Let Out, Let go, Let Loose

## Content Information

Burgundy sat outside of the salon on the edge of a raised planter while they waited for Iva to exit. They sighed to themselves as they realized that although the large tip was deserved, they gave a bit more than they were used to the beautician. But they’re hair looked awesome. Their dreads were parted nicely and styled in such a way that they’d pass for a third sibling of Chloe and Halle from behind.

Today was the first of what felt like a new normal for the protector of the cove. They had extra money after moving into Hellfire and Iva actually accepted their offer to drive to the salon together. In the day prior, Burgundy was able to have full stimulating conversations about their monster identity. But today was a reminder of the duality in their lives. Iva, or so Burg assumed, is someone to pretend to be human around.

Being able to drive together regularly is something Burg had wanted for as long as they’ve been friends with Iva. Yet, today was rough. Burg couldn’t speak up in the car ride there. In any other week Burg would see this as a step forward in their friendship. But right now it’s evident something is wrong. They’re not sure if they can help or if Iva would be offended by the offer. It took a couple hours, but Burg has scraped *just* enough courage to make that attempt.

During the entire appointment, Iva was pretty lost in recollection. She knew that she should say something about what’s on her mind, but kept internally making excuses over the fact that the stylist could hear them or feared that she would slip into a disjointed state that she didn’t want to ruin a good outing over. In the end, the woman had let her chance slip with the stylist still making the final touches to her dreads.

She stepped out to meet Burgundy, who was patiently waiting, “Sorry to keep you, they gave me a harder time than usual. They made me fess up that I might have allowed my dreads to get soaked in springs too much, among other things.”

Burg waved a hand dismissively and chuckled halfheartedly. They’re terrible at hiding their emotions and it’s pretty evident something is bothering them as they awkwardly attempted to cover it up.

“Pfft, I get the same lecture every time. I’m always in the water, so I get it. It’s no problem … you uhh wanna get a bite to eat and chat?” They said as they gestured to a small pizza place a couple stores down from the salon.

Iva has a sheepish grin, “Yeah, that would sound good.”

Aside from the fun that she had with Didi, everything had crashed on top of her that it was overwhelming. Moments like this felt distance in less than one week. In a way, Iva felt a little guilty for not keeping in touch with Burgundy and was prepared to take some form of scolding from them.  As they walked along the sidewalk, Iva, for once, was unsure if she should just come clean or when her friend would break the ice.  They walked into the pizza parlor like good friends, but for once, Iva couldn’t just ask Burgundy outright what’s wrong.  All the premeditated efforts with Arsling, all the dealing with certain threats that she’s getting uncomfortable about, and keeping a straight leader aura about it, was all effective from any bystander’s viewpoint and they might commend her effort. To the person committing to them, it was undeservingly exhausting.

While she has finally come clean about her monster identity to Didi, she had intended to tell Burgundy too. While the timing, drama, and events were bad, it felt like an excuse.  She looked for a spot to sit, usually indecisive than usual.

“Let’s sit over there? I’m feeling a corner,”  and away from anyone else walking past them and bothering them, she figured.

“Yea! Perfect,” Burgundy said with some enthusiasm in another poor attempt to mask their discomfort. They slid into the farthest booth possible from other people.

Burgundy avoided eye contact as they removed their small backpack from their pack. They dug through it before setting a small ancient tome on the table in front of them. Despite the title not being straight forward, to anyone with a familiarity of magic, this was a book about the arcana. But it also was acting as Burg’s security blanket. With just *some* more comfort, Burg closed up their bag and set it down between them and the wall.

“So … I just wanted to catch up. It feels like it’s been forever ... What’s been going on with you? Are the rumors about SGA true?” They said as they rested a hand on the book.

“Which part? Me running for president. That’s true. The proclamation was a bit unplanned than I would have liked.” Iva talked normally as she could, but felt tenuous in confidence, “It happened so fast, I almost don’t remember how it started.”

Iva took and eagerly looked into the menu, trying to keep herself from looking directly at Burgundy. She didn’t want to scare them too. What should they have? That’s an easier thought.

