2019-09-23 - Time for Talking

When Dahlia said she was quitting cold turkey, she meant it. And she hated it. HATED. IT. She'd never felt so miserable before in her life. It was like, the symptoms had sort of crept up on her. She wasn't an every day user so it had taken a long few days. But now...now it was here. And it was terrible. She had told Justin she'd be staying with Declan during this whole ordeal and wanted him to be there too. When he could, to help her through. Because he was her best friend. Between him and Declan....things had to work. Right? Totally not how Dahlia had wanted their first meeting to go but, such was life.

Dahlia was laying in the bed, halfheartedly reading something on her phone and checking the time. Justin would be there soon hopefully. He was going to bring some of her things over. Specifically her sewing things so she'd have something constructive to do when she was feeling like she could do more than just stare at a TV or sleep, or try not to vomit. She had asked for a small fan to be set up because she constantly felt overheated. And when Justin coming over - she wanted some kind of decency - though he probably wouldn't care. So it was the shortest pair of shorts she could find and a sports bra and the little fan pointed at her at full blast.

The front door is open, and Declan sits on the sofa. The house has been converted to an open concept flat. Only the laundry room and bathrooms have their own rooms. The bed is in a back corner, and sectioned off by a dresser and a half-wall. There's not much of a woman's touch around the place, but it's clear there's a personal touch. Someone cares about this place. The kitchen has a bar and stools, no kitchen table, and the living area rests between the kitchen and bed. Eyes on his phone, Declan smokes from a vape pen while they... wait. For Justin. For symptoms. For anything, really. It's been a pretty shit day, but he's prepared. In silence, he waits. There's not much else to do, but he listens carefully. If she needs him - Declan's there.

Justin arrives when he said that he would. He'd texted Dahlia to let her know that he was on his way and was bringing the things that she'd asked for. He'd packed them up neatly in a plastic bin with handles so that it was easy enough to carry. He pulls up outside in his nondescript little grey four door sedan and grabs the bin out of the back. He also brought her some of her mail that had arrived at the house, and a couple of other little personal things, all tucked neatly away. He knocks twice on the door to let folks know that he's there before he opens it up and says, "Heya. It's Justin."

Dahlia perks up a little when she hears the knock on the door. She looks like hell, sort of. Exhausted, a thin sheen of sweat, hair unbrushed for a couple days at least. But when Justin comes in the door she musters up a smile. "Hey you." Her throat is a little dry so she grabs her bottle of water and takes a small sip so it's easier to talk. "Like santa on Christmas morning." Nodding to the bin he carries. Her gaze travels over to Declan then. "..Justin...this is Declan. Declan, this is Justin." Obviously, since he'd just said his name himself.

Declan puts down his phone when he hears the knock. He's wearing jeans and a nice shirt, a departure from athletic shorts and the white t that's he's worn for... hours. Company makes all the difference in the world. Seeing Justin, he smiles and takes a few steps forward, to the door. "Hey. Declan. Good to put a name to a face. Here... I'll take that. You go see your friend." He moves to take the tote and will move it where it needs to be, towards the bed, so that Justin can see his bestie. Declan doesn't get in the way, as much as he can help it. Handshakes or hugs can come later.

Justin smiles as he sees Declan and hand osver the bin to him when he comes to take it. He's dressed in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, a dark blue, and a pair of comfortable running shoes. "Hey," he says, "Nice to finally get a chance to meet you. I've heard nothing but good things from Dahl." He does head over to Dahlia then, grinning at her, "Hey beautiful." He makes his way over to the bed and leans down to wrap her up in a hug, but not too long because he can tell she's overheated. He brushes a few strands of hair from her cheek gently and says, "Always doing it the hard way," sitting down on the bed next to her. "How are you holding up? Need anything? I brought a few things but wasn't sure what else you might want."

