callmeemily | Here comes santa claus!

The holiday this year is so incredibly different than the last.

Last year? Raleigh was holed up in the boarding house, no one in 300 miles but her shitty boss knew her name, and she was so poor that she was eating rice, beans, and leftovers from the Seaside bakery.

This year, everything's changed. Orchard House is chugging along astoundingly well; Raleigh puts in long hours, but it's paying off. She's been able to hire somebody else to work the register, she's getting custom orders - the whole thing. She has friends. Honest to god friends, and she's got enough money that she's actually got presents for people. For a lot of people - it's a mix of cookies and things, but there's a little something for everybody piled on the table in the back corner, and one mass-text later she's humming through the bakery, music playing from the speakers, warm cider in a carafe, and everything's warm and cozy.

She looks at it, at this business that she's made with the help of this whole town, and she can't help but smile. Tonight? Spending tonight with friends and found-family? That's what this whole thing's about.

Gathering post! Raleigh will tag everyone who tags in, but feel free to tag one another, too. :) It's up to you if they have gotten a text, or just heard the music and seen the crowd. Everyone'll get something!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

With a small nod, he followed the instruction and dropped himself into the opposite chair. It was nice to see Lara, they'd both been busy recently. Following everything with the cave it just felt like general Siren life had altered and the build up to Christmas meant more work for Heart of Gold. Taking a sip of his drink, he smiled, "My day has been pretty uneventful. Took a few calls, make a few appointments. Had a chicken salad for lunch... probably about it. How about you?"

“Oh god...Owen...” She groaned. “You have a less interesting life than I do.” She teased, taking a bite of her pastry. “I was just delivering gifts but I’m living rock and roll in comparison.”

He couldn't help a small huff of laughter because Lara couldn't be more wrong. His life was a hot mess that could be considered exciting by most people, but today had been simple. If a way he wished his life was overall. "I can't be blamed for having a dull day. And you know me, I'll do my present delivery last thing Christmas Eve."

"How are Matriarch duties doing?"

Lara waved a hand. “Same old. Same old.” She said. “I went and looked in on a few people. The heat is playing up in the retirement home again. Do you think Jason might be up for looking at it?”

"Really? They should probably get that thing replaced if it keeps doing it. Maybe we can get some sort of sponsorship involved-" Owen cuts himself off, realising he is trailing. "But I'm sure Jason wouldn't mind. He's a good guy."

Lara cocked her head at him. “You’re all over the place today.” She said. “Something on your mind?

For a second he keeps smiling, as if trying to suggest 'what do you mean?' But this is Lara, and there is pretty much nothing in Owen's life that she hasn't been involved in. She saw him after his Mum died, and not long after his Dad died and he turned up at Watersong. When he was on edge over falling for a client and when he decided to leave. Lara had kept him alive when he was in a coma and visited the hospital for the months when everyone said it was hopeless. And she told him that Abi had died.

There was literally no reason to try and hide things from her because she had seen him at his worst probably a whole lot more than when he was at his best.

Letting the smile drop away he sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face. "I'm just tired Lara - not physically. Just... mentally."

“I gathered. Something specific?” She asked gently. “Someone giving you trouble you can’t handle?” It didn’t seem likely. Owen was more than capable of taking care of himself but it didn’t hurt to ask.

"No," he breathes with a small smile. "This is all on me. I just need to sort things out and I'm not entirely sure how." Taking a sip of his cider, he rolled his shoulders back. Enjoying the calming atmosphere for a change.

"The cave sort of screwed a lot up, opened old wounds, you know that though. Not a lot we can do now." He just hated that his friends had been though that. "Anyway, it's nearly Christmas. This isn't very cheery conversation."

Lara eyed him for a second and then let it slide. He’d tell her when he was ready. That’s how they worked as friends. “Wanna hear something entertaining?” She asked, changing the subject smoothly.

It was a way out, and today he would happily take it. Owen preferred to spill his guts somewhere that people couldn't overhear. Especially with so many others involved. The grin slid back into place and he replied, "Entertaining? Sure, bring it."

“Levi wants me to meet his family.” She said, grinning over her drink. “How insane is that?”

Owen smiled at that. Not because Lara would have any difficulty with meeting people but... "Christmas with the Astors? Are you going?" He asked. They were one of the old Siren Cove families. And as far as Owen knew, not too keen on anything considered supernatural.

Lara took a sip of her cider. “I think we’re going to do it over New Year? Might be a bit much for everyone on Christmas day, you know?” She smiled softly. “Pretty big deal though. I’ve never met parents before.”

"True, especially if they're a big family." He pondered. As Lara continued speaking, he couldn't help smiling back. "You'll be fine. All they'll want to see is that you make Levi happy - and if they don't treat you that way. Then they don't deserve to know you."

Owen shrugged a little because he couldn't imagine anyone not liking Lara. Not anyone worthwhile anyway.

“Brunch, I think. Maybe at Francescos?” She wondered outloud. “Fill them all up with good food so they can’t move, let alone pick fights.” She said with a wink. Levi’s family might be a tough sell but she hoped Owen was right.

With a chuckle, Owen nodded his head, "Definitely one way of doing it. Not many people can be grumpy after Francescos." His smile softened a little bit, "So, things with you are getting a bit more serious? I'm glad, you seem happy." It's all Owen ever wanted for the people he cared about, for them to have long and happy lives. And it often felt too much like they were just clinging on by their fingernails in this town.

“We are happy.” She said, smiling. “I never expected it to be like this. Normally we don’t get this kind of happy, you know?” Of course Owen knew. Owen of all people knew.

Here comes santa claus!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject