Another Year To Come (Carter)

[Aryana Darcy]

The day started as any other, with Rya waking up her mother to ensure she had gotten up and showered before the Hydrokinetic had to take her into work at 9 and then going about her own morning routine as per usual. However, the date read March 12, and throughout it all she had been thinking of him.

Last year's plans for his birthday had gone to complete shit after she gave him his gift - five years of withheld gifts, actually. It wasn't something she wished to repeat, and normally she would have avoided it all together, but it was Carter they were talking about.

If she learned anything from it all, it would be that avoiding him never went on for long. And frankly, it just wasn't worth it.

So Rya pulled her phone from her bag on the table and searched through the contacts.

To: Blondie
Is it just me, or does it seem like you're officially older today?

With a quick send, her phone was back in her pocket and she was yelling out across the apartment for her mother to hurry up, even though they had another 30 minutes before they had to leave.

[Carter Chevalier]

Carter made no plans to see his parents for his birthday. Everyone always said that twenty-one was some kind of milestone, but he showed no interest in a notion like that. His birthday was similar to every other day, except that he shared it. Seven minutes of distance from the slightly younger twin. Poorly made coffee in their usual shop, cigarettes on the table. Dom looked at them anxiously, like he couldn't wait for his brother to join him. He might need to step out, soon.

The phone adjacent to them lit up, and it dragged both sets of blue eyes to it before Carter retrieved it. Whatever joke Dom made in that moment was waved off with a smirk and a shift of his hand.

He read her message, unable to keep the grin off his face. Surely Dominique would notice the change in his expression. Surely he'd ask about it, but perhaps the reasoning was clear. As of late, he'd been as distant as his brother had been when it came to allotted time together.

[Rya: I'm always far above my years, cher.]

[Aryana Darcy]

The Hydrokinetic didn't have to wait long for the Chevalier to reply, and in that moment she had to wonder exactly where he might have been. Rya knew, wherever he may be, it had to be with his brother. She wasn't exactly aware of their current situation and standing with one another, but it was their birthday. If he wasn't, she would be shocked. Genuinely.

To: Blondie
Old

Her finger tapped the button just as the sound of her mother's voice tore her attention from the screen, "Why in gods name were you yelling?" The Hydrokinetic noted the water dripping onto the wooden floors and pulled it towards her as she stood, messing with the suspended droplets as her mouth pulled into a grin.

"You were taking too damn long."

"It's been ten bloody minutes."

"Ten bloody minutes too long," The woman, clearly annoyed, retreated back into the confines of her room, and Rya simply disposed of the water droplets in the sink before returning to the phone in her hand.

To: Blondie
Wish Dom a happy birthday for me. As for you, I'd much rather do it in person.

[Carter Chevalier]

Carter exhaled a breath of laughter at her initial response. A single word, and oh how fitting it was for her to say that. A spare glance to Dominique across the table; if anyone would be feeling old, it would be him. After all, he was still stuck in a high school. After this year, if he failed, he likely wouldn't be allowed to go back. These last three months were a make or break type deal.

Dom played it cool. His face was beautifully stonewalled, just as it was every other day. If he was nervous, he wasn't letting it show.

[Rya: I will. I'm sure he'll appreciate the thought.]
[Rya: As for you and I, I'd be happy to meet you whenever the time is right.]

[Aryana Darcy]

Rya wouldn't have much time remaining before she would have to put down the phone entirely, as she herself had a shift until late that night. Her mother was allowing her use of the car for the day. Of course, that was only until she could afford a car of her own, which wouldn't be long at that point.

To: Blondie
Give me a time and date, and I'll be there.

The hydrokinetic was well aware today was Carter's and Dom's day to enjoy between brothers. She wasn't always concerning herself with the affairs of the two men, but she was aware Dom still was at Hammel and Carter was not, a set up that most definitely could have caused a strain on their relationship.

[Carter Chevalier]

Carter had considered what he might do for the rest of the afternoon and the night. He had to assume it would dwindle down the way every other birthday would, with the large exception that now the boys could legally step into any establishment and drink. They didn't need fabricated identification or anything of the like. They mightn't even spend most of their time to each other.

[Rya: It all depends; are you free for the weekend?]

After all, for all the time they spoke, Carter still knew so little of her schedule. She was obviously engrossed in college, too, and as such it made it difficult to find a fair amount of free time, especially now.

[Rya: Did you have anything particular in mind?]

[Aryana Darcy]

To: Blondie
I am. Saturday, your place? We'll figure out something then.

There had been very small window of time that Rya was alone in her home, and much like they had stated for her own birthday, it was hard for them to be alone when her mother could come at any time. He wasn't a man to show to your parents, especially her own. Humbled like her own self, her mother more than likely would not approve of the overspent exuberance that Carter seemed to eminate. Carter had this interesting affect on her, and their personalities clashed in ways that seemed to work for both of them, but there was a difference in perception that made Rya and her mother entirely different.

However, her mother was up and about, ready to go and was now rushing her out of spite for what she had said before. She sent one text before locking the door behind her, her mother already yelling to hurry her ass up so she wouldn't be late, despite the fact that she had half an hour to get there. A light smile formed on her lips as she made a quick text to the birthday boy.

To: Blondie
I have to go, though. Work tonight until late. Text you after.

[Carter Chevalier]

Saturday at his place. Immediately, Carter wondered if they'd ever leave his place if they started there. Whatever it was that they might figure out, he had absolutely no clue. His usual point of call was to invite her into his bedroom; that was, if they could make it that far.

[Rya: I'm sure we can find something.]

Half joking, half not. After all, there was always part of him that was willing.

But before he could think of anything else to say, she was quick to snap his attention up again. Dom rose from his seat, snagging the pack of cigarettes between them. Carter exhaled a heavy sigh, slowly drawing himself to his feet.

[Rya: Message me when you've finished work.]

Was that a strange thing to ask? To expect?

Probably not.