Dahlia watched the pair for a moment as they exchange introductions. "Sweet talker." She muttered as she returned the hug - though it was limper than she normally might give. "It's good to see you. How's things been at the house?" She asks, shifting a little as if to make room. Though the bed is big enough that she really doesn't need to. She carefully relaxes against the headboard. Everything aches - but at least the fan feels nice. "I wouldn't be me...if I didn't do things the difficult way, yeah?" A wry, fleeting smile. "I'm...I've been better. But Declan's been great. And...I'm gonna get through it. I know I will." She gave Justin's hand a little squeeze. "I'm sure what you brought'll be perfect. Not like I'll be doing a whole lot in the near future."

"Likewise." Declan's hand are rough, the shake firm, but his smile is warm and reaches his eyes. "Same, man. I'll grab you a glass of water in a second. Anything you see, anything, help yourself." He nods. "You're as good as family, here." As promised, he takes Justin's stuff and moves it over towards the bed. Some of it is taken elsewhere, where Dahlia has moved around to when restless. Quiet, he doesn't stop Justin from his true purpose, and he doesn't interrupt their conversation. No need. Instead, he busies himself with placing things where Dahlia might enjoy them... later. He does smile at a few things said, though. Especially when Dahlia says she'll make it through. Declan almost says something, but ends up shaking his head and grinning. Why interrupt friends? There's no reason. No reason at all, so... he doesn't.

"Things are good. Stefano's got some clients, so he's been working. Caleb is behaving himself. He misses you, though. He goes up to your door every so often and snuffles at it and then barks, as though asking where you are," Justin chuckles. "He likes to know where all his people are." He then smiles wryly and says, "Well, we wouldn't want you to not be you, now would we?" He then glances over toward Declan and says to Dahlia, "Yeah, somehow I knew he would be." He gives her knee a pat and then says to Declan, "I'm really glad that she has you. Thanks, for being there through this. And thanks for making me feel welcome, too. I really appreciate it." His smile is warm, genuine, and heartfelt.

Dahlia looks a little amused about Caleb. "Of course he does. Well, you let him know I'll see him soon. Maybe when I'm feeling better, and if Declan doesn't mind. He can come for a visit." Because even though Dahlia isn't a pet person- she is fond of the puppy with giant paws. Her gaze follows Declan some though, seeing where he places things and smiling a little. "I'm gals I have him too." She motioned Declan over, totally still feeling like she doesn't deserve him but she's been trying not keep those thoughts close to the surface. . "Come sit with us." She pats the spot next to her.

"No problem," Declan replies to Justin. "I'll grab you something to drink. Food's a bit scarce. I don't want to upset her stomach. But there's nutella and toast. Energy bars... crackers." Declan smiles. "I can make something, if you want." Mentions of a pet are met with a shake of his head. "If a puppy makes you feel better? Sure. No issue with it." He walks over and leans against the bed, quiet for a moment. Up close, it's probably a little more clear how much stress he's under. There are bags under his eyes, shadows that aren't normally there. His smile, always practiced, is a little slower. No big deal. He has... a whole pot of coffee. A quarter of it is still sitting over there, waiting to be drunk.

Justin doesn't need to have any special abilities to read the strain that Declan is under. He's always been a little bit empathic, and that little added boost from his Glimmer only makes it that much easier. He shakes his head and says, "Just water is fine, really. You don't need to make anything for me. I just came to spend time with both of you, and get to meet you, and be here for Dahl." His smile is reassuring. While he's genuinely concerned for Dahlia, there's just an easygoing calm that seems to be Justin's default state of being. "Though nutella and toast is seriously temping," he chuckles. "I love that stuff."

Dahlia reaches up to give his hand a squeeze too. She hates seeing him like this, much the same way she's sure he hates seeing her like this. And knowing it's her fault. Hopefully it'll be over soon though. And they can try to normalize things. "He does make a pretty amazing nutella and toast." Dahlia said with the utmost seriousness and cracking a little smile. Then her hands both move to settle back in her lap. "You both are great I...I really appreciate you both."

