[IC] REBOOT COMING SOON. INVITE ONLY.

[LovelyComplex]

Note: Seems to be a misunderstanding of whether the scene is happening outside, or inside. It was originally outside, but I am changing it to be inside by a booth.

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Location | In-N-Out Burger
Interacting with | Errbody that is there
@Plank Sinatra@BleedingLover@Hoekage@GhostMami@CosmicComet@Legion02
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He got it. They wanted him to stop being a little bitch. But fuck, why was everyone up his ass about it? He wasn't imposing his sorrow on them, and it came as fast as it went! Get off his dick. He doubted any of them knew what real, hardcore heartbreak was anyways, so really, they would never understand how he was feeling. Still, their concern was appreciated, even if it was slightly annoying. He didn't even remember making it inside In-N-Out, having gone from picnic table to booth, but here he was sitting inside, with his food in front of him, glaring at the 'open relationship' couple. Yes, his bluetooth was still connected to his car, playing Aces' radio.

"You have lettuce in your teeth."

Cosmo with his charming, hot, Yessi-can't-stop-getting-wet-for-him self had to point out a flaw that everyone would love to poke fun of. Rather than, y'know, offer him a toothpick or something, EVERYONE decided to make a scene of it by intensely looking at his pearly whites. Why don't you take a picture? It'll last longer.

Don't even get him started with his Valentine! Chris, who slid next to Aleks, just took one of his fries to add insult to injury, didn't he? First he was bailing, and now this. With his brown gaze, AJ watched his best friend tauntingly chew his food. Didn't he just buy his own? That was HIS fry!

There was a light clap sound against AJ's face. Yessi... just threw a fry at him. That was HIS fry too.

He will ignore that, for now.

They were all vultures. “What’s up with that face, you thinkin’ bout how you gonna miss me, baby?” Betrayal. That's all AJ felt when he stared at that dark haired, smooth skin, eyeliner wearing prick. Holding his tongue, because he was too busy trying to get the lettuce out of his teeth, he kept his thoughts to himself, which for AJ's impulsive and reactive self, it wasn't like him. But he had more pressing matters at hand. His teeth.

Seemed like the only person who shared a mutual understanding of his sour mood was Mandy, who too wasn't in the highest of spirits. It probably made him a shitty friend for not inquiring about whatever damage was scraping at her mind today, but he'd like to think she appreciated the peace of their car ride here and the calm of them two sitting together in silence, eating, until everyone started trailing in a conga line. At least she wasn't teasing him like these–

..."Fix him before I get the nerve to demonstrate this roundhouse kick I've been practicing." BIIIIIIIIITCH. Glowering, AJ darted his eyes at Yessi with a expression that read: Try me. Don't think because she's a girl he wouldn't whoop her ass! She's lucky she got a pretty face that Aleks loves to touch or AJ wouldn't refrain himself from giving slaps! He didn't need fixing.

"Hello guys! How are we? Urgh. I'm starving. Time for a Double-Double!"

His attitude went up an octave when Monica came in with her welcoming, no-judgement face. Such a babe. Any guy, or girl, would be lucky to tap that! Of course, after AJ makes sure they were in her league, because god knows she was out of theirs. He kept his lips closed but did give her a wide smile, desperately wanting to grin and show his teeth. He might need to go to the counter and ask for something to pick this food out.

❝I’ll come with you.❞ Mandy sprang into action, following Monica to the register. Don't go! The two people that kept the scale balanced abandoned ship and left AJ with the three stooges. Okay, maybe this was his chance to get up and deal with it too.

^Clap. With dead, narrowed eyes, the fuming gearhead brought his attention toward Aleks' hand immediately after he felt another fry hit his face. Specifically his jaw. No, he was in no mood to have quick reflexes and who would assume all three of them would utilize the fries on this table? He should've known better! They were making 'lets eat AJ's fries or throw it at his face' a trend. Greasy ass fries on his face. Dumb.

"I raised you to have better table manners, God damn it." The ticking bomb in AJ was nearly reaching its climax.

Unfortunately, the explosion was bound to happen, but toward a member who had just rolled in and was completely in the dark of anything that's been going on. “I’m MIA for one party and suddenly you all start acting out?”

"OH FUCK OFF!"

AJ stood up, looking at Matt like he was gonna' punch him. Pushing out of the booth, he turned back and like a baby giving a tantrum grabbed a handful of fries and tossed it at Aleks, Chris, and Yessi, "Here! Have all the fries!" And that's when Mandy and Monica returned.

Turning on his heel, AJ stormed to the counter. While he was making his way, bitter about a layer of things by now, he tsked, "Someone call Ellie and Parker. If they ain't here in ten, we're leaving their asses." Looking at the sheepish teen behind the register, AJ barked, "I need a fucking toothpick." When she quickly, and nervously, found and gave a couple to him, he went off to the bathroom to make sure this stupid piece of lettuce made its exit.

After a moment of staring at himself in the mirror, showcasing his teeth widely, making sure no food could be found, he tossed the toothpick in the trash, put another in his mouth to chew on, and opened his phone to check his notifications. He went to a name that he hadn't opened in about a week, since she downright declined his offer to join him and his friends on a road trip.

The text thread seemed to look like all he did was spam her, and got nothing in return.

To: Tinkerbell ^{@Dirty Pretty Lies}
r u with Sami?

AJ

He knew the chances of her actually replying were low, but he'd be salty if she turned him down for SAMI's road trip. What did the Island of Misfit toys have that he didn't?! Wasn't he her BEST FRIEND?!

[Hoekage]

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Location | In-N-Out, Still in LA
Time | Almost Noon , 31 MAY 20xx
Interacting with | Papi @plank sinatra, Mads @bleedinglover, Moni @cosmiccomet, AJ @Tootsiepop, Chrissy @GhostMami, MatthEW @Legion02
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There were a lot of things Yessi took pride in when it came to herself.

Abundance charm? Check.
Delivering porn star level sex? Double check.
Being disgustingly wealthy, Super check.

Above all of that though, there was one skill that reigned supreme over all her others. This skill that had taken years, tireless nights, and metaphorical blood, sweat and tears to perfect. Fortunately, the effort paid off, she had yet to meet anyone who could get under Aleks’ skin quite like she could, and often did.

All these skills and she chose to perfect the craft of pushing Papi’s buttons.

So when a swift swoop of a muscular arm around her neck pulled her away from harassing Chris or AJ any longer, a mischievous smile entertained her lips. Of course, these dummies would see Aleks’ gesture as a cutesy show of affection, or whatever stupid fluff shit they made up, but Yessi knew better. The warning was clear in the brief increase of pressure on her throat, a soft, almost pleasant hum sounded from her throat, she liked it when he was rough.

The kiss to her head had a complaint firing out of her mouth before she could even register it ”Stooop, do you know how long I sat in the salon for my hair to be this amazing? You can mess it up later, just let me have my moment now, you tankie!”.

Yessi half-heartedly pushed away at Aleks to break free of his loosening chokehold, gasping dramatically when he easily released her. Smiling triumphantly, her green eyes trailed to AJ just in time to catch the daggers he threw at her. Oof… he’s big mad. Yessi flashed a sheepish smile and blew a quick kiss to AJ just before Aleks’ fry kamikaze hit AJ in the spot hers had just crashed.

"I raised you to have better table manners, God damn it."

Yessi held back her laugh, turning her face to that beautiful Russian boy beside her, his own smile placing a matching one on her face before turning into a well-practiced pout, ”But Da-”

The roaring of an engine sharply cut off the words flying out of her mouth, the smile formally present replaced with an unamused purse, as one of the last few remaining gearheads made their late arrival. “How fantastic.” Yessi’s voice was a soft grumble as she pushed her tray of food away and turned her body to face where the latecomer would be approaching. Though not without dropping her hand under the table, and lacing her fingers through Aleks’, an irritated squeeze passing from her to him as Matt approached the group, unfashionably late.

