𝚘𝚞'𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚘 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚍.
𝚂𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾 // 𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚖 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚣𝚎 // 𝟼:𝟶𝟶 𝚙𝚖 // 𝙸𝚗 𝚎𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜!
𝙴𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚍. 𝙳𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚎𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚍. 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚙𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚐𝚞𝚖𝚜. 𝙻𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚜.

With the start of Summer vacation right around the corner and the wonderful news of two new families moving into the neighborhood (earlier in the week); Event manager and just overall amazing Carol Sue Garcia has been appointed for the fortieth year in a row as the block party leader. With asking for just a dish or two each from each family, she fully orchestrated a fun, festive, and enjoyable party this Friday for every resident on the block.

-

With the sun still fairly high in the sky, from outside your window you and your family would see several long gray tables set up with various lawn chairs surrounding them, at the head of the furthest table closest to the inner most home a few more tables are set up perpendicular to hold food, drinks, and eating utensils. Carol Sue Garcia provided the equipment and had enough time to spare to make an apple honey-crisp pie, it sat proudly in the middle of the display. Carol Sue could be found standing around the table making sure things were put into place and that everything was well organized as she had planned. A few of her stern yells could be heard towards the children as their ball bounced dangerously close several times to the set up. "Move to another yard!" she begged as she pointed her finger from one side of the lane to another, the kids followed suit moving their game down the road in front of the Donald's household.

Homer and Levi's contribution consisted of a tasty crock pot filled to the brim with Honey baked beans. Homer sat already in a chair, the legs underneath it adjusting to the man's heavy set weight. Levi gave him generous kisses on his sweaty forehead as he asked him to pose for a picture or two before he started to take photos of the children playing their game, the food displayed on the table, as well as other guests to the party. "Is it time to eat yet?" Homer joked playfully as he looked over to the food. Levi in ear shot sighed ignoring his fiance's question as he snapped a shot of the Harvey's household.

The Vang family with much hesitation brought two dishes; Tracy brought a small portion of watercress & radicchio salad with honey-mustard vinaigrette, and Nhia brought her famously delicious steamed dumplings that were lovingly drizzled with a spicy honey sauce. Kue and Tracy sat together, their discussions out of anyone's ear range. Cindy and Courtney played with the other children on the lawn of Donald's household. Courtney on the ground picking grass and flowers in the yard. Cindy followed the other children around, doing whatever game they switched too randomly. Nhia, her walker beside her chair sang quietly to herself,

"He gave her his townhouse and his racing horses
Each meal she ate was a dozen courses
She had a million dollars worth of nickels and dimes
She sat around and counted them all a million times"

Her tone was dull and sometimes mumbled but the old tune could be identified if you listened closely enough. "Can you please knock that off Mom?" Kue sneered as he turned away from his fairly new wife Tracy. She placed a hand on his arm as to show it was okay. He turned away, as the woman started singing again, her eyes closing after awhile to take a cat nap.

The Engleman family hadn't arrived yet, but would be expected as always.

Chanelle Benson would also be slightly late, due to work- but left a Honey roasted chicken wings as well as honey glazed carrots with pecans for her husband to heat up and serve tonight. She would not be outdone by any other families in the community. Benjamin made sure both dishes were cooked as perfect as they could, as he sent both Tyler and Aimee out to play while he took care of some things before he went outside. "This game sucks, let's play something else already." Aimee could be heard saying as she complained to Cindy Vang, she hoped either of the families had someone her age that was more fun than who she had been stuck with most of her time. Tyler sat on the grass by the kids, not sure if anyone his age would have moved in. "Aimee stop being a brat to everyone, or no one will wanna play with you." Tyler scolded as he looked between the kids and the cellphone in his hand. Aimee didn't like that, but didn't change her attitude as she bossed the others to play a new game where she would consequently always win.

Eventually Ben would emerge with his tray of food, he helped Carol Sue set things up, moving around some things that she had previously moved about until it looked right to him. A conversation happened between the two as they looked to both of the new neighbor's home, "I'm not sure to be honest." the Georgia native said in a smooth tone, looking towards the homes once again before readjusting the paper plates once again.

Though each of your families are still settling in, the invite had been generous and sweet and you decide that your family should go, what each member is doing is up to them. The party will be going into the night, well that is until curfew. Until then, have some fun and meet and greet with your neighbors. Remember: that which is not good for the beehive cannot be good for the bees.

[Zoey Boey]

Julia Donald

The gigantic alien space worm reared high, high high into the air. With a tremendous roar that shook the earth, it brought it's mighty body down onto the iron dusted surface of Mars. Rocks and debris scatterd for miles and Captain Donald barely managed to get out of the way. Her loyal allies Cidney, Courtney, Aimee, all also avoided the blow, though now they were scattered and disoriented. Control operative Tyler was back at base, doing complicated mathematics to deduce the correct course of action. He sent them a text (Tyler hadn't spoken over the comms yet), but there was the weakspot. It showed up on their HUDS, the belly of the beast!

"Fire at it's face! We got to get it to raise it's head!" The brave Captain yelled. The four co-ordinated their strikes, and the beast, angered, raised it's head up to smash them again. The weakspot was visible!

"Quick!" She yelled, jetpacking over to her comrades. "Assemble the Master Blaster!" Her brave crew connected their blasters together, creating one, long, mega cannon. The giant worm prepared to smash all of them. Their only hope was to get the Master Blaster online on time. 50%...60%...85%...! The beast roared, bring it's might down upon them...100%!

A giant space laser, wide as a school bus and bright as the sun, violently burst from the Master Blaster's barrel. A huge cloud of sand was kicked up by the blast. The beam penetrated the beast's scaly hide, tunneled inside and evaporated straight through, out through the other side! With a squeal, the vile beast tumbled to the side, defeated.

Captain Donald celebrated her victory with her comrades. "We did it! We did it, everyone!" She jumped happily.

Lieutenent Benson approached, and Captain Donald looked at her, smiling from underneath her visor.

"This game sucks, let's play something else already." Aimee said bluntly.

"Oh," Julia said, a little deflated.

"Aimee stop being a brat to everyone, or no one will wanna play with you." Tyler spoke up. The older boy briefly glanced up from his phone, before refocusing his attention on it. Well, Julia thought, Aimee wasn't really being a brat. She was just being honest, right? Julia didn't want her new friends to be bored.

Julia looked back at her friend. "Well, what did you want to play?"

Aimee, it seemed, was a big fan of competitive games, which Julia never really liked. It was a lot more fun when everyone worked together to fight the bad guys. Unless it was her and Dad, because Dad wasn't a bad guy and she knew that. And...she won all the time. But still, mostly the bad guy thing. Plus, you could make up what the bad guys did instead of just running around and tagging each other, and it was too open out here to play hide and go seek.

Oh, well, Julia thought. She didn't want her new friends to be bored. She had to make a good first impreshton, like Mommy was saying.

[CaptainSully]

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙴𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢

Regardless of her age, Audrey still had an air of beauty about her. She could often be found flirting with some of the younger men of the town. Widowed and somewhat alone she loved to get what little attention she could. Revealing tops and bikini's no elderly woman should wear dominated her wardrobe and her family didn't seem to object at all. Soo-Jin, more commonly known as Sue, emmigrated to the United States from South Korea at the age of twelve. Her accent is still heavily foreign having little to no american taint to it. She is mostly quiet in public but is always watching what is going on around her. Her other half, Dr Robert Engleman is the towns resident dentist. He runs a small surgery that caters for the majority of the town. He is charismatic and commands the attention of those in his presence. The only person that has any control over him is his mother, Audrey.

The three made their way from their house, their kids off doing other things. "Those kids of yours are rude Robert," said Audrey with a concerned tone. Her son replied with a laugh and smile. "Say what you want mother. As you know they have got alot of things going on that they need to be dealing with. They need to make sure that's all done with first and if there's time they'll turn up." Audrey shook her head and let out an audible sigh. "Yes I know, I just need to make a good impression for these new neighbours. You know how important it is." Sue took the opportunity to speak up to her mother in law. "It'll be ok Audrey. If they don't make it we can arrange for a private family meal with both familes." Audrey smiled at Soo-Jin with pride. "I knew my son had found a keeper when I met you Sue. I am so proud to call you my daughter in law." Soo-Jin giggled, hiding her mouth behind her hand. "You need to stop telling me that Audrey."

Soon enough the trio had reached the tables and the two women plonked down two large dishes of food. Audrey's dish was covered in a layer of foil but beneath it rested a slab of medium rare beef coated in a mustard crust. Soo-Jin had cooked something traditional, ox-bone soup. Left to simmer on a low heat, the ox-bone was cooked over several hours in a broth. Noodles and slices of beef made up the majority of the broth with salt, pepper and chilli paste provided to season. With the dishes now left on the table, the Englemans awaited the arrival of the new families.

[Hepburn]

𝙳𝚊𝚗𝚎 𝙳𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚍
𝙵𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚢 - 𝟷𝟾:𝟶𝟸 𝙿𝙼

There was a soft hum in Dane’s ears as he stood idly beside the grey tables with a thousand different plates of food on them. The sounds of summer all mixed together in his head: people talking, bugs flying past, birds chirping, cars in the distance. The old lady managing the whole thing buzzed around in a panic as she arranged plates and napkins and whatever else went into a block party. Seeing as they had to contribute something, Dane had brought a meager peace offering in the form of a garden salad with a fruit vinaigrette. Yeah, it was kinda basic and low effort, but nobody can complain about the presence of a salad. It was the most benign food in existence.

… What do you even do at a block party besides stand there awkwardly? Dane wasn’t an unsociable person. He had friends already! Kyle from the gym was cool and they would definitely talk to each other again at least one more time. Sure, he’s a bit standoffish, but in college you can just get drunk at some dude’s house and meet people that way. Getting fucked up would probably be frowned upon by their new neighbors, though. So what do you do? Make small-talk about the weather? Describe how the sickly summer heat was already starting to get annoying? Ask weirdly specific questions that imply a vague and ominous tragedy to come?

Looking around again, Dane couldn’t help but feel weird. He was the youngest adult and oldest kid. Some part of him felt like he should be living in a different state, staying in dorms to go to his dream college, but here he was. He didn’t feel like he belonged at the kid’s table but talking to the 46-year-old brain surgeons felt even stranger, so Dane decided that the best course of action would be to do neither and go stand near his family. Unfortunately, everyone else seemed to be doing their own things too, and Julia was the only one he had vaguely kept an eye on. She was still within eyeshot, so Dane sauntered (yes, sauntered, hands in pockets and everything) over to the yard where the kids were playing. Some dude was sitting nearby them, making sure the children didn’t tear each other apart limb from limb, and fortunately he seemed to be college-aged. The only natural thing to do was to creep on over beside him and stand there looking as cool as possible.

“That your sister?” Dane vaguely pointed at the group of kids busy with an intense game of make-believe. Immediately he regretted asking that question, seeing as it would be kinda creepy if one of them wasn’t his sister, but you know what? Baby steps. It’s best not to linger on your mistakes. Dane cleared his throat and continued in the most fourth-grade way possible: “I’m Dane. I just moved here with my family. The Donalds. Got any advice for the new kids?” He makes kind of a constipated face. "Nevermind. You don't have to answer."

[BubblegumQueen]

Loraine “Lori” Donald

Ugh, I should've just made an excuse. 'Ah, sorry! I got called in unexpectedly to work. There was an emergency I just had to look into. Maybe some other time? Lori would give a truly apologetic smile and then speed-walk to her car to just escape the entire thing. Lori was never really the most social of people, preferring to be working or with her own family. Sure, she is a pretty nice person, she likes to think. But, her friends could be biased in their description of her so... she couldn't be quite sure on that.

Tugging lightly on the dark green fabric of her dress, she fretted about her appearance. This whole little 'get together' was all about introducing her family and another to the rest of the community. She needed to make at least somewhat of a good impression. Of course, her lips quirked up into a small smirk as she absently played with her hair, I'll mostly be working throughout the workweek so I would at least have an excuse for not making it for tea or for not making it to bookclub or... whatever it is a 'community' does.

Turning from the wall mirror where she'd been putting off going outside, she grabbed onto the wrapped plate. As apparently bringing food is an unspoken requirement, she decided to make a cake. A caramel cake because... well... you can't go wrong with cake. And it'll look like she at least put in some sort of effort. Better than bringing a salad like she was originally going to, at least.

Taking a deep breath, Lori calmed her nerves and shoved aside any frustrations she has about this. At least my family will suffer with me. And with that calming thought, she stepped outside the house, a small smile on her face that would seem natural to really everyone but her family. Approaching the main area, she looked around idly, mentally taking note of all of the unfamiliar faces. But, she did smile a bit more genuinely when she was Dane and Julia, happy to have them in her sight. Even if Dane seemed a bit uncomfortable. Like mother, like son, she figured, reaching the food table and placing her cake in an empty spot.

Well, Lori thought, looking around at the other adults and kids, I can just think of this like... a business conference. I need to smile, be charming, and make a good impression. With the comparison in her mind, she felt herself relax a little, facial features softening even if her eyes had a sharper glint to them.

Now... where to start.

[Red7VII]

Interactions/Mentions: @Lovely Complex

It was something to do. That's what Noah kept repeating in his head. He sat in his car, fresh from work. The radio was playing and the engine was still going and he sat there in the driver's seat, a window cracked and a cigarette blazing. It was his routine after work. Calm down, decompress and change modes. As the flame neared the butt, he threw it out the window. It was time. He secured the car, cut the engine and entered the house.

He moved inside and took a snapshot of the situation. No one was in the immediate vicinity, which was not too surprising. "Is everyone ready," he called out with a tone of agitation. The party was tonight. It would be fake smiles, fake laughs and real food. The latter was the true reason to go. In the back of Noah's mind, he couldn't help but think about how he was missing out on a poker game with his buddies to entertain this party. Hopefully it would be quick.

His first stop was the fridge. As he pulled open the door, he welcomed the light that illuminated an assortment of items, but mostly his beers. He grabbed one out and popped the top. Pregame time. After a swig, he called out again, "Blake, what's going on? We doing this?"

[MissCapnCrunch]

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚑 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚜.

_{@Zoey White}

Though impressed with Julia's inventive space game, there wasn't much of a real thrill when everyone was at even playing grounds. Take Cindy for example, she was easy enough to make do anything. When Aimee wanted to play princess and her loyal servant, when she wanted to play cowboy and horse, it was easy to make Cindy get the short end of the stick; bonus points if her younger sister was around to make things even more easy. Hearing her brother she rolled her eyes and moved closer to the girls as to not have anyone hear. "Julia, your game was fun, I'm sorry I said it sucked." she made a coy smile, before continuing, "We can play another game, it's kind of like yours where we go on an adventure, I'll be the scout leader and you guys can be my troops! You've seen the girl scouts right Julia? It'll be fun, I promise. I play it with my friends at school all the time." she nodded encouragingly at Julia, the only girl she really had to convince between the group. It wasn't long before Aimee lost patience, her hands moving slightly to straighten out her shorts before huffing "Come on, let's go already.." Aimee began to walk away- Cindy and Courtney waddling behind. The girl looked back to Julia, an enticing smile. "Come on scouts, follow me!"

---

_@Hepburn

Looking up from his phone Tyler stared up at an handsome albeit awkward boy who appeared to be close to his age, asked him if the brat that had been bossing around the other kids was his sister, "Unfortunately..." he groaned, looking over to the kids as they began to walk away off into some place else, "HEY! Be safe!" he yelled after them before returning his attention to his phone and then back to Dane, in that order. "Dane Donald. Double D, that's what I'm going to call you." he chuckled and looked back down to his phone texting away to an unknown sender. "Hey you smoke? Like, do you smoke-smoke?" Tyler raised his eyebrows, before answering Dane's earlier question. "This block has seven families, yours and this one-" he pointed to the yard that the kids played by, "both of you are pretty new here so I don't know what they have to offer. Besides that nothing really goes on here, you know. Basic shit." he smiled, his head cocking slightly again, before he returned to his rapid texting on his phone. Without looking up, Tyler spoke again, "So do you smoke or nah double d?"

---

_{@BubblegumQueen}

Various eyes and faces glanced at Lori as she placed her contribution on to the communal table. "Oh a cake! Just wonderful!" Tracy Vang commented to Lori, her lips pursed as she tried to smile. She would not be having that cake for several reasons. Did this bitch know that, her simple Caramel cake would have exactly 862 calories, 104 carbs, and over 221mg of cholesterol? Did she know that? A squeeze under the table from her husband, was a sign to take a breath, a sign to be more welcoming. Tracy patted the table, and then the chair next to her, and then the table again encouraging the new member of the neighborhood to sit next to her. "Come take a seat next to me sweetheart! We've got so much to learn about one another. Like how you made that cake, and who all is in your lovely family!" Both Kue and Tracy looked up to Lori with gentle eyes. Nhia in her chair stopped her singing as she too, looked up at Lori, her eyes merely black in the tired slits that held them. "Caramel." she said, in a distorted tone. Kue, getting up and slicing the FIRST piece of the caramel cake. This event started off a wildfire of people making themselves comfortable and getting themselves food. Several members grabbed up a paper plate and filled it to the brim with all the delicacies that were made. "You should try my mother in law's dumplings, they are delicious!" Tracy could be heard saying, as she made herself a petite serving of her salad.

[LovelyComplex]

_{Collab with: @Lovely Complex & @smarty0114
Mrs. Harvey with herself (Backyard) →
Mrs. Harvey with her son (Backyard) → Family (Kitchen)
@Draven@Harlequ@rocketrobie2@marigoldie}

𝙷 𝙰 𝚁 𝚅 𝙴 𝚈
^✝

𝙱𝚕𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚕𝚢 & 𝙻𝚎𝚟𝚒

A woman’s purpose was for childbearing, as the old testament makes you believe. The fact that Blakely Harvey indulged in such poison delight was considered a sin and never good for the womb. Her husband could do whatever he wanted, the Lord favored men, unfortunately, but she? Her worse enemy was herself — the guilt she felt whenever she exceeded the point of moderation was insatiable. She hated herself a little more each day.