“I wish you the best, really …,” Burgundy trailed off. They already had not super positive thoughts about the distribution of power in SGA, hence why they joined a separate organization to present issues. But to voice these to someone in an awkward conversation didn’t feel like the best idea to Burg.

They lifted their hand off their book of arcana to pick up the menu. They lean back in their seat as they try to come up with another topic. “Uh, are you and Didi still close buds?”

“Pretty much, I don’t think she would allow me to be otherwise.” Iva gave a gentle laugh. “In fact, I have been hoping to get with ya sooner than this. I’m sorry….” Her eyes closed, trying to hold something that came out slightly. “We’re scheming to try to get together again and hang out, like we had done before. Well, *I* was scheming, so erhm, how were things? I heard you went with your folks for a time this week.”

Burgundy tried to offer a slight laugh but it was unsuccessful. They nod with some visible surprise as the “scheming” is mentioned.

“Uh yea I …,” Burgundy looked directly at Iva with unwavering eye contact as they spoke. “I realized I was in a dangerous situation and had to move out immediately. I’m sure Didi didn’t take it well especially since there’s a monster hunter on the loose.”

Burgundy’s confessional came from two very quick thoughts: if Iva knew nothing they’d assume Burgundy is crazy or ask for clarification. The second, they saw the waiter approaching.

Burgundy turned to the waiter with a smile. The nondescript NPC waiter in full uniform smiles at the two and introduces themselves followed by, “What can I get you two?”

Before Iva could possibly get a chance to speak, Burg jumped in and ordered, “Two slices of just cheese and a glass of water for me.”

Iva didn’t look so shocked by the revelation. Her mind would have normally celebrated the clarification, but it felt horrible. The only thing she could do is allow the waiter to approach before she could say a word.

“6-inch Margherita, and an unsweetened tea for me.” She said in quick follow-up to Burg’s order. Of course, that was an uncomfortable thing to admit, but Iva knows that it deserves an answer. An honest one.

Once the waiter took their menus and left their earshot, Iva finally spoke up. “I had a feeling that might have been what was going on. Didi has been talking to me about it recently. . .I . . .”  Her voice choked up a little, “have been aiding in her efforts to make sure this gets resolved.”

Yes, she just admitted that she knows about Arsling, and she admitted more than that by her words alone.

“Didi said she would …,” Burgundy trailed off with a big sigh. They looked pretty disappointedly at the book on the table. “We promised we would keep each other updated about who told who … I really hate secrets. This makes me feel really shitty. I get that she probably did it to protect your identity but she also made me feel like she was hiding her time with Arsling before I informed her about the whole mess.”

“I guess we all had our fair share of secrets to protect each other. We were unsure how comfortable each other felt about the truth a little more, well, at least I was.  I admit my failure on that end.” Iva looked at the book just as much as they did. “As far as Didi goes, I’m sure she had her reasons. Certain groups have their own affairs and rules, so I didn’t take offense.”

Iva was referring to the wolf packs, and hoped Burg would pick up on the gist. “I might have given that someone a stern talking to. I would hope that once I had torn into their reasoning that they would concede and let this end for all our sakes.” Iva sighed, “Seems like I failed, I’m sorry for that.”

“I … don’t think anything can be said to repair my lack of trust in Didi right now. I genuinely don’t know her. Fuck,” they mumbled the swear under their breath and sniffle.

“I don’t think I have the capacity to handle the Arseling situation anymore. Forcing her to turn just justifies her reasoning for murder and … I don’t believe anymore that she’s connected to the recent deaths on campus. But I don’t want to give her a reason to start again … but it’s probably too late, right?”