Yessi’s annoyance might have been objectively childish, after all Matthew was one of them and he did belong here. Yessi knew that not only would he be invited but of course he wouldn't turn away tagging along, none of them would. Especially with a future as uncertain as the one awaiting the group, AJ wouldn’t leave any of them out of this last “hurrah” as Gearheads, not after the past four years of cementing this family.

Plus, it’s not like anyone else, besides Aleks, knew she was ghostin’ Matty-boy. Yessi was a brat but she’d never put her friends in a place where they felt like they had to pick sides, not that the sides even existed in the first place.

But still… Everyone disliked some of their family at some point in their lives. Right now was definitely one of those times.

“I’m MIA for one party and suddenly you all start acting out?”

Cue the eyeroll.

”Missing in action? You mean not invited?”

Luckily, or not, AJ exploded in the same moment as her snippy reply in an over-dramatic boom, concealing her little not-so-nice slip-up. For a second it really looked like AJ was going to swing at Matt’s stupid face, but quickly her excitement was soured as AJ threw a handful of fries at the Terrible Three.

“AJ, seriously? Jesus, pull the panties out of your fucking ass!” she yelled after the stomping toddler, throwing the fries that had landed in her lap on the tray in front of her. Despite his annoying display, and having a taste of her own fry-throwing medicine Yessi couldn’t help but give a small laugh, her previous pent up annoyance expelled.

“At least he’s a cute brat, right?”

[NeoAJ]

_{▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
Location | Misfits' meeting place, Santa Monica, California
Interacting with | Jules @Vox, Kim @Stanifly, Sami @BrutalBx, Nate @spooner
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The kudos from her friends were warmly received by the blonde at the picnic table. It always felt good for Emilia to help out people, even if it was just doing something as simple as bringing them a coffee. It sustained her. She returned the pleasantries to Jules and Kim. "You're welcome, everyone!" she chimed as she enjoyed the warm feelings and the cool drink.

Nate was thankful but a bit more incredulous that Emilia walked all the way to the meeting spot with all her gear and a couple trays of drinks. “You walked all the way from Colorado? Em, why didn’t you call? I could’ve come and met you and you know help you carry all that!”

"It's all right, Nate! Really! It wasn't that far, it was just up the street a little bit. Gramma stopped there anyway. It would have taken longer to wait for you, so don't be silly and enjoy your coffee!" She played with him a little bit. Emilia knew her reputation at school, but in her mind Nate should win the award for nicest student at Beverly Hills High. He was always so kind, especially when Emilia was in photography club and she had no idea what she was doing, reading light meters and everything. Nate would guide her through the steps every step of the way. Such a nice boy.

However, Emilia was snapped out of her self-revelry by the emergence of Sami from under the "RV". It was clear the Cuban boy had been fighting again, and he didn't do a very good job of protecting the face. She was going to take him to task, but Jules beat her to the punch regarding the punches. Nate acted to calm him down, and it was probably for the best. Even when Sami showed up on her doorstep, he never said anything about what had happened or who busted him up good. It was just usually a patch up and a pat on the back out the door. Gramma was much better at it than she was. Still, she was gonna say something.

"Seriously, Sami? Gramma made me promise literally one thing on this trip, and that was to make sure you didn't get busted up. At least I can say this happened beforehand..." She made a motion as if to reach for the first-aid kit in her bag, but it looked like the ice pack was going to do well enough, so she held off.

Nate was ready to go, and it looked like the other Misfits were following suit. Emilia looked around, trying to make sure everyone in their group was here. At least the ones she knew about. Mandy told her she was traveling with the other group, but there was still another person missing. "So, is Umbra coming on this trip? I thought she was, so I got her a large orange soda. If she's not coming, I'll drink it. It's totally fine. But it's gonna be flat." It's almost as if she was rambling on to help Nate change the subject, especially since she didn't want to think about what the implications of a stolen ride would mean.

[BrutalBx]

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”Language, Jules”

Of course they would react like this. No matter how many times Sami turned up with a new bruise or cut, they always had to pry. He knew it was only because they cared but that didn’t make it less annoying. He didn’t like them getting into his business, it certainly wasn’t for everyone let alone his crew. They were cool and he loved them but Sami knew that his world would just swallow them up and never spit them back out again.

He took the ice that Jules had roughly stuffed against his chest and placed it over his swollen lips for only a brief moment before walking to the far side of the RV, disappearing for a minute before returning with a beer cooler and pouring the ice into it. ”Appreciate that, now the drinks will stay cold longer” Latino Heat quipped. He wasn’t really going to get out of this one. They were going to have to know what happened, with him whisking them off on an adventure, they were putting a lot of faith in him.

”So here’s the deal; the RV, it’s from my Dad’s lot ok? He was going to junk it and it was just sitting there. So yeah, I took it. It’s not the worst thing let's be honest? Yes, my face is a little busted up for the rent-a-cop but I’m fine. He came off a lot worse than I did. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this? Then I understand, there’s no hard feelings and I’ll see you when I get back. Otherwise, get your asses in gear, get on the RV and enjoy the ride”

Finished with his venting, Sami Havana Jr took off his oil covers shirt to reveal his deceptively impressive tattooed physique. ”I’m gonna change and then we’re gonna get started” He turned and looked at Emi and offered her a soft smile ”Umbra has some stuff to deal with. We’re gonna swing by her place and see if she still wants to tag along” He then quickly entered into the RV to change his shirt, replacing his grey sweatshirt with dark floral button down.

”Time to go baybay”

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Meanwhile: Somewhere in Venice Beach

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Havana Motor Emporium; a glorious place of cheap automobiles and a welcoming atmosphere that makes any client feel like a number one. The shop floor and offices used for many a deal on a used or cheap car. The back room was also used for deals but of a different kind; drug running, home invasion, the occasional murder, no big deal.

”Entiendo, señor estrada, la mercancía se encontrará puntualmente”
(I understand Mr Estrada, the merchandise will be found promptly)

As the line went dead, Hector “Havana” Alejandro looked over to his trusted ally Mr Goode and sighed. ”Our friend isn’t taking no for an answer. He wants his product and he wants it quickly. I don’t care who you have to use Mr Goode, the Iron Tribe, the Samoan SWAT team, it doesn’t matter. Find my son, find that RV and get everything back, by any means necessary”

Mr Goode bowed his head in compliance and made his way from the office with a smirk across his face

[Vox]

_{^{Interactions | Sami @BrutalBx, Nate @spooner}}

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Santa Monica Beach
Afternoon

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Never had Jules felt such great annoyance towards Nate than when that pretty boy told Jules to "let it go," and never had he felt such murderous intent towards anyone than when Sami had just gone and casually dumped all the ice into his shitty little cooler (at least until the next time Sami pulls off another stupid stunt again).

"Screw your language," Jules spat, hoping the venom in his words would make Sami drop dead. "You've done a lot of good for us, but you've also done a lot of stupid crap, but this has to be by far the absolutely most stupidest crap you've ever done." He was being angry. He was being unreasonable. He also felt that he was completely right. Still, it wouldn't be good to start the road trip like this (because god damn it they were still going to have one) and so he went off by himself to calm down - or at least stop the steam from escaping his ears.

Jules wanted to punch something. He wanted to punch Nate for accepting everything so casually _"marshy". He wanted to punch Val for choosing to go all the way back to Florida. He wanted to punch Kim for never opening up. He wanted to punch Em for being so nice and dumb. He wanted to punch Umbra for being so late. But most of all, he wanted to punch Sami in his stupid face and his stupid perfect body _"Marsh". Jules wanted to punch him so hard so that all of his ancestors, past, present, and future, for having the dumb universal misfortune of somehow having all the dumb stardust in the world collide in such a way so as to create the most perfectly dumb and infuriating being called Samuel dumb-fucking Alejand-

"MARSHALL."

Jules jumped and jerked, only to realize there was a hand clasped to his shoulder. He involuntarily shuddered and the hand recoiled back. His eyes quickly followed it back to its body and found Mimi staring at him with the same expression of anger, fear, and worry that he had worn earlier. "Marshall. What's wrong?"

Automatically vitriol filled his mouth, but he held it back between his teeth and managed let it all out with a slow, measured sigh. Frightened, concerned, tired, he hung his head and removed his shades, fingers rubbing at eyes carrying bags that felt too heavy for his age. And then,

"Pbbbbt."

He blew out a sudden raspberry and slapped his cheeks, his shades, and a smile all back on his face as he lifted his head to look at his sister. "Nothings wrong, everything's perfectly fine," he said in a voice that didn't even convince himself, much less Mimi.

For whatever inscrutable reason she had, however, she chose to believe him. Still, that didn't stop letting worry tinge her voice. "Alright. Call me if you need anything. I love you Marshall."

Jules gave a wan smile. "Yeah. Yeah, I know. Love you too."

Throwing on a brighter, braver, and more confident smile, he strode past his sister, cutting off any further conversation, and made his way back to all the Misfits. He stopped in front of his bags and barged into whatever conversation they were having with a "Well! If we're gonna be outrunning responsibilities, cops, and a dad who's even crazier than our beloved ringmaster, might as well get a move on loves!" And made his way inside. Loud thrashing sounded moments later as he angrily shoved all his belongings into an empty space and took out his sketchbook and pens, already furiously scribbling while waiting for this already unforgettable road trip to start.

[Stanifly]

K I M B E V E R I D G E

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Location | Misfits meeting place
Interacting with | Emi @NeoAC, Val @Dirty Pretty Lies, Nate @spooner, Sami @BrutalBx
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Huh. They'd actually gotten an explanation. Granted, the details were a little skimmed over - okay, a lot - but it was better than the usual spiel of nothing. Jules didn't seem to think so, though. Kim watched as he stomped away in a fit of anger.

She sat down by the picnic table, sucking idly on her straw. It was probably a good time to start moving her stuff into the RV, but it was also probably, in all likelihood, their last time here together. The waves she'd surfed (or tried to) with Val, the silence she'd shared with Sami, the walks with Jules, the games with Emi and Nate - they'd all happened here. Of course they'd been to plenty of other places together, but this was theirs. This was the sanctuary they shared when they needed a home away from home. It was the place where they had first gathered as a motley crew of misfits. And now? They were the Misfits. (To be honest, Kim wasn't sure why the capitalisation meant that others held a little more regard for their label. High school politics was weird.)

'You know, all drama aside,' she said, to no one in particular, 'I'm really gonna miss this place.'

A minute later saw Jules coming back, mollified but still upset, and Kim drummed her fingers on the wooden tabletop as he stormed into the RV.

She stood up, sauntering towards her belongings. 'Guess it's time to hit the road. I call dibs on the bottom bunk bed!' She glanced at Val on the way, smirking. 'Might wanna change soon, Val.'

[Plank Sinatra]

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Location | In-N-Out Burger, short-term / which circle of Hell is bullying(?), long-term
Los Angeles Time | 11:54 AM / London Time | 6:54 PM / Moscow Time | 9:54 PM
Interacting with | he will kill us all @TootsiePop / Gearheads
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Tantrum number one.

Aleks watched calmly, with only a quartet of quick blinks, as AJ stormed off in search of a toothpick and then off to the bathroom. He clocked that explosive tantrum at a mere...four minutes. How unfortunate. No wonder Jamie dumped him with that kind of stamina. But the Russian wasn't particularly bothered, nor did he take offense at the fries that showered upon the other side of the table, peppering Yessi, Chris and Aleks with the remainder of AJ's sides. One had landed on Aleks' left forearm; with precision, so that it didn't tip over and fall to the ground, he lifted his arm up as gently as he would cradle a butterfly - and then bit down on the end of the fry, balancing it between his lips like a cigarette before eating it hands-free.

"Spasiiiiiboooooo, braaaatááááááán~!" he called out when he had finished, watching the direction AJ had stormed off in. A wide smile broke out on his face as he turned to face the rest of his Gearheads, accent flowing with ease and patience. "This will be very fucking fun. I am very fucking excited."

It seemed like not everyone shared his enthusiasm for being trapped on the road with this convoy of heartbroken egomaniacs and spoiled trust fund kids. He faintly registered the familiar rhythm of Yessi's fingers drumming on his own, trying to stealthily weave them between each other. He held her hand back and squeezed, following her gaze up to Matt. He didn't know what was going on there. Personally, it didn't interest Aleks as much as the extra French fries that AJ had seen fit to dump into his and Yessi's trays. But he had seen her look happier at some false positives than she looked right now, and it seemed like Matty had been the tug that sent AJ over the edge, too.

Oh well.

"Privyet, Matty. You can have some fries if you want. Finder's fee. Monica, you want fries?"

[Bee]

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_{Location | In-N-Out Burger
Los Angeles Time | 11:54 AM / London Time | 6:54 PM / Moscow Time | 9:54 PM
Interacting with | pretty much gearhead minus aj lmao}

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BEEP BEEP BEEP. GET YO' PUNK ASS UP ELLIE.

The otherwise tranquil and peaceful morning was interrupted by the violent screeching of a digital alarm. Elise Ford had been violently yanked from dreamland, her eyes erupting awake as her alarm went off. She had one just in case she got a little too carried away with sleep, and based on the fact that it managed to go off this time, she did. Ellie reached a hand over, poking her hand in the messy pile on her nightstand and sifting through the various trinkets and other items before touching the glass screen of her phone and disabling the alarm. Raising her head, all that could be seen of it was a giant, unkempt pile of light brown hair on top of the most grouchy and grumpy girl.

It was a wee bit before noon, and Ellie didn't have any plans, at least as far as she remembered. That was, until she remembered that it was today! What was today, in particular? Ellie had no idea, but she knew she had something to do. Something was tugging at her. It was strong enough to tug her out of bed and on her feet, much to the dismay of her comfort. The bed was so warm and comfortable, but she had obligations! Obligations that were called the Gearheads, and she wasn't about to let them have their fun without her for much longer. It wasn't a party without Ellie, and she knew that better than everyone and their mother.

However, she wasn't going to stroll into their hangout spot looking like a hot mess. She only wanted to look hot and that was the end of that. It took her a bit to change into something and make herself look presentable, but she managed to slip on a gray hoodie and a pair of jeans that she may or may not have worn earlier in the week. Hey, jeans were made to be worn multiple times, right? They were clean and they smelled fine. Her light brown hair hung over her shoulders as she yawned, stepping down the stairs of her parents' two story house. As always, they were nowhere to be seen. Probably at work or something like that. Psh. Work. Living that 9 to 5 life seemed sad. You wake up in the morning to spend hours and hours on end droning in front of a desk only to come home and wait until the very next day to do the same thing. It was just sad.

"Empty, empty..."

That life wasn't for Ellie. She preferred something much faster, something a little more mechanical as well. Biting her lips and making a small popping sound as she dragged her feet along, she eventually opened the door that lead into the garage. In the dimly lit room was one of the only things that she could ever depend on her life, and that was her car. Godzilla -- at least, that's what its ancestors were called back in the day. Years and years of racing heritage came up and birthed this masterpiece of a car. Ellie smiled softly as she unlocked the doors, making her way to the driver's side seat to get the car going and headed to her destination.

It didn't take much longer before she was out of the garage and on the street. Based on the time -- she didn't have much time before AJ was going to start getting mad. She was going to have to kick it into another gear -- literally -- and start hauling ass. Just the way that Ellie liked it. It gave her an excuse to start going faster. Pedal to the metal, just the way that she liked it. It took her a while to get the hang of this beast, but once she tamed it -- it was like she and the car were one. Six cylinders and six hundred horsepower were being laid onto the ground, carrying Ellie all the way to the In N Out, where everyone was.

Pulling into the parking lot, she anticipated that it was going to be a little bit more packed. It was lunch time, so there were going to be yuppies and locals out of the ass. Unless, the Gearheads made their presence known. Skirting into a nearby parking spot that she may or may not have yanked from a soccer mom that had been prowling around for nearly fifteen minutes now, Ellie shut the car off and made her way into the In N Out. The sun was glaring on the window, making it hard for her to see inside before she opened the door.

Lo and behold, she saw something rather interesting. Guess she picked the perfect time to come, because AJ Tyler was definitely doing something to be that mad. Ellie's eyes widened momentarily, before she got a little closer to see just what was happening.

"So... who set him off this time?" Ellie asked, before sliding into a seat. She glanced at Yessi, before looking at the others, Did I miss anything important?"

[NeoAJ]

_{▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
Location | Misfits' meeting place, Santa Monica, California
Interacting with | Jules @Vox, Kim @Stanifly, Sami @BrutalBx, Val @Dirty Pretty Lies
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All of a sudden it felt like all the milk and sugar was curdling in Emilia's stomach. Listening to Sami explain how he acquired the RV, and how he acquired those most recent lumps on his face, she all of a sudden had her doubts on heading out on this excursion. She knew that Sami was involved in some less than reputable things, but she was never involved. She was more like Night Nurse, that character she learned about from her time in Comic Book club. She liked her. She was thankful Carlos pointed her to the comics. But now she was going along for the joyride. She was like ... Harley Quinn, or something. Except she wasn't crazy. Though she did look good in pigtails.

Jules made his thoughts known, stomping off down the beach after giving Sami a piece of his mind. Emilia looked over to the other girls for some kind of guidance, but Kim seemed to be more wistful than anything else.

"You know, all drama aside, I'm really gonna miss this place."

"I'll miss having everyone here most of all. I mean, I can come back here. I can go to the food truck. But I'll miss being able to do this with all my friends. That's what made it a special place," she offered, probably obviously.

Jules returned in this time, seemingly doing a 180, or at the very least hiding it very well as he announced he was heading onto the RV. Emilia looked at Kim and Val. Kim had already made her mind up and was moving on towards the massive machine, intent on claiming the bottom bunk for herself. Emilia wasn't even sure how she was going to sleep on this trip.

I could go home. I could just spend the summer here and...and...think about things and....No! No! I'm not! I'm not going to do that! Emilia struggled to keep a tear from emerging at the thought of even trying to go through the replay of what happened and what she was going to do. It was not going to help her.

She picked up the tray that held her caramel mocha and the orange soda and moved towards Sami. "I don't like this, Sami," she said, a quiver in her voice as she was still fighting the breakdown. "I don't like that this is... not a smart risk and that this road trip could be over before it even begins..." She looked back at Val, still getting ready to apparently get on board herself. "But, it's with you. And the others. And it's probably it after this anyway. So, all right. I will follow into the great horizon. I trust you will lead us to promised lands. I do. That last bit was more affirmation for Emilia's sake more than for Sami's, but it served its purpose.

She hauled herself and her belongings onto the RV and surveyed the landscape. "I don't mind sharing one of the bigger beds...." The reminder of sharing beds combined with the overwhelming emotions of being an accessory to a crime for the first time was too much to bear for someone who wasn't sharing a bed with who she thought she would be. "At least it won't feel so alone!!!" Emilia quickly dropped the drinks on a nearby counter and her bags near one of the seats as she ran back to the bathroom, locking the door as she sobbed heavily, tears now flowing with ease behind the thin piece of wood.

[spooner]

_{Location | The RV kitchen table
Time | 12:08 PM
Interacting with |Sami@BrutalBx Kim@Stanifly Val@Dirty Pretty Lies Em@NeoAC}

Nathan whooped as Sami exclaimed that they were going to be on their way. Slapping his friend on the back as he hoisted his bags back on to his shoulders as getting ready to haul it all in to the RV. His eyes followed Valeria’s petite figure as she announced that she was changing in to dry clothes. His gaze lingered a little to long for his own comfort and he shoved his sunglasses on his face and hope no one had noticed his indiscretion. Thankfully the rest of the misfits were all busy with pestering Sami about the stolenness of their ride.
Rolling his eyes at the commotion he began dragging his belongings through the small entrance.

He threw his backpack up on to the top bunk claiming it for himself as Kim had claimed the bottom. Rummaging through it he pulled out the brand new journal he had gotten for the trip and also all of his journaling tools before settling down at the small table in the ‘kitchen’. Cracking the spine of a new journal was almost a religious experience for Nate, it sent a shiver down his spine and a smile always spread across his face when his pen touched the fresh paper. Now he was in the zone. This was why the shock startled him when the condensation from the cold drinks splattered the paper as the tray hit the table. And a blur of blonde locked herself in the small bathroom. Sobs could be heard from the other side of the door.

The young man let out a small sigh as he stood up and tried to get the water of the pages before closing the journal. He walked over to the locked bathroom door and knocked softly. “Hey Em? You ok?” he began. When sobbing was the only thing that could be heard still, he tried again “Don’t you think it’s a bit early in the trip for tears?” he began picking at a spot where the linoleum was peeling of the door frame. “What I mean to say is… don’t you want to talk about it instead of being locked in there?” he asked but getting no answer. “Or if you don’t want to talk about it…” he looked around for something to save the situation. All he could find was his phone with his headphones still plugged in, his music softly pumping out of them. “If you come out I’ll listen to Ariana Grande with you… I’ll even sing along with you.” he made a last ditch attempt to coax her out of the small space.

[NeoAJ]

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Location | Misfits' RV, Santa Monica, California
Interacting with | Nate @spooner
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Sami was going to have to dump the waste water tank pretty early in the trip at the rate that Emilia was cranking out the tears. It was all so overwhelming, so many conflicting feelings. She knew it was silly to be sobbing already, but she couldn't help it. The nights were lonely. The emotions towering over everything. Now, she was going to be running around in a stolen RV. This was not how it was supposed to be.

There was a knock on the door. “Hey Em? You ok?” It was Nate. Of course it would be Nate. Nate was always so kind. Of course he would be worried. But Emilia wasn't interested. She kept crying.

“Don’t you think it’s a bit early in the trip for tears?” That just made her cry more at the fact that she was already breaking down and they hadn't even left the parking lot yet. Everyone wasn't even here yet.

“What I mean to say is… don’t you want to talk about it instead of being locked in there?” Talking wasn't going to help right now. It was going to make it worse. She was sure of it. She didn't want to talk.

“Or if you don’t want to talk about it…” I don't. I really don't.

“If you come out I’ll listen to Ariana Grande with you… I’ll even sing along with you.”

Emilia perked up at hearing that. Nate was all right at karaoke, but him trying to sing Ari was asking way too much of his voice. Ari could not be replicated in such a manner. He could do some of the featurings though. His Weeknd impression wasn't terrible. Still, the fact he was willing to go to such a level... it was almost funny. It certainly made her stop crying.

A click could be heard as the door unlocked. Emilia stepped out and wiped the tears away from under her eyes. She looked up at Nate, into those brown orbs of his. "Can we start with Love Me Harder?" Breakdown halted.