The matriarch of the household sat on a black lawn chair in her shed, away from her house, away from the world, sucking on the succulent stick that would surely decrease her longevity by at least ten years. Her stone ashtray rested on the window seal beside her. Recently cleaned, with only the ashes of today residing in it. With emptiness in her deep, azure eyes, she blankly stared at the tools meticulously laid out before her.

Her shed was a rather cute little thing. Light blue wooden siding, like the sky above, and maroon fiberglass doors, with matching shutters for the windows at each side. Of course, the curtains were always closed, so there was no way to see inside. No one needed to see her place of comfort. No one needed to be in here. No one needed...

The interior of the shed was probably the darkest place on their property, very unlike the main house, where white was the universal color in all public areas. No, for her shed, she preferred dark wood, dimmed lights, and lingering smoke to give a musky tone to her tiny room. Though, she had a vent, and windows, for circulation. The windows were only cracked while she was in it, but when she leaves, they were shut closed and locked.

If any of her children were to ever explore it, they would relate it to a place that belonged to a witch. A satanic being that dabbled into dark magic. That indulged in sin. The tools especially, all hanging up on the east wall, surrounding the window, all with their place, gave the inside of the shed an unsettling, haunting aura. The shovels, the spades, the rakes, the hoes, her post hole digger, her weed whacker, her edger, so many tools. All her tools. Things she called ‘mine’.

It was like no one besides her was welcomed here. No one was welcomed. This particular woman would know if you stepped foot in it. She would know. There’s a reason she keeps it locked. There’s a reason she doesn’t want her husband or children (or brother) touching her things. There’s a reason.

Cute little thing her shed was.

Deciding it was time to herd her family like cattle, Blake stood up and elegantly, while still forcibly, pushed the butt of her cigarette against the inside of the tray. When she finished that, she grabbed (and sprayed) a strong vanilla perfume to cover the undeniable smell of smoke. She closed her windows like she always did and patted down her dress. It was showtime.

Her rather conservative gray dress was enough to showcase she was a refined lady dedicated to her husband and family. A woman who wasn't too excessive. She didn't need to stand out to stand out. Her food and words could do that for her. Exiting the shed, Blake turned around and locked the door. Secured and safe. No one was welcomed.

Unbeknownst to his mother, Levi had long ago discovered what she did in the shed. He didn’t just know what his mother did in that shed; he knew why. She’d had one just like it back at their old house, a reprieve from the world. They were similar in that way. They both needed to stop existing at times. Pause, and disappear. They’d always been similar, he thought. Closer than he and his father, certainly. Beyond that though, he sometimes thought that if there were a favorite child, it would be him.

He’d been in his room when his father came home, peering through his viewfinder, across the street at the assortment of families. His camera clicked away, capturing them in various frames of their existence, unaware of his watchful gaze. It wasn’t the sound of the car that stirred him from his hobby, but his father’s gruff voice calling out for his mother.

Letting the camera fall and dangle from the strap around his neck, Levi hurried outside to his mother’s hideaway, just as she came out, locking the door behind her. “Dad’s ready to go,” he said from the porch, softly.

“Wonderful.” There was a hint of sarcasm in Blake’s tone, as she slipped the necklace that held the shed’s key within her dress. Peculiar and particular. That was what Blake was. Since she didn’t leave the general vicinity often, she was rarely seen with a purse. If she was carrying anything, it was her laptop bag. Today, writing wasn’t a concern of her’s. Today, she needed to put on an act and meet her neighbors. Make a good impression. Figure out who was worth trusting, and who she should keep a careful eye on.

Approaching her eldest son, she softly smiled. Rarely did Levi give her problems. He was a good boy, with such a great talent of seeing things. If anything, he provided solutions by having more knowledge than he should on subject matter that was none of his business. She didn’t mind. It was obvious, she encouraged such actions (hence why he has a camera that cost more than her engagement ring around his neck). Part of his charm was he was very much her son.

They both could act like they’re turning a blind eye, but when the time calls for it, he and her would be prepared. If only her daughter was more reasonable. Then she wouldn’t be such a disappointment. All Blake wanted was for Isabel to understand why everything she did as a mother was absolute and for the family. Disobedience never faired well with Mrs. Harvey.

Then there was Samuel. Her sweet, small, and charming Samuel. He was still young and had time to grow into something great. Someone worth talking about. For now, there wasn’t much worry for him. His only worry was to not make his mother look bad. No one wanted to make Blake look bad.