“I understand. Really, I do. I believe you’re right that she had nothing to do with those deaths.” Iva didn’t want to go through this talk, but no more secrets and she is an open book. “However, I couldn’t deny my feelings towards this. I would rather not lose anyone just because she wanted to remain unchanged.  I have a strong aversion to hunters,  but she...did not have the voice of someone that does it by will or choice. She’s stuck like that until someone changes her or one time she fails and the one that changed her might be the worst fate.  If she said something else, something different and obvious,  I would have..I w-would have. ” Iva’s voice broke, and suddenly she quickly broke into sobs and  covered her face.  “I had almost let myself go too far. Because, I want to protect what is good here and to me. I’m starting to think I’m too dangerous to love things. . .to care. . .I . .”

Burgundy listened carefully as their discomfort rose. But when Iva began to breakdown, the issues around turning the Monster Slayer moved to the background for him. He dug through his bag and took out one of his million packs of tissues. Burg slid the tissues across the table to Iva and leaned forward to speak.

“There’s tissues in front of you … Iva, I have no idea how dangerous you are but Arsling is still walking as far as we both know. It doesn’t matter how capable of harm you are. I can’t assume what you’ve been through or done in the past but you’ve proven to me that you’re capable of showing restraint. You showed restraint.” Burg lowered their voice to avoid the attention of the waitstaff.

But the waitstaff comes anyway with their order and silently sets the drinks and pizza down. They hurry away to give the booth their privacy back.

Iva managed to keep herself from saying anymore on the matter, just long enough for her to cry it out. She took some tissues to dry her face. “I...I...did...I feel like I’m always in danger most of the time. That’s why I act the way I did. I wanted to make a sound judgement, but sometimes logic like to tell me the faster way to handle things. Faster isn't always the right thing to do.” She took a deep breath, “Sorry, you had to see me like that. The hunter, the SGA, and lots of other problems cropping up, it’s been one big torrent on me.  Sure, I can keep a strong front and stay strong, and do the right thing. A lot of times...I worried whether or not I'm cut out to do this. I really want to be SGA to make things good and safe for the students, and promote good causes.” Iva kept her voice low but enough for Burg, “Things might be a bit more complicated. . . I was threatened by an unknown faction at the job fair, after going out of my way to protect a student they dragged over to a pretty shady table. I do know they had a marking that I have seen on my opponent in the SGA.”

Iva looked at the book, “I don’t know full details, and I plan on investigating. What I do know is this. I learned they might be targeting certain people using certain things, so I would recommend you don’t show that book to just anyone.”

Burgundy nodded and followed Iva’s gaze to the book. They tuck it away in their bag immediately. Then, their gaze lifts to Iva still covered in concern and empathy for their friend.

“Iva, I spent a whole week breaking down over the amount of stress all this is causing. I begged the water spirits to give me new abilities to defend myself with. Hell, I didn’t eat or even go to work. You crying for less than a couple minutes is totally okay. If you wanna cry again, I’m not too far, okay? Do you want a hug or a shoulder pat?” They offer a small smile towards the end.

Iva looked back at Burg finally after a last wipe of the tissue. She seems like she regained some of her usual composure, but there was a softness that few have seen saved for Didi and the one sitting with her, “Thanks, but I will offer the same to you when you're down and under stress but for now, a hug would be nice, for both of us. Looks like you need it as much as me. ”  A gentle smile flashed on her face.

Burg slid out of their booth and, in a smooth motion, slid into Iva’s seat. They instantly wrapped her in a warm hug filled with the love that fuels their side of the friendship. Burg grinned out of the realization they finally got their hug with Iva for the day. It’s clear that this embrace would last for as long as Iva is willing.

“If you are free the next couple hours … maaaybe we could do something fun? Like just something for you, that you’ve been wanting to do for a while? Maybe skinny dipping in Hellfire’s pool, or sneaking into a terrible movie, whatever you want. We can finish our food up here and do whatever you want,” Burg suggests.

Iva relaxed completely in the hug and joined with snaking an arm around Burg during the hug. The hug was against Iva’s cooler skin, and she can feel the love along with it. It was this...this is why she’s doing what she decided to do. Her concerns, anger, and darkness with her was a small price to pay with the gentle friendship she has earned with the few like Burg. There was no way this could be broken.

However, a particular naughtly snake had revealed itself among her neatly done dreads. Iva almost voiced out ‘Luci’, but before she could breathe a word, the snake was gone.

She was worried that someone spotted the snake. Seeing that no one screamed, Iva sighed, mostly in relief, and loosen her end of the hug, looking at Burg,  “Thanks Burgundy, I actually. . .I have a pretty free schedule today. “ She thought about surfing like she used to and what she wanted to tell Burg about, but realizing that it's still March, she decided against it. “Honestly, I really can’t think of anything right now. Also, I kinda neglect ya and I feel bad for not keeping in touch like a good friend. How about you pick the first little activity this time? My treat and I’ll decide something afterwards.”

Burgundy doesn’t think much of the sigh or even notice the unnatural movement amongst Iva’s dreads. They were just happy to be wrapped up in a hug. Burg’s arms lingered around Iva for a little longer before they slowly withdrew from the hug. Almost as if reluctant to completely give up being so close to her, Burg stayed in the same side of the booth as they replied.

“I’m now realizing jumping right into water is a terrible idea since we just came from the salon,” Burg said with a chuckle as they rested an elbow on the table. “You know what? I have been missing the retro arcade up the street. What do you say? Dance Dance Revolution? Pac-Man?”

“I thought about the ocean too, but then thought about  a certain someone who would have our hides and ears talked off until they literally squirm off our faces, ” Iva said with an impish smile, “I guess we’ll have to go to the arcade to drive us away from our original temptation. I wonder if someone is going to get all personal about me destroying their Dance Dance Rev hi-score? We can find out once we finish eating! ”

Iva finally helped herself to the personal pizza in which the steaming with a strong incense of plum tomato, basil and strong glob of mozzarella. It was a little pricer than usual cheese pizza but less powdered cheese, so Iva was pretty appreciative that something like this was on the menu. She always preferred a lot of natural foods that she knows. She was always the one who brought basic ingredients and teamed up with Didi to bring meals into their room. She thinks fondly of the times that Burg reminded her about not to waste food, which was annoying at first, given Iva’s emotional state at the time. Eventually, as their relationship improved,they made it a natural schedule to try to use everything they brought down to a system. Even the bones can be turned into a good stock and then recycled into something useful.

Iva returned from that montage of flashbacks to find that her pizza was properly devoured by her and was emptying the glass of unsweetened tea that she put little sugar in.

Burgundy laughed at the idea of being lectured at again by their stylist. It’s one of the few confrontations in their life that they’re okay with leading to arguments because it is coming from a place of care. Plus, Iva would probably be there suffering the same fate.

“As long as I don’t trip and the machine isn’t broken, I’m happy,” Burg replied.

Burg steals a longing but quick look at Iva before they scoot out of her side of the booth to return to their own. Some of that was mild envy. Though things are surprisingly more financially comfortable, their habits are still ingrained in the They opt for the cheapest thing without many options to think about sustainability in between jobs and that bled into the order of plain slices of pizza and a glass of water. Or maybe Burgundy’s look meant something more about how they felt about Iva.

After five or so minutes, the visit to the arcade had begun. The place had a good share between retro games, which Iva were more familiar with, then a few of the popular ones, including Time Crisis and of course Dance Dance Revolution.  Iva was good with rhythm games, unsure whether she can credit it to her own snake senses. It was the first new genre of games that she was attracted to since coming to the states.

“Before we tire ourselves out on DDR, want to try something classic and simple to warm up?” Iva asked.

Burgundy was ready to race to the DDR machine and stopped in their tracks at Iva’s question. “Fiiine,” they said in an exaggerated manner out of jest. “But only if I get to pick the first song.”

“You can have the first two songs, promise.”  Iva smiled.

They didn’t really take long to warm up. A few of the classics like Outrun and 1942 were something of a short lasting love. They were games that can be jumped into and out very quickly. Both decided against any fighting game because they didn’t want to take too long before finally going into the DDR game.

The first song Burgundy chose was Beautiful Monster by NeYo. “Oh hey, I used to listen to this all the time when I was little!” they exclaimed excitedly without recognizing the potential subtext of the choice.

In their excitement they chose the expert level, way beyond Burgundy’s capabilities. Despite the fumbling, Burg seemed to have a good time while they breathlessly sang along and attempted to keep up with the floating steps on screen.

Of course, Iva was deep into doing the steps exactly to the beat of the music, and expert mode was not an issue. It was as if she was in a wonderful blissful trance as she sang bits of the backup bridge.  The message in Iva’s body language was simply that Burg can sing all they want while she took the score higher.

Burgundy held the front door open for Iva by leaning against it. In their arms was their coat and a reusable water bottle they chugged the majority of down. Burg’s top was unbuttoned down to the center of their torso and they are still panting.

“You absolutely demolished me … but this was super fun … Before we continue on our ‘Day of Fun’, NeYo reminded me that I have one last serious thing to share.” Despite what was said, Burg was smiling and their tone still lighthearted like they’re excited to share whatever this is.

“Okay, I’m curious.” She chuckled, blissfully winded from trying to get the perfect combo on DDR. This was the age of better mood and forgotten troubles, so she opened ear, “I wonder  what it is and if it’s something I would share.”

As the two walked towards Burgundy’s car, Burg lowered their voice to share. “I am an amalgamation of the fauna of the cove here at nightfalls and sworn to protect it by the water spirits you’ve seen me pray to.”

Burgundy was quiet but pretty casual with sharing this info with Iva. He unlocked the car and entered the drivers seat for furthered privacy of their conversation.

Iva nodded as she opened the door of the passenger's side and let herself inside. There was no surprise or any hint of dismay in her voice. She let her get cozy in the seat, with a lot of questions, good hearted ones, but the first of those questions would have to be...

“That’s amazing...I have questions but first what if I were to say that I’m a descendant of a greek primordial sea god and sea monster who was cursed with selectively fun hair with a hissy fit and a look that could kill.” The same casual aura was around Iva as she looked at Burg, gauging whether or not they think she’s joking.

There was a glimmer of awe and wonder in Burgundy’s eyes as they met Iva’s gaze. Their tone was more gentle, carried some humor, but revealed that this is serious to Burg. “I would say that as my position as *basically* a knight to these water spirits, it would make you foreign royalty. And thus I’d be obligated to offer subservience to you. Where would you like to go next m’lady?”

“Oh dear, no m’lady required and just be a good friend like you alway have. Honestly, I still don’t know much about my actual connection to the sea from my ancestors and I always was curious about it. For now,  the most I have to endure is my snakes in my head and a unique body.” Iva responded quickly, with such an adorable sheepish splutter that might have hinted that she might have actually blushed. “For now, how about we check out that new accessories and jewelry shop further down. I heard that it had some good clips and loc jewelry that I have been looking to browse though.”

Burgundy chuckled lightly as their offer of the ‘royal treatment’ was refused. Their gaze lingered on Iva for the second time today for a beat too long. Then they turned towards the wheel to start the car to their next stop.

At the small jewelry shop Burgundy was overwhelmed for two reasons. First, being the amount of choice they were surrounded by. Despite every day wearing yellow gold in large amounts - they were almost all gifts. The second source of discomfort is their stance on ethical consumption but they’d (at the very least) be supporting a small local business. Burgundy has been just hovering around Iva and keeping conversation going since they entered the store.

A lot of the pieces in the shop were unique and individually crafted. The work lacked the strong consistency normally presented from anything made by a company or factory, and elevated the fact that they were pieces from actual craftsperson. A notable factor of the shop was there was a donation bin and an offer to store discounts for large discarded scraps situated next to an obvious workshop further back from the opened door. Looking at the donation bin alone made Iva realize that she could give something from broken pieces in her jewelry box.

“I knew there was something I forgot and one of the owners told me they were accepting scraps..” Iva looked embarrassed before looking at Burgundy, “The owner here actually reforges a lot of things from discarded items. They did a few videos and live streams on these newer pieces, from how to turn a vase into marbled glass beads to separated broken figurine into tabs of separate metals  but there are an assortment of basic standard accessories as well.”