[Stanifly]

K I M B E V E R I D G E

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Location | Misfits meeting place
Interacting with | Emi @NeoAC, Nate @spooner
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In retrospect, maybe Kim should be a little more concerned about the whole RV-stealing thing. Then again, if she got a little more concerned for every questionable decision her friends made, she probably wouldn't be sane enough for this road trip. Besides, what was Sami's dad going to do? Hunt them down? She doubted he was that crazy.

For a clunky-looking piece of junk, the RV wasn't too terrible inside. Manoeuvring past the passenger seat, the sofas, a kitchenette, a sulky Jules scribbling in the booth, and a fridge, she finally reached the bunk beds. She lugged her suitcase, her messenger bag set atop it, to the head of the bottom bunk. Taking a step back, she rested a hand on her hip, her other hand holding her frappe. Should she unpack? Or leave her stuff for now? She glanced over to the end of the RV. Tucked in a corner was the queen bed, a closet standing on its other side. Rust ate into the edges of the washer beside it. She hoped it still worked.

Nate came in then, and she stepped aside as he dumped his stuff on the top bunk. When he retreated to the kitchenette, settling on the small table there, she opted to turn her suitcase on its back and shove it under the bed. She could worry about it on the road.

As she hung her messenger bag at the foot of her bed, the sound of another person entering the RV turned her head and she smiled when she saw Emi. It disappeared as soon as Emi broke down and dashed into the toilet. Kim took a step forward, but Nate was already going after her. She hesitated, then turned away. There wasn't any point in crowding Emi in the midst of a breakdown. Instead, she busied herself with putting away her frappe and Umbra's orange soda into the - thankfully already cool - fridge. Something moved in the corner of her eye. She looked down.

Wedged in the small space between the kitchenette counter and the fridge, a lizard tail twitched back at her.

Then it hit her. The next few weeks, the rest of this road trip: this was how it was going to be. Just the seven of them, crammed into a single RV. Yes, they'd be seeing the sights and living the life, but they were essentially living together in a moving house. Spending this much time together would show sides of themselves that they kept tight to their hearts. Kim loved her friends, but she treasured the distance she'd retained the same - maybe even more. Talking, without saying anything at all, was easy.

'So I just have to keep doing it then.' Giving herself a mental shake, she pulled her gaze away from the lizard tail. She'd have to ask Sami if he had any pesticide later, though she doubted it. Nobody here minded lizards. Probably. It faintly occurred to her that maybe she should check for bed bugs.

The last bits of Nate's attempt at consoling Emi registered and Kim looked up as Emi emerged from the toilet. A small smile tugged on her lips. Taking the caramel mocha off the table, Kim walked over to the two, then handed it to Emi.

'Here,' she said, 'Though you'll probably need something stronger than that to listen to Nate's singing.'

[CaliforniaState]

_{▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
Location | Misfits' meeting place, Santa Monica, California
Interacting with | Basically all the Misfits
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Normally rays of sunlight would peak through the curtains of anyone’s room…well almost anyone. Instead of rising with the sun, Umbra found herself surrounded in a veil of darkness. The blackout curtains doing their best work of keeping her room as dark as her soul, edgy I know. The pleas from her grandma were incessant, but not enough to shake the slumber that tethered the queen of the damned to her fluffy mattress. A groggy voice left her lips insisting on only needing five more minutes, she had until 11 am after all to meet at Santa Monica Pier. In her zombie state, she decided to check her phone to see how much time she had left before her alarm jolted her awake. Her hand proceeded to knock down everything imaginable off her night stand before finding her phone.

Her fingers ejected the pentagram pop socket as to not strain her measly pinky.

“Oh, it’s only 11 I have more than enough time” she said as she collapsed back into bed.

That’s when the fear set in and Umbra’s light skin turned a ghostly white. Her body jumped like a woman possessed as she furiously unlocked her phone and opened her alarm app only to see she had set an alarm for 11 pm instead of am.

“Are you kidding me!?!” she spat, throwing her phone down, racing towards the shower as she stripped off her top and black cat pajamas. Perhaps the first sign in a string of bad luck the young witch would face today. Diamond was so desperate to catch her friends she had even brought her toothbrush fully loaded with paste into the shower with her. If only she had a spell to give her more arms, than she wouldn’t need to rotate between her razor, toothbrush, and bar of soap. Leaping out of the shower, with soapy suds tastefully covering her womanly bits, Umbra jumped into her pile of all black clothes hoping to find something…anything clean and cute. Hair and make up would just have to wait, Umbra was sure Em would love the opportunity to touch her face.

“Shower. Check. Clothes. Check. Back pack. Check. All good now let me just see what fate has for me”

The flummoxed teen was finally able to catch her breathe having completed her checklist. Laying out her customized tarot cards she did a quick run of her daily fate. The first card she turned over was The Magician in reverse.

“Poor planning. Shit okay”

Knowing full well she deserved that one. ”Come on, come on” she said under her breath, hoping her fate would be swift and merciful. The next card was, The Hanged Man…in reverse.

“Damn it! Delays? What other delays could I possibly have besides my dumbass alarm”

Umbra closed her eyes and placed all her luck into the third and final card. She flipped it over almost triumphantly before opening her eyes and grimacing. It was The Sun in the upright position, meaning positivity and fun. If it weren’t for her Xanthophobia this would have been her blessing in disguise.

“Right well, I’ll take what I can get” another glance at her phone made her realize she was running out of time.

Almost tumbling down the stairs and rolling her ankle she ran into the kitchen to say good morning and good bye to her sweet grandmother.

“I was calling you and calling you child”

“Yeah, I know, today’s just not my day! I got to go Roe-roe I’m late!”

“Do you want me to drive you baby? You don’t have to be embarrassed!”

“I’m not grandma! By the time you get ready it’ll be the New Year. Bye love you!”

The truth was, despite knowing her friends and being part of the misfits since she moved to Cali, Umbra had always been a little embarrassed of her home and how poor she was compared to the rest of BHHS. With a kiss on the cheek of her grandma, Umbra was out the door and, on her bike, cycling as fast as she could with her eyes set on the pier.

“That girl is just too much” she said with a giggle, watching her pride and joy rush off into the distance.

Time bled away as Umbra did her best to make her way to the pier and the misfits meeting place. Sweat was starting to bead along her forehead and the choice of black was obviously a bad one with the sun absorbing into her clothes and cooking her from the inside out. If Umbra didn’t pass out from dehydration it probably would have been from heat stroke and not the same kind women be having at Sunday service. ”Who loves orange soda. Umbra loves orange soda. Is it true? I do I do I dooo ooo” she said deliriously licking her lips, while imaging what Um had hoped Em had saved for her on this trip. Rounding the corner, she was reinvigorated upon seeing the RV in the not too far off distance. Unfortunately, there was no one around the RV. They’re probably already inside! You have to catch them!, putting the pedal to the metal, Umbra took off in mach speed towards the RV. It seemed The Hanged Man had other plans for her. The nuts and bolts keeping her back tire attached to the frame of the bike loosened and jiggled with every bump and pivot. Eventually, they had all come undone and her back tire flew off the rack.

A shrill shriek left her mouth while her hands gripped the handle bars. Sparks flew as the grinding of metal and asphalt created a cacophonous sound. By the time her eyes had opened, and her face relaxed from her grimace, her runaway train had stopped. Her hands touched every part of her body making sure she still had every limb and piece of skin attached. A smile came over her face in relief of having survived, but quickly vanished remembering she still had yet to make it. The girl’s cardio was as bad as middle-aged man sitting at home watching the Wendy Williams show, so bad. Yet, that wouldn’t be enough to stop the determined shadow.

One knock was heard on the outside of the RV door before she opened the door and fell bustling through the rusting RV. Star fishing onto the floor, swallowing as much oxygen as she could, the final misfit had finally arrived, and her eyes rolled to turn to Em.