"Yeah, water? I can do. And the nutella and toast are easy." Declan squeezes Dahlia's arm, then nods to Justin. "I'll be back. You two... yeah. You talk." He bends, kissing Dahlia's cheek, before moving off to the kitchen. The bread is drawn out first and popped in the toaster. Anything to feel useful. Besides, Justin is her bestie. It's a small house, but he pretends not to notice or hear. The bread is popped into the toaster before he moves for the pantry, busying himself. Idle hands are only trouble, after all.

"Yeah well, you're pretty great, too, so it seems that all is as it should be," Justin says to Dahlia with a grin. When Declan moves off to go get water and make toast, he watches the man go, studying him for a few moments. Then he says to Dahlia, "I also brought a copy of the one of the two scripts that mom sent by that I liked for you to take a look at. If you want to read it at some point. I told her I wasn't really into the other one, but that I was going to give this one to you to take a look at. She said to tell you hello. My dad says hi as well. I just told them you hadn't been feeling well. So they both sent their well wishes."

Dahlia watched Declan move off as well, lingering a moment before turning her attention back to Justin. "Oh?" Perking up a little again when he mentions the script. "That sounds good. What's it called?" Reading over a script would be neat. "Tell them I said hi when you talk to them next. What was the script you weren't in to?" She could feel a little bit of a headache coming on, but was trying to will it away.

Declan pretends not to hear, or really doesn't, while Justin talks about scripts. He moves over to the pantry and grabs the jar or nutella. Anything, literally anything, to feel useful. Anything! He pulls it out, grabs a knife, and flips it over in his hand while he waits for the toast to pop. Looking over at a wall, he continutes to wait. When it pops, he pulls the bread free and moves each slice onto a separate plate. The spread is moved, liberally, before he finishes. Eventually, he walks back over. Plates are extended. "Not much. But, it's nutella. I mean..." he grins. "Hard to go wrong." Dahlia's is set on the bedside table, unless she takes it.

"The other one was this kind of dark drama thing. The character she'd slotted out for me was kind of a dick, though, and I really just couldn't find any connection with him? Like.. he was just.. he kept making these really dumb decisions based on misunderstandings, where just asking a simple question would have prevented all the drama. And i get it, that would have made it a really short movie.. but.. ugh, it was just miserable," Justin says with a shake of his head. "This other one is called When the Night Bird Sings and is more of a suspense/thriller and the story's more interesting. So are the characters." When Declan returns with the toast, he smiles and takes the plate. "That smells amazing. And you absolutely cannot go wrong with nutella." He lifts a piece and takes a bite, sighing appreciatively. "I'm pretty sure I forgot breakfast this morning. Thanks."

Dahlia grimaced a little. "Ugh, yeah, that sounds kind of awful. But this thriller thing sounds really neat. I'm looking forward to reading through it." She rubbed at her temple lightly, but then did accept the plate from Declan. Maybe a little food would help. "Thanks, baby." She murmured, looking down at the toast - which really was delicious - and trying not to feel queasy. Ugh. Still, she breathed in and broke off a little piece. "He's always forgetting to eat." She mused and gave Justin a little nudge with her knee. Almost as if it was reflex. And instantly regretted in because that achy feeling flared right back up and sent her heart racing against for a couple seconds as she stuffed the piece of toast in her mouth to mask the expression.

"You really can't, man. Nutella? Amazing." Declan takes a bite of his, but quickly sets it down. Looking between them, he adds, "Yeah, no worries," before growing quiet. The discussion about the script isn't interrupted. Instead, he squeezes Dahlia's arm with a smile. When there's a pause, he says, "You're welcome. I'll go grab you an orange or grapes, if you want." Curiosity takes over, though, and soon he asks, "Why not make the character in the first self-absorbed? You could switch around the plot of it, showing him in a new light. Maybe he's on drugs, or just... busy." Declan shrugs. "I think a lot of people are really into characters who are flawed these days. But yeah," yeah, "I don't know a whole lot about movies. But that's what I'd do. Give him a big, lovable flaw. And go with it."

Justin smirks a little bit as Dahlia nudges him and says, "I get wrapped up in things sometimes and I forget. That's what I have you guys for." He grins over at her a little, "To remind me to come out of my office every once in a while and do people things, like eating, and walking the dog." He chuckles. Then he glances over toward Declan and says, "I mean, if it was my script and it was my movie, sure, I could change the character, but big studio productions? Sometimes they're more open to changes than others. Depends on the script. You're not wrong, though. In some cases I've seen that work, particularly with more Indie pics. This one, the Nightbird one, I think would be a little more flexible like that, and it's a more interesting story. Our characters would be trying to catch a killer called the Nightbird. I've already read the book so I know how it ends, but I won't spoil it for you." He then asks Declan, "So.. enough about us. Tell me something about you?"

Dahlia listened quietly, taking another bite of the toast before setting the plate down and shifting carefully to settle in and get more comfortable. She turns on her side so she can watch the men easier. She can feel her eyelids getting heavier. And she struggles to stay awake...and eventually fails. It wouldn't be long before they would notice she'd fallen into some kind of sleep again.

"Me? I'm a boring guy." Declan shrugs. "Let's see... bought this place three years ago. Put my heart into it. I really wanted an open concept. Lady who owned it before, she was older. It used to have a lot of separate rooms," the evidence might still be clear, "but I completely redid it. I really love it now, though." Looking around the home, Declan nods. It's not much to look at. Not really. But there are little touches. The half-wall. The painting. The floors, hardwood, which someone has clearly redone. The kitchen, front door, paint, ceiling, decor, bedr- "So anyway, yeah. Most of my days, I'm busting my hump either in a bar or restaurant, or the handyman thing. That's me. Not much to it, really. Just another workaholic." He glances down at the sleeping Dahlia. "What about you?" he turns to Justin and smiles. "She's told me... a lot about you. Shame, we met like this. Wish it'd been over drinks, at a pool. Maybe your pool. I've seen it, it's nice."

Justin notes that Dahlia has drifted off to sleep. His smile for her is fond, but his expression falls into something much more concerned now that she's not awake and watching him. With a little bit of a sigh, he turns his attention back to Declan then, to listen to him. His smile returns as he looks around the house and says, "I really like what you've done with it. It feels very much like a place that has evolved to become /your/ home." He smiles a little lopsidedly at the fellow workaholic and says, "Me?" Then he pauses when Declan says she's told him a lot about Justin and he chuckles, "Guess you already know about me. I'm a programmer at heart. It's the thing that I do that's mine. I started when I was a kid, and I developed some software through high school and into college that I used to create the infrastructure for what eventually became my company's main gaming platform. Built the company over time with some friends. Now, I run it, but what I really enjoy is doing the work, the actual design and development." He smiles wryly then and says, "I like the pool. It's one of the main reasons I got the place, since there aren't really any great beaches in the area. Eventually, I hope the place feels more like this." He nods to Declan's place. "It's starting to feel a bit more like home, because of the people in it. They're what makes it more than four walls. And yeah, maybe this isn't the ideal set of circumstances for a first meeting.. but it could be worse. There's toast. Toast is pretty good." He grins.

Declan listens, leaning, and nods to several things said. "I didn't realize it was for gaming. That's pretty cool. I don't have a lot of times for games myself..." there's not one console around, or a PC. A tablet is left out on the table, though. "Yeah, same. I like doing the work, not managing people. I have worked as a manager in the past," he shrugs. "Pay was better. Stress wasn't worth it." He looks around his own place again, then back. "Your home has that... stark rich person feel. No offense. But if you put some color on the walls and art, things that are important to you," he nods, "it will transform fast. Or keep it the way it is. That look is great for parties." He smiles. "There's toast," he agrees with a soft laugh. He takes a slice and bites into it. Crunch.

"Yeah, Lucidwave is a gaming company," Justin says and then nods. "Most of the people that I know and am friends with aren't actually into gaming, or game at all. Which I suppose is a little bit ironic." He shrugs his shoulders with a smile. "It's okay. I'm alright being the nerd." He pulls off another bit of toast and nods when Declan explains about managing. "Fortunately, I have a small group of people I have to manage, and I trust them. So that takes a lot off my shoulders." He smiles a bit wryly and says, "Yeah. It does. I like the house itself and the land and the pool and yard. I figure the inside, I can settle into over time -- start changing it up so that it isn't so.. catalog.. and more.. me." He grins, "Not that mind parties.. but I'd rather have it both feel like home and then have a party." He continues to munch through his toast. "You're always welcome there, too, you know. I want you to feel as comfortable there as I do here."

"I'd probably like games, I'm just too busy." Declan smiles and nods, taking another bite of toast while Justin talks. "Yeah, I bet it does. Not having to worry too much about what your team's doing, if people are keeping up," he shrugs, "that'd help a lot. But in the restaurant business, that'd never happen. Contracting, too. Half the people are on drugs or show up hungover. Hard life, hard living, I guess." He rubs his arm. "Cool. I hope it turns out great, whatever you end up going with." He tilts his head. "Yeah?" Declan looks away for a moment. "Thanks. That means a lot. I'm sure I'll swing by more. Can't beat the view, or the company."

Justin nods a bit about contacting and restaurant work. "The restaurant business is pretty rough all around. Can't imagine that contracting would be much easier. " He finishes off his piece of toast and sets the plate of to the side where it won't get knocked over. "Guess we'll see how it turns out once I've actually gotten started on the work. Maybe this winter when folks are looking for off season work would be a good time to start." He looks thoughtful as he sips his water. Then he smiles warmly and nods. "I like having people over and around. Part of the reason for the space. I had a loft in L.A., but once it was just me living in it, it got pretty empty feeling."

"Contracting's easier in a lot of ways, really. The hardest part is managing expectations, I guess, and sticker shock. But yeah, I love the work in both. I get to meet all sorts of different people, make them smile, hear their stories. And work with my hands. Watching a drink or project be appreciated is pretty much what I live for these days, I guess." Declan glances over at the sleeping Dahlia. "Until this one came along." He looks back at Justin. "Winter's a great time to start a project." He nods a few times. "Yeah, I bet. So... why the screenwriting? Just a hobby, or is that what you were trying to do out in L.A.? I think Dahlia told me, but I forgot."

"Yeah, I can see that. I love when we release a new expansion or improvements in the game and people really like it. I mean, sometimes they don't, but a lot of times they do, and that's really satisfying, seeing someone enjoy something you made," Justin nods in agreement, totally seeing that perspective. He smiles over in Dahlia's direction and says, "She's somethin' else. You're good for her." He then shakes his head, "I'm not a screenwriter." Then he smiles a little crookedly, "So.. my mom is an actress and my dad's a record producer. Growing up, I was pretty close with my dad. Mom wanted me to get into acting and modeling like she did. And I did, for a while, because I love my mom and she just really wanted to share her passions with me, have something we could do together. I kind of grew up in the spotlight since they were famous. It made me famous by proxy. And I kind of wanted something that was mine, you know? Something I built with my own hands. So my company is that. But the acting? That, I do for my mom. It makes her happy, and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't fun. But it's not my life's passion the way that it is hers."

"I hope I am," Declan says with a nod. "If I'm being honest... she's a mess. I am, too. For a long time, now. I've just figured how to clean it up. I hope she does, too." Declan takes a deep breath and rubs at his jaw while listening to the conversation. "Yeah, I understand." Declan doesn't, not really. He doesn't have parents who guided him towards anything like that... or did much good in his life at all. He hides it well behind a small smile. "It's tough escaping someone's shadow. Looks like you did it, though. It seems like most people never really try." His arms uncross. "I think everyone was just... surprised when I got a real job. My mom's out of the picture, my aunt raised