Still, Will and Always

Chapter 17 : school project

After finishing our meal, we continued our search for local artists. As we roamed around, we unexpectedly stumbled upon Larky and Gavvy. Excitement filled the air as they informed us that they had found some artists. Marky, unable to contain his enthusiasm, grabbed my hand, and we ran towards them.

Upon seeing us, Gavvy swiftly snatched my hand, asserting his presence. The tension between them was palpable, as their eyes locked in a silent battle. Sensing the brewing conflict, I intervened and asked Gavvy, "So, who's the artist?"

Before Gavvy could respond, Larky interrupted and said, "Hey, Gavvy, let's grab a bite first. I'm starving after our search for artists." Gavvy agreed, and then turned to me, asking if I had eaten. I replied, "Oh, I already did. Marky even paid for me." Marky chimed in, teasingly saying, "Yeah, man, I paid for it because he's my date." Gavvy, clearly annoyed, retorted, "This guy is really getting on my nerves."

Realizing the tension between them, I stepped in, urging them to stop their bickering. I suggested, "Come on, you two, let's not fight. Gavvy, Larky, go get your food, and we can talk later once you're done." Gavvy left, clearly irritated, while Marky smirked, seemingly pleased with the outcome.

As they went to buy their food, I took a moment to reflect on the dynamics between Gavvy, Marky, Larky, and myself. It was clear that there was a complex dynamic at play, but I hoped that we could find a way to navigate it and maintain our friendship.

I turned to Marky, feeling a mix of frustration and concern. "Hey, enough with the games. This could end up in disaster or even chaos," I confronted him.

He smirked and replied, "I'm just being honest here. Besides, I'm your sugar daddy, right? So, what's the label between you and Gavvy? Hmmm?"

His words left me momentarily speechless as I realized that there was no label between Gavvy and me. We were just friends, nothing more. But then, Marky's mention of being a sugar daddy caught my attention. "What do you mean sugar daddy? I was just messing with you. I don't need a sugar daddy. In fact, I'm richer than you," I retorted.

Marky shrugged, undeterred. "So what? I can still be your daddy," he replied with a playful smirk. I couldn't help but giggle at his response and said, "Okay, then, Father, bathe me." We both burst into laughter, but as his gaze intensified, it suddenly hit me what I had just said. I quickly clarified that it was a joke and tried to change the subject.

Feeling a bit tired from standing, I suggested finding a place to sit. Marky nodded, and together we made our way to a nearby seating area. As we settled down, I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension about where our conversation was heading.

After waiting for a few minutes, I excused myself and went to the restroom. Marky wanted to accompany me, but I insisted on going alone. As I entered the restroom and began to relieve myself, I felt a sudden embrace from behind. Startled, I shook off the person and exclaimed, "Get off me! Can't you see I'm peeing? I know it's you, Gavvy."

He chuckled and asked, "Damn, how did you know it was me?" I replied, "I could feel your presence from a mile away." Gavvy playfully responded, "Oh, is that what they call wife instinct?" I retorted, "Who's your wife? Let me finish peeing, you idiot."

After washing my hands, Gavvy asked me about what had happened earlier. I explained, "Nothing much. Marky and I played the grand piano together, and he bought me a violin to play alongside him. He even treated me to a meal." Gavvy seemed intrigued and simply said, "Oh, really?"

We made our way back to where Marky was, only to find him surrounded by a crowd as he played the violin. Gavvy and I stood at a distance, watching him. As Marky caught sight of me, he stopped playing, and the crowd slowly dispersed. I approached him and said, "You know, you should have finished that song. We could have waited." Marky replied with a smile, "I'll always prioritize my sugar baby..."

Gavvy, clearly annoyed, interjected, "Sugar, WHAT NOW!?" I calmly intervened, "Come on, let's not tease Marky anymore, and Gavvy, calm down. Let's continue with the list of artists you've found. By the way, where is Larky?" Marky chimed in, "Yeah, Gavvy, where's Larky? Where's my twin?" Gavvy muttered something under his breath and headed back to where they had been eating.

Marky and I found a nearby chair and sat down. He turned to me, holding out the violin he had bought for me, and said, "Van, I really want you to have this. Please take it." I accepted the violin, a mix of curiosity and gratitude filling my heart. I couldn't help but ask, "Why did you buy this violin for me in the first place?" Marky began to answer, but our conversation was interrupted by Larky's voice of complaint.

I turned around to see Larky, her hands wrapped around Gavvy's arms, clearly displaying my jealousy. I was about to intervene when a group of people approached us, recognizing us from earlier when we played the violin and piano. They excitedly asked, "Hey, are you two the couple who played the violin and piano? You were amazing!" Gavvy overheard their comments and quickly pulled me out of the crowd, asserting, "Excuse me, but they're not a couple." The people seemed surprised and asked, "Oh, then are you two dating?" Marky joined in, teasingly adding, "Yeah, Gavvy, tell us, are you dating?"

Gavvy stood there, unable to respond, and the silence grew awkward. Sensing the tension, I spoke up, breaking the silence. "Come on now, I'm someone else's wife now. They're just my friends," I explained. The crowd persisted, asking, "Tell us, who is he? Please!" I smiled and replied, "Well, let's just call him Reed. Enough with the questions, because the four of us need to focus on our school project." With that, the crowd dispersed, and the four of us continued with our project.

As Gavvy continued with the list, he revealed the last artist's name, which left me in shock. It was Rayvyn. Gavvy explained, "Rayvyn was the last artist on the list. She's actually an author of some published books, and her latest work is called 'Unchanging Season of Love'." I couldn't help but react, "Oh, I know her! She goes by the name RJ, right?" Gavvy confirmed, "Yes, that's her. And you know what? Her latest book is actually based on us, haha." Surprised by this revelation, I responded, "Oh, so that's why there was a theater play, and my mother was involved. It all makes sense now, since she's a writer and needs inspiration."

Larky, who had been listening to our conversation, interrupted us, reminding us that it was a group project and not a partner assignment. We refocused on our project and spent the rest of the day discussing and deciding what to do for our school project.

(To be continued…)

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crdts 

gawin - u.e

Clint - I will keep my promise and put you in the credits on every chapter.

Blue - dude, let's drink after this.