Some people would say they were a family of snakes, but she’d beg to differ. They were simply smart and looking out for one another. Even if they were snakes, snakes weren’t bad. Snakes kept the world balanced. Snakes helped take care of her garden, eating the insects and rodents so that she had herbs, spices, fruits, and veggies. All natural. All delicious. Snakes were necessary.

But, they weren’t snakes. Snakes lied. Family never lies.

Her heels against the gravel made a subtle noise, while she glided towards her son, with both prominence and elegance. When she approached Levi, her cold eyes known for scrutiny scanned him, like they usually do for all her children, and as an end result, she nodded in approval, “You look dashing, baby.”

There was a brief pause.

Lifting her hands, she brushed his shoulders, flattening the little wrinkles she could see in his shirt, before bringing her hands back to her side, “Excited to get more… acquainted with our neighbors?”

Levi looked to the side, his thoughts straying elsewhere. He’d already become acquainted with some of their neighbors, in a way. Watching through a lens and a couple of windows might not count as an introduction, but as far as Levi was concerned, he already knew some of these people. He wasn’t impressed.

“Why’d we move here Mom? These people… they’re so,” Levi paused, searching for the right word. “Suburban.”

After scrunching her nose at the question, Blake admittedly sighed, “Intervention.” Noah and her weren’t the healthiest, since both had their own demons they had yet to face. Years of problems that accumulated to this point. It made it hard for her to write. The ‘man of the house’ rarely even talked to her like he use to. Like truly, deeply talked to her. She couldn’t recall when it all started, when the love became barren in their household and they simply pretended to care. She tried to shield her children. It was her job to protect them, but the hatred and spite kept growing.

They needed change. That was the only way for them to go back onto the righteous path. To be healthy and happy. “I think this will be good for us. To slow down and think of what truly matters, which is family. As the basic principles of the Bible explain, nothing in our universe happens randomly. Our old pastor once said, ‘Sacrifices brings forth the blessings of heaven’ and I believe this is a sacrifice we all must make, for the bigger picture. Understand, son?” Blake didn’t want to layout the obvious. That there were more times than not that the family felt like it was falling apart, but her distant, yet sorrowful eyes said enough.

Levi pursed his lips and nodded. It didn’t make sense, but he wasn’t stupid. They were here already, he didn’t see them packing up and moving again. “To the block party we go then,” Levi said, his lack of excitement evident in his tone. This had all been a mistake. He was certain of it.

“Very well.” Blake eyed her son in silence before leading the way back inside, into the kitchen, “Levi, grab one of the dishes, have your sister grab the other one.” Mrs. Harvey was all about visual presentation and showing her kids were involved with the family was a good sign of her great parenting. Blake decided to make simple dishes. Hand snacks — all freshly made (something she did before her smoke break).

One of her dishes was baked parmesan puffs, which has never failed at any party. Especially popular with the young ones. The other dish, on the other hand, was made by both her and her brother.

Where was he anyways?

He did the grilling, but she did all the prep. Their final dish was steak tacos on a stick, which had a marinade sauce with garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, lime juice, and vegetable oil. It was also seasoned with salt.

The steak sat in the sauce throughout the night, as well as the avocado, corn, red onion, and tortillas (separate bowls, obviously). In time, ‘Uncle Lou’ threaded the steak, and other ingredients, on skewers and grilled it for a bit. The final touch was squeezing the lime over them, and covering the tray so that they can bring it to the party to be served. She’ll bring hot sauce as an optional add on, for whoever wanted a bit more heat to their kebab.

Having entered the kitchen after the fact that her husband called out for her (she didn’t hear him), her withdrawn glare met his face and then trailed down his body, to the beer in his hand. Of course. “Look who’s ready to go.” She sarcastically teased, before turning away from him and calling out for the rest of her children, “Isabel! Samuel! We’re leaving now.” She needed to make sure Sam didn’t have any flyaways. Presentation mattered.

Seeing the tray of kebabs, Blake rolled her eyes with the sudden realization of one more person that lived in her ‘happy’ home. Looking over her shoulder, at Noah once more, she clicked her tongue in annoyance, “Have you seen Louis?” Just saying his name was like nails against a chalkboard.

[Harlequ]

_{Samuel J. Harvey}

_{Harvey House ~ Interacting with Harvey Household}

_{@Lovely Complex@smarty0114@Draven@rocketrobie2@marigoldie}

---

“Here comes the sun, du du du du, here comes the sun...hmm hmmhmm...hmm hmm...and finished!” Samuel grinned, his teeth glinting in the light of the sun, shining through his window. On the desk before him was one of his newest works. The materials had taken him three and a few months to collect, and yet it was all worth it. The piece before him would trump all his previous works by far. He had thought up a name already, though it would have to become a bit less him before he could publish it.

His schoolwork lay on the desk beside his main one. Neatly finished, all arranged by the subject matter and date due. He had finished all his stuff for this month, leaving him free to pursue his own creative interests, the ones he couldn’t join a club for. His mother didn’t mind, as long as he kept silent. She just needed them to keep a seamless mask on and look good, and he happened to be good at both. He certainly found his mother to be one of his favourite family members, while at the same time, one of the most hated. He had grown up emulating her serpentine ways, though after some time he branched off.

While Samuel didn’t think himself incredibly close with his family, he did care for them in his own child like way. His siblings were decent, his uncle was annoyingly amusing, and his parents were...his parents. No other word for them.

A quick look at the digital watch on his wrist informed him he’d been at it for a good four hours, meaning he should probably get himself dressed for the block party. He tidied up his workspace, making sure to hide his box of materials away where Levi couldn’t find them. His brother was particularly good at getting into other’s buisness. Placing his art inside a protective case, he slid it into one of the numerous desk drawers. A final appraisal of the now mormal room, then he went to pull out some clothes.

A block party would mean clothes that are more casual than my usual wear, yet still presentable. I believe this would work... He pulled out one of his lesser worn articles of clothing, a simple plaid buttoned shirt, with the sleeves rolled up past the elbows. A faded pair of jeans came out after that, as well as some joggers. He had pressed all his clothes earlier, so all he had left to do now was put them on. Finally finished, he brushed his hair neatly into place, and not a minute too soon as it seemed, listening to his mother’s voice coming up from the kitchen. He headed down to join the rest of the family in the kitchen.

“Morning Mother, you look lovely today. I’m sure your fantastic cooking will knock the other dishes right out of the run.” A nod to his dad, and a small smirk in his brother’s direction. “Do you need me to help with anything?”

[Zoey Boey]

Julia Donald

"Thanks, Aimee," Julia said, accepting her apology. Her brother didn't need to get mad at her, though. It's good to be honest, right?

Aimee seemed to have an okay idea for a new game. Maybe she was cut out to be a scout leader, or something like that. Every group of scouts needed a leader, right? Maybe they could take turns. Still, Julia hesitated. Couldn't they all just be adventurers or something?

Well, Aimee's patience grew thin, and the other two girls seemed okay with whatever Aimee wanted to do. At that point, Julia didn't really have a choice. Aimee even apologized for saying her game sucked. If Cindy and Courtney were following her, than she supposed she had to do as well. I'm just making a big fuss out of nothing, Julia thought to herself. It's rude to make a big fuss.

As Julia followed Aimee, she began to wonder what they were doing. Her mind immediately jumped to an ancient jungle, since that's what she associated with adventure; Like the Indiana Jones game she played with her dad. Still, she wasn't quite sure what they were doing yet. Finding a long lost temple? Looking for treasure? Fighting the Notzees?

"Where are we adventuring too, Aimee?" Julia asked politely, already pretending to cut through thick leaves with a machete.

[Ejected]

Mariah Donald

Interacting with Jessie Donald

---

---

It was a toasty Summer's evening on Honeycomb Lane, and Mariah Donald couldn't help but grin as the sun beamed down on her, warming her skin with its rays. See, Mariah loved the great outdoors, no matter the weather. As she sat at one of the long gray tables that were strategically placed around the yard and watched her younger sister play with the neighborhood children, she couldn't help but think back to when she was around that age and would also run around in the sweltering heat without a care in the world. Mariah was about to head over to the small crew when one of the girls exclaimed that Julie's game "sucked," but settled back into her seat when someone who she assumed to be the older brother beat her to it. "Aimee stop being a brat to everyone, or no one will wanna play with you," the boy said, and Mariah simply smirked and shook her head.

Redirecting her attention to her mother, who stood near the food table lightly tugging on the fabric of her dress, suddenly made Mariah feel slightly uncomfortable in her current getup. Since Loraine Donald had made the comment to the rest of the family about wanting them to dress nicely in order to make a good first impression, Mariah had no choice but to fish out the only dress she owned from the depths of an unpacked box labeled "To Donate." Anyone who knew Mariah knew that she rarely wore dresses; she much preferred the comfort of her ripped jeans and sneakers. Nonetheless, she knew that her usual ensemble wasn't going to cut it this time, so she opted for the colored garment and a pair of sandals to match. After tugging at the bottom of the dress for what seemed like the hundredth time, Mariah found herself wishing that she'd worn the jeans instead.

Soon, Mariah noticed that a few of her neighbors had begun reaching for the paper plates, so the young woman quickly hopped from her chair and rushed over to do the same. She followed suit as the older gentleman in front of her began to pile his plate high; her stomach growled and her mouth watered as she glanced over each tray, some filled with foods she'd never seen before. "You should try my mother in law's dumplings, they are delicious," another woman said aloud from the end of the table, and Mariah didn't have to be told twice. Without hesitation, the young woman spooned three dumplings onto her plate. She'd already popped one into her mouth and began chewing as she walked away from the table and towards where her younger brother stood.

"Try her mother in law's dumplings," Mariah said mockingly with a mouth full of food, gently nudging Jessie in his side and chuckling as she did so. "Really, though. These things are amazing. Too bad she's missing out on them." As she spoke, Mariah nodded her head in the direction of the woman who'd first mentioned the dumplings; while everyone else had their plates filled to capacity, she'd only covered her plate with just enough salad to satisfy a rabbit's appetite. "Oh well, more for me."

[Zaxter996]

Aaron Donald

A soft smile rested on Aaron’s face as he sat at the table beside his wife, his eyes wandering around the party, taking in the different sights and sounds around him. When they had arrived, he had placed his own dish onto the table. A large casserole dish filled to the brim with an assortment of different flavours of his famous (among his family anyway) chicken wings. He served himself a generous helping of spicy wings, before looking around the table. “Who wants wings? Get ‘em before they fly away.” He says with a chuckle before reaching into a cooler he had beside him and pulling out a can of beer and cracking it open. “Anyone want a beer? Help yourselves.” He said out loud to the group, taking a sip, then turning to the woman that as talking to his wife with a smile.

“Oh that’s okay, we don’t want to take your mother-in-law’s food, I’m sure she’s hungry too.” He joked with a cheeky grin. He was already getting the bad jokes, and counteracted the inevitable scowl his wife would give him by leaning over and giving her an affectionate kiss on the cheek, with his trademark goofy chuckle that his family would instantly recognise as his "you can't be mad because I'm hilarious" laugh.

[dragonbutts]

Jessie Donald

_{Interacting with: Mariah Donald}

---

---

Jessie was the last Donald to step foot onto the block, where the smell of food was carried along the summer breeze, and the sound of small chit-chat and children playing circled the block. He really hoped his parents wouldn't notice him trying to pretend he was standing on the sidewalk this whole time, watching the on-goings. It wasn't his fault that this morning, he happened upon an anthill in the backyard. It resulted in him studying the ants with his magnifying glass... and giving them cracker crumbs. He had forgotten that his mom said to make a good first impression, and now there he stood, in a wrinkled white t-shirt with some dirt on it, and jean shorts with some grass stains, his magnifying glass poking out of his back pocket. Maybe nobody would notice... right?

He shifted awkwardly on the sidewalk, his hands in his pockets. There were so many new faces, and not many kids around his age. He could feel his heart racing a little, stomach twisting and not from hunger. Actually, he could smell the cooked meat, and it made his nose scrunch up some. Being a vegetarian in a household that ate meat could be really hard, sometimes, but he had been doing it for nearly five years now. He had adjusted by now. He looked around, spotting Dane talking with some cute guy that looked Dane's age. Jessie was too nervous to go over there. What would he talk about to a college-aged stranger? He didn't want that type of pressure. He noticed Julia playing with some kids her age. Was it strange that he would feel more comfortable around the younger kids, than anybody closer to his age, or adults?

Though, his saving grace came in the form of one Mariah Donald. His older sister sought him out, and when Jessie spotted her, it felt like a weight was lifted off of his chest, and he could breath again. She wasn't talking to any intimidating college-aged kids, she wasn't busy playing with kids her age. No, she, maybe, felt as out of place as him. Either way, Jessie grinned big, to the point the sunlight briefly gleamed off of his white teeth.

"Mariah," he fake-scolded, trying to not laugh at her mocking. He hadn't overheard that particular conversation, but he could fill in the blanks. He followed the direction in which she nodded, tilting his head at the woman's plate of food. Honestly, sometimes, his own plate looked like that. It wasn't often there were many vegetarian choices, after all. He just had a lot more salad on his. "Maybe she isn't very hungry..." he said, redirecting his focus onto his older sibling and finally noticing her outfit. He smiled. "You look really nice, by the way," he told her, reaching over to take a dumpling, but then stopping. "Wait... do they have meat?" he asked. Admittedly, they looked pretty good, but he wasn't willing to break almost five years of no meat for one dumpling.