Burgundy clocked the embarrassment but didn’t say anything. Unfortunately they wore their acknowledgment on their sleeve in the form of a confused expression. But that’s quickly warped into surprise from the info Iva shared about the store.

“Oh wow, that’s so cool … I feel like I’m always missing stuff that happens because I’m never online.” Burgundy smiled and finally started to look around.

“When I was on the island, I was pretty closed off. The surfing was good and naturally local shops were nice, but hard on someone who lives there compared to a tourist.  When the internet came to our home, I was always looking for new ways to handle things...in a healthy way, of course. Honestly, the idea of processed dinners still is uncomfortable to me since I came to the states.”  The place had limited stock of things but they looked like they were made with such care. Iva browsed through the assortment of loc ornaments, packaged in pairs or fours, “Strangely, my hissy friends like having stuff like this as long as I don’t put them on too tight. However, those loc balls that people like to put on the ends are out of the question. ” Iva spoke casually, but quietly as she picked out a piece with three gold-plated rings and glass spiral, “Hmm…”

Burgundy listened carefully as they looked through some simple gold cuffs. “I haven’t put stuff like this in my hair in a while. I did for a bit but then I lost a bunch when I first started teaching. Not fun to find them scattered in the locker room or the bottom of the pool,” Burgundy said with a chuckle as they referenced their job as a swim instructor.

“It couldn’t hurt to have a few pieces while hanging out or during those quiet moments, even for busy bodies like us.” Iva would find a gold cord loc wrap with dangling laurel ornaments of gold and red stone that Iva could not recognize. It was pretty, but she was unsure about it.  “So maybe something that you can tighten or take off to throw in a bag?” Iva looked at some of the bendable, slip resistant, loc bands, “How about these?” She pulls off a bag of the assorted gold loc bands with simple patterns with minimum gemstone detailing. They had little nips to stay on the dreads without tearing.

“Yeah you’re right. Now that I’m a *Hellfire* I’d probably have more occasions to dress up for,” Burgundy said as they wandered back to Iva’s side. They smiled at the sight of the loc bands. They were perfect to their style, but Burg tried to tone down their awe. “Those are really cool. You should get them, they’d look great on you.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you joined Hellfire! Well in that case.” Iva smiled before, grabbing some a set of dangling rose quartz beads, shaped like water lotus, loc ornaments with gold rings she was eying for some time. She had caught a glimpse of a bun cage used for when she tied up her dreads in an overhead bun and grabbed it before going to the counter. The transaction was made quickly.

Iva had returned to Burgundy with her purchases, and handed her the set of gold bands along with the set of rose quartz loc ornaments. “Well, since there is a specific color with Hellfires, It’s good to have a nice little pretty symbol of membership that won't be so overembellished. I won’t take no for an answer.”

Burgundy looked genuinely surprised at the sudden gifts and grinned. When Burg became a Hellfire one of their first worries was finding something pink that suited them. They accepted the set and carefully placed them in a small compartment inside of their backpack. “Thank you so much! I genuinely appreciate this. Can I give you a hug?”

“Yes, but only if you do one thing. Wait here” Iva walked off to buy two more things and returned with a few decorated loc ornaments in her hand. Suddenly, she dragged Burgundy off to a side of the shop’s counter where a chair and a nice ordinated mirror. Of course, there was a written notice on the side in permanent marker, “For purchases only!” The gorgon was pretty sure there was a CCTV nearby just in case that rule was ignored.

Iva had motioned Burgundy to set down, took the backpack and took the loc ornaments before they could even protest. Iva wasn’t having any of it.

A few moments later…

“What do you think? Should pink flowers be lower? I think I evened it out enough.”

Iva had stepped back to allow Burgundy to look at themselves.

Burgundy finally peeled their eyes off of Iva and looked at themselves in the mirror. They are silent for a moment but wearing a big dorky smile. They shift their long locs around a bit before speaking up.

“Yeah, I think I’m into this … it’s been a minute since I’ve really done anything to switch up my appearance. I’m sure Lezly and Selene would be thrilled,” they said with a chuckle.

“Sometimes, a tiny change is what’s needed to keep going. I’m sure they will love it” Iva said with a content look, while blindy hooking a two-part piece of loc jewelry to her dreads. There were two gold main bands connected by a chain, which were meant to be attached to the dreads on the front and back. The decorative chain connecting them dangling around her crown with various shapes of gold, green and blue stone trinkets.

“Of course, this piece is not for everyday, it almost looks too noble or regal.” Iva laughed, while taking the large decoration off and settling for the small blue and green jewel and gold metal loc wraps that remained on her dreads.

“Perfect for photo shoots or events, but not for every day. You could pull it off if you really wanted to …,” Burgundy said while joining Iva’s laughter. They keep their gaze in the mirror, looking themselves over.

“Would it be bad if I got a Twitly just for myself? I used to help Just- my ex with their photos and everything and now I have a lot of ‘thirst traps’ of myself just sitting on my computer. If I had one right now I’d actually take a picture of us.”

“I don’t see the harm in getting one. I’ll admit I really don’t use mine as much as I save for organizing events and studying groups. You can just get one to express wonderful moments like this if you want or check up on everyone you’re close to. If you plan on getting one, how about we take the picture on my phone and I’ll transfer it to you to post?.”

“Yeah! I’d like that! Uhm we could …,” Burg paused to get out of the chair and move it slightly so there was more space for Iva to be next to them. “Mirror selfie? And then you could email it to me. Or even DM it to my Twitly- we’ll figure it out.” It’s clear they’re pretty excited about this.

“Sure. Call it a Twity warming gift, however that works!” Iva answered gleefully as she scooted into the corner of the chair that Burgundy opened up for her. With her phone, they posed into various mirror selfies. She handled the phone and allowed Burgundy to get any kind of selfie she wanted to put on her Twity.

Now back in the car, and driving the car out of the parking lot, Burgundy spoke up. “Okay we’ve- well *you* have spent a decent amount of money, so how about we consider something basically free? We could go to my place at Hellfire and just hang out? I could get a movie going on a laptop or even just a tour?”

“Sure, we can swing by and hang out for a little while. I’m on call this evening, so I might get called back in case someone decides to get kicked in the head during a rager. Though honestly, I hope that doesn’t happen today. I had enough emergencies for one week.”

“I see, yeah if we’re not going to be there for long it’s probably not worth it. I have to call ahead and then sign in all my guests because of the security precautions,” Burgundy said with a dreamy smile in just pure awe of their new housing situation. “Is there somewhere closer to campus you’d rather go to?”

“I’ll visit Hellfire another time, promise. For now, how about we head over to the Student Union building. I think SGA is doing another movie night in the theatre section. At least, we won’t have to throw a keg to get a peaceful movie going, not if I have something to say about it.”

Burgundy laughed at the mention of the keg. It sounded totally random to her why someone would do it - another moment they’ve failed to hear about because of their digital disconnect.

“Alright, free movie on campus, let’s go!” Burgundy said with a grin as they redirected their route to go straight to MHU.

The theatre was filled with weekenders of the campus. Some were coupled up in groups, some kept to themselves. Iva found a spot towards the middle of the theatre for the two to sit. The feature was basically a dramatic comedy based off a TV series trying to make the box office. It’s been weeks since it premiered.  There was already a bunch of murmurs from other moviegoers, about the selection and how this was the best they could get at short notice.

Burgundy managed to snag a bag of popcorn on their way to the two’s seats. They prepped themselves with extra napkins because their supply of tissues ran low. Burg wasn’t anticipating having so many people cry this month.

As they settled in they smiled dumbly at Iva for an awkward amount of time before speaking up. “Thanks for agreeing to spend the day with me. This was really fun.”

“I should be thankful to you, for being with me.” Iva gave a rather gentle smile, “I really enjoyed today as well. I hope we have more days like this.”