“Where’s my orange soda?!” she said before passing out.

[NeoAJ]

_{▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
Location | Misfits' RV, Santa Monica, California
Interacting with | Nate @spooner, Kim @Stanifly, Umbra @Syn
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The thought of Ariana Grande in general was enough to put Emilia in a good mood. She was the poet laureate of the generation after all. But the thought of Nate trying to hit those notes, she was giggling in her head.

Kim seemed to have similar doubts to the talents of the male vocalist as she handed Emilia her mocha. "Here. Though you'll probably need something stronger than that to listen to Nate's singing."

Emilia giggled as she accepted her drink from the stoic Misfit. "Oh, Kim. Nate isn't a bad singer! Yes, there are some notes that he has some trouble hitting, but he's still very talented!" She was going to turn to Nate for a demonstration when the door suddenly opened.

The blonde girl expected Val to make her way onto the RV, but instead, the flailing dreadlocks revealed the other member of the group had made her way in time to catch the RV. As the girl collapsed onto the floor of the massive machine, sending a creaky shockwave throughout the vehicle, she breathed out at Emilia. “Where’s my orange soda?!”

"Umbra! You made it!" Emilia was excited that the last member of their crew was officially on board for the trip. She had built up a great rapport with the young witch when she helped her set up the Occult Club, and that friendship continued long after enough people joined that Em was unnecessary. Much like Val, Umbra offered a necessary contrast to Emilia's ...perpetual sunshine and she had been a welcome addition to the group.

She looked around for the large beverage before Kim pointed towards the fridge on the side. Emilia retrieved the still cold cup of citrus-flavored goodness and knelt down next to her fallen comrade. "Hey! Hey Um! Hey! Wake up, girl! She was lightly tapping Umbra's cheeks in an effort to revive her. "Look what I got for ya! Your favorite! Orange soda!" She held the drink just out in front of Umbra's face so if the girl sat up, the drink wouldn't go flying over the RV. It didn't need to be all sticky on day one.

[Legion02]

M A T T B R O W N

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Location | In-N-Out Burger
Interacting with | The Gearheads || @Hoekage @CosmicComet @GhostMami @BleedingLover @Plank Sinatra @Bee
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"OH FUCK OFF!"

At first Matt looked extremely confused at AJ as he got up from his seat. Then he fought every nerve in his body not to act smug as AJ looked like he wanted to deck him. This was by far a record of pissing AJ off. Normally it took at least a few minutes and maybe a jab towards him and Jamie. Not that Matt did that often. Just enough to know that it works. But then AJ turned to the others and threw his fries at them yelling to get them all.

It was then that Matt noticed Yessi. Or rather her eye rolling. Instantly all smugness fled his body. So it was going to be like that? No civility, just instant distaste. She didn’t have to be here or join in on the road trip. There were plenty of people for her to do in LA. Though then Matt realized that she probably thought the same of him to some extent. Which only meant that if they couldn’t stand each other on the trip it would eventually explode. Matt didn’t like those kind of explosions. They were far too taxing. Far too annoying. So he did what he always did. He threw Yessi an empty smile and then turned to the others. AJ was stomping off in the meantime.

He slid in the boot after Monica and Mandy took their seats. Right in time for Aleks to offer him a fry. “Don’t mind if I do.” He said as he reached over for one. Muscle memory made him hold it in between fingers like a cigarette before he chomped it down. Then it dawned to him that he alone could not be possible for AJ’s outburst. “I see you’ve all been working up AJ already. Damn it guys that’s so selfish.” He said with a worried face. As if he actually cared that AJ threw another tantrum. “You know how much I love setting off that guy. You really couldn’t wait until I got here?” He was sure to just face Chris and Aleks while keeping Yessi in the corner of his eyes. In all fairness, he was late.

Then Ellie joined in. “Nope, you didn’t miss anything.” He said with a far more inviting smile than he gave Yessi. “I set him off but I think I have to give credit to these two particular idiots.” He added as he pointed at Chris and Aleks. "But really, what better way is there to start a road trip off than with AJ throwing a tantrum." He flashed Ellie his almost trademarked shit-eating grin.

[TickTock]

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Location | In-N-Out
Time | 8:35AM, May 31st
Interacting with | Herself
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Stepping out of the shower, Parker wrapped herself in a towel and examined her hair in the mirror across the way. It looks like the color took. The now dark haired girl thought, drying herself before sliding on a pair of jeans. As she got dressed, memories from that night flooded her mind. She tried to shake them away. Push them down. Forget. Maybe if she just willed it hard enough, it would all disappear. But it didn’t, and it wouldn’t. Images of her boyfriend, well, now ex-boyfriend, in bed with someone else flashed in her mind. The sights, the sounds, the emotions drowning her senses. She couldn’t breathe for a moment. It was like she was back in time to the night before, standing in the living room, watching it all happen again in the bed that they had shared. She had come home early, even bringing his favorite donuts from the first place they stopped at when moving to LA. He always had such a sweet tooth.

To pay for the fresh baked goods, Parker used some money she had lifted from a passing stranger earlier that day- a task her lovely cheating whore of a boyfriend had her do rather often. It was something she had grown rather accustomed to doing. In the beginning, it was terrifying to use her slight of hand stills for anything other than fun little magic tricks. Jason, however, called it “real world application.” The guy was a smooth talker above all else. He made her feel special for what she could do. She was small, unassuming, and quick, so she had never gotten caught. Yet. A few close calls, but nothing she couldn’t talk her way out of or sneak away from. The key is knowing when to move on from a target, knowing the risk is no longer worth the reward.

The sting from the mouth wash finally brought her back to reality. She didn’t really remember getting dressed, brushing her teeth, or brushing her hair, but her clothes were on, the toothbrush was wet, and her was untangled. It was like her body was on autopilot. Many days were like that for her lately. She was just going through the motions. She should have seen this all coming. After expelling the liquid from her mouth, Parker looked at her own reflection in the mirror. Get it together. You’re acting pathetic. You’re not sixteen anymore. Please.

With a sigh, the 19 year old checked her phone. In the matter of a moment, a wave of relief washed over her when she saw the notification from Ellie saying that Parker was more than welcome to ride with her. Ellie was such a sweet heart. Quickly, she gathered the rest of her things, realizing she didn’t have much time left.

Parker’s stomach turned as she reached for the doorknob to leave. This was it. Once she left, it was all over. Turning it slowly, she held her breath. She decided she wasn’t going to look back. She couldn’t. Parker knew herself well enough to know that if she did, she might not leave. She might just do what she’s always done and make excuses for him. It was now or never, and with that, she was gone.

---

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Location | In-N-Out
Time | 11:54AM, May 31st
Interacting with | Present Gearheads
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Stepping off the bus, Parker glanced around. She looked like hell and she knew it. Dark circles, blood shot eyes, messily cut hair. She hadn’t slept all night and her morning was mostly spent switching between crying and feeling numb. Parker was glad to be going on this trip. It was perfect timing, really. Though, she wasn’t sure if the others knew she was coming, and she wasn’t exactly sure how she was going to explain why she was going, and Jason wasn’t. They seemed to like him. Maybe they were only nice to her because Jason was a racer like them. At least AJ didn’t seem to mind that it was just going to be her. She just hoped the others felt the same. Making her way down the street from the bus stop, she saw the burger joint they loved come into view. The closer she got, the stronger the smell of fries became. Normally, that scent was like heaven, but today, there was a slight grimace to her expression. The thought of food did not sit well with her after everything that happened last night, but as she strolled up to the door, Parker tried to practice a smile or two, hoping not to be a downer around the people who were nice enough to let her tag along.

With a brave face, Parker opened the door and scanned the restaurant. Everyone seemed to be accounted for, except…AJ? Weird. She would have thought that the man of the hour would have been there before everyone else. As she approached the group, she caught the tale end of Matt explaining that AJ went off the deep end. She hadn’t seen him have many of these moments, but she had been told they weren’t an unusual occurrence.

“Hey, guys,” Parker started, trying to sound casual. She slid her book bag off her shoulder and tucked it behind the booth before sliding in next to Ellie. “Long time no see. Kinda disappointed I missed the fall of our fearless leader.”

[BrutalBx]

---

Jules rant was nothing new. From the outside looking in, most would think that Jules and Sami had beef. It was actually the complete opposite. The respect the two had for one another and the high regard that they held each other in as men with Savior complexes meant that any fuck up seemed ten times worse than it actually was. More often than not, Sami was the one doing the actual fucking up of the two and he knew that that pissed J-Boi off more than anything else. It was an interesting friendship to say the least, if that indeed was what it was.

Glancing over to the nearby picnic table, Sami watched Kim slip into her own world as she often did. He still hadn’t quite figured that one out yet. A gentle breeze carried her words to the Cubano’s ears and he smiled. ”I’ll miss it too mami, yet there’s a great blue yonder out there for us to explore” The thought of the beach, the truck and the bench, all misfit owned and branded lingered in his mind for a second. It was true. This would most likely be the last time they would ever share this air, they all would head off and reach their amazing potential. Sam didn’t have the same certainty for himself.

Emi spoke of her feelings and it hurt; mostly because she was right. Sami hadn’t really given any thought to the consequences for his friends if someone found out the RV was stolen. In the moment of the theft, Sami’s anger and rage towards his bastard of a father outweighed his love for his chosen familia and it wouldn’t be the first time. For most people, Havana Alejandro was the DILF car salesman with charm to spare. To the Misfits, he was a serial womaniser, abusive father and overall scum of the Earth. To Sam, he was the El Diablo.

”I’m sorry Em, I really didn’t think” As he finished taking, the blonde had hurried herself into the RV along with the most of the others. Placing his hands on his hips, Sami looked over to Val and sighed. ”Vamos, hermana”

Sami entered their new home, walked to the front and sat in the driver's seat, taking it all in. Maybe this was a mistake? They crew were risking a lot joining him on this self indulgent adventure. Maybe he should just cut his losses, throw them off and ride off into the sunset himself. He could go from town to town solving problems like a Latino Incredible Hulk! He could even write his own theme song! His dark eyes fell to his hands on the steering wheel, his knuckles were busted to match his face, actually they were a little worse. He had to control it, there was no choice in the matter. He had to protect them and he had to control it, he just had to.

The crash of Umbra through the door was a welcome one as it was enough to snap Sami from his daze.Reaching into the broken glove compartment that didn’t close, Sam pulled a semi cool Monster energy drink and cracked it open like a 90’a Stone Cold Steve Austin and took a great swig.

”La Bruja is here. Fantastic. I guess it’s time we get this piece of glorious shit moving baybay!” With Umbra’s arrival a grin crossed his face. Sami did not wait for anything in his life and this would be no different. He turned the ignition key, turned up Ace’s Asylum to eleven and put his foot on the old gas peddle.

The Misfits adventure had begun.

On a nearby bench. Mr Goode watched from afar, holding an ice cream in one hand and his other in his Armani suit pocket.

”Run little rabbits, run”

[LovelyComplex]

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Location | In-N-Out Burger Booth → Bathroom → Outside
Mentions of | Aleks @Plank Sinatra
Interacting with | With each other Chris @GhostMami & AJ @TootsiePop
and then at the end ALL GEARHEADS
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It was only a matter of time, Chris supposed. The Gearheads’ engines weren’t the only things that frequently revved up. Nearly every single one of them had a temper, and they all naturally liked to poke at each other. That’s all this was, some friendly poking of the bear. They should have known better though, AJ had inherited his MILF’s drama queen genes, so tantrums like this were common. He was a sensitive guy, which is part of what drew Chris to him as a friend. AJ, despite his tough guy demeanor, was someone who needed a bro to lean on. Chris liked being that guy, and sometimes, Chris was that guy himself…

Looking down at his lap, which was now littered with a scattering of french fries, Chris sighed. He exchanged a knowing glance with Aleks before nodding at the other crew members around. They were all about to head out on a road trip with AJ, while he stayed behind. They had many such tantrums in their near future. It was only right that Chris take one for the team right now. The punkish rider scooted out of the booth, a sprinkling of fries dumping to the ground as he did so. “I got this…” He sad simply before heading off towards the bathroom that AJ had retreated into. What else were besties for if not rescuing you from yourself in a dirty public restroom?

Taking a deuce, might as well before they head out, AJ absentmindedly went to a certain instagram flooded with pictures of his ex. This boy, who he rarely said by name, was called Marshall Radley (face claim, Matthew Bell). Even if this boy never stole his ex, they would NEVER be friends. Sure, he kind of reminded him of his mother, with the whole theater vibe, and sure, he really didn’t mean any harm, but his Candy-ass did something that AJ for some reason was never able to achieve. This gossip-loving diva made Jamie (face claim, Miles Heizer) completely and utterly happy. Marshalls, man. They were the DEVILS.

Grumbling to himself, he opened up a silhouette picture of Jamie on a balcony, staring out at a gorgeous view. His frame was still as attractive as can be. The best he ever had. Fucking dumb. Lightly biting his tongue, he ‘heart’ the picture and commented: Nice pic. Honestly? He was surprised Marshall hadn’t blocked him, but maybe this was their way of ‘seeming’ okay with each other. As he continued to excrete his waste, he heard familiar sounding steps enter the bathroom. Chris got those boots. Ain’t hard to recognize him when he has such prominent strides.

“You here to join me? This is gonna’ be HUGE.” Foolish. AJ was foolish.

Chris’ nose flared upon entering the gross fast food joint restaurant. Eww, disgusting. He looked around for AJ and was soon after greeted by his voice from behind the single stall door. The source of the offending odor. Double gross. “Oh fuck off, you know why I’m here.” Chris crossed his arms over his chest and leaned his backside against the row of sinks, facing the stall door. “What’s up? Why’d you go telenovela on the crew, dude?”

Plop!

“I don’t know, man. Maybe it’s because you’re bailing on our last real summer together. Or maybe—” AJ continued to scroll down Marshall’s instagram, out of pure habit.

“Come on, don’t be a prick. I ain’t bailing. It’s not like it’s gonna be all hookers and blow here, dude. I gotta pass my certs. You know how my moms is, she ain’t gonna tolerate me skulking around the place rent-free after graduation. I gotta work. PLUS, it’s not like I’m going anywhere. This ain’t our last summer unless you move somewhere extravagant, so what’s your real issue?” Lord knows the answer. The fucking twink was the problem. Always was, seemingly always will be. But Chris had to force him to say it, just to prove a point. This shit was going on way too long.

Another plop!

”ONE SECOND, LET ME WIPE MY ASS.” True bros had heart-to-hearts while shitting. After taking care of business, not feeling like talking about what really was eating at him while confined in a smelly stall, he was part to blame for, AJ flushed the toilet, pulled up his pants, and pocketed his phone. That was a good shit. A good shit indeed.

Kicking the stall door open, he cheesed, “Smells like victory!” As he made his way to the sink to wash his hands, you best believe he was hygienic, AJ finally retorted, ”Ya’ll kept eating all my fries.” Nothing but jokes. Classic AJ.

“Your family’s loaded enough to buy the damn restaurant, the fries ain’t the problem. Nice try.” Usually Chris was all jabs and jokes too, but he was being serious about this. Tough love was his specialty in the friend group. “I need a smoke, c’mon.” He wasn’t really asking so much as demanding as he headed towards the bathroom door. Smoking was a stinky habit, but no more stinky than staying here.

"Away from the cars, ‘specially Aleks.” Obediently, AJ followed behind, shoving his hands in his pockets. Even if this brat was stubborn, he did listen. Before they exited the restaurant, AJ looked back at everyone else and stuck his tongue at them. Eventually, they got to a spot where Chris could smoke. Still avoidant, AJ playfully scolded, ”That shit’s going to kill you.”

“Nah, if anything’s gonna kill me, it’ll be Gwen.” Chris said with confidence as he lit up and inhaled. Okay, so he had room for one or two jokes. He exhaled towards the sky before settling his brown eyes back on AJ. “So....” He began expectantly, raising an eyebrow. Spit it the fuck out, AJ.

Grumble. Grumble. Grumble. ”I might’ve… a huge MIGHT’VE.” Looking away from Chris’ stern glare, AJ kicked at the dirt, ”Started my day thinking of where I failed at as…” Grumble. It was HARD to admit his wrongdoing. _{“Jamie’s boyfriend.”} ”And I might’ve… a huge MIGHT’VE.” AJ bent over and dusted the dirt on his shoe that he just put on it, _{“Sent-a-bitter-voicemail-last-night-to-Jamie’s-phone.”}

“But this all is just a might’ve situation.”

Chris just stared at him as AJ explained himself. He took another drag and then sighed through the exhale, rubbing at his stubbly chin. “Now that shit—” He used his cigarette to point at AJ accusingly, “—is gonna kill ya.” Chris thought on his words for a moment and flicked some ashes towards the pavement. “Point blank, you need to get over it, dude. It’s been over a year, hell, almost two, innit? It’s over. Dwelling on it is doing nothing but hurting you, and I know, I know. I’m familiar with the spellbinding allure of blondes, but there’s plenty more out there, aiight? Calling your ex and leaving bitter voicemails is creepy, dude. Don’t be a creep.” Another drag and moments of thought.

“Listen, you’re about to head out on a fun ass road trip. Look in there—” Chris gestured with his cigarette again, this time pointing towards the restaurant window, through which their friends could be seen. “You’re travelling with your good friends, some of which are total babes. Maybe try getting to know one of them a little better, yeah? Yess is good for it.” He smirked now, cracking the “all business” demeanor. “Maybe not them, but point is, try to move on, man. Get laid. See the world, stop dwelling on that shit. It’s a bad look, and today goes to show that it’s bad feels too.” Chris took a final puff before tossing the butt to the ground and stomping it out with his boot.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I knowwww. The ‘get laid’ advice has been said to me many times.” AJ knew as long as he had his phone, there will always be access to things that would get him to think about Jamie. “It would be easier if your bitchass was coming, but I guess I’ll just have Aleks slap me or something.” He paused for a moment and then heavily sighed, “I don’t know why I’m so caught up. It fucking sucks, Chris. If I could just fuck someone and be like oh, yeah, I’m over it, wouldn’t you think I’d have done it by now?”

Chris nodded in understanding. “I know, man. Love fucks us up. And getting laid ain't gonna fix it all, but it’s a start, ya know? Moving on ain’t gonna happen instantly, but it sure as hell ain’t gonna happen if you aren’t willing to let it. And we both know you haven’t been willing, don’t even try lyin’.” And in that moment, perhaps the smoke had given him clarity, Chris had an ingenious idea. AJ never backed down from a dare. “You know what? he smirked. “I dare you to get laid within a week. And don’t think that just ‘cause I’m not there I won’t know if you follow through. I’ll have Aleks to report results.”

Oh that son-of-a—“Fuck you. I’m not some pussy ass. Watch, I’ll blow your mind and then you have to send a picture of Aces’ tits to me. Deal?”

“I’ll see if she’d be down… I ain’t willing to have my balls crushed, dude. She’s terrifying.” Chris stared up towards the sky. “You know, I’m like ninety percent sure she’d be down, so deal.”

“Even if she isn’t down, I want to prove you wrong. I just wanted to see if I’d get something in return.” AJ teasingly chuckled, before bringing Chris into a bear hug and patting his back, “Come here, we gotta’ head out and I’m going to miss my Valentine. You better ace your test, you got that? I’ll come back and beat you for your moms if you don’t.” AJ knew Chris would. He was smart like that. Becoming a mechanic was his destiny.

“Yeah yeah, and I’m the pussy ass.” Chris retorted as he was wrapped into a bro hug. Chris slapped his back a few times. “I’ll pass, man. It’s the only test I’ve ever been confident for. You best have fun and follow through on that dare, aiight?” He didn’t wait for a confirmation. “Now I gotta do the mushy hug thing with the rest of the chuckleheads. Let’s go.”

“We don’t need to go to them, bruh.” AJ shuffled to his car and bent over, then like the ass he was he honked his horn multiple times, “IT’S TIME TO GO, FUCKERS.”

“There. Now go give ‘em love.”

[Stanifly]

K I M B E V E R I D G E

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Location | Sami's stolen RV
Interacting with | Sami @BrutalBx, Emi @NeoAC
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'If you say so,' said Kim, humour colouring her tone.

The conversation was cut short when Umbra arrived in a bundle of overexerted nerves, barely managing to get a sentence out before fainting. Considering her state a minute ago, Kim half-expected Emi to freak out or blow up into a rabid ball of concern. Instead, her mood skyrocketed back to her usual cheer and when Emi began looking around for something, presumably Umbra's soda, Kim simply pointed at the fridge. She watched, more than a little baffled, as Emi attempted to rouse Umbra.

Just as she was about to offer her water bottle to squirt Umbra back into consciousness, something more pressing came to mind. Namely, the sound of the RV's engine starting up. She squinted at Sami, who'd gotten into the driver's seat when she wasn't paying attention. Didn't he realise that Umbra was unconscious? Not to mention-

'Not to rain on your parade or anything-' She glanced around the RV, eyes skimming over the faces present. Then her gaze returned to the windscreen, staring into the outside. Which was moving. '-but I think we're short of one.' She looked down at the pair on the floor. 'Is she alright, Em? She didn't knock her head or anything on the way down, right?'

[CaliforniaState]

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Location | Misfits' RV, Santa Monica, California
Interacting with | Les Misfits
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It was true what people said when you die, your entire life flashes right before your eyes. While her life was as short as a YouTube ad rather than a movie, Umbra saw enough to want to keep herself grounded to the rust bucket otherwise known as the misfit RV. Her soul reeling back to her body left her choking on her breath as she regained consciousness. The familiar sound of her bubbly blonde counterpart was a welcome one, not to mention the faint sounds of bubbling soda pouring into a cup.

“…I’m up….I’m up!” the soft prodding of her cheeks left her just as defensive of her sleep as she was this morning. Slowly but surely the witch sat up reaching for the cold ether, guzzling it down with the carbonation burned her throat.

“If you drank my orange soda I would have had to hex your life or at least haunt you after I die, which was pretty close just now”

Umbra looked all around to see the puzzled or inquisitive faces of her peers; they probably should have been used to the magic the young misfits brought to the group. Her eyes caught a glimpse of Sami’s face, noticing the not so subtle beating he received. Not so conspicuously, Umbra leaned in towards Em cupping her hand to her ear. ”What happened to Sami’s face? Did he lose a fight to the RV trying to fix this thing? she asked whispering softly.

“It’s nice to see you too Sami, just don’t get us lost I know how much you don’t like asking for directions” a playful jest attached to the end of her sentence.

Her head then snapped over to face Kim, “I’m healthy enough to give you a hug Kimmy” ensuring the laid back brunette that she was fine.

“So what else did I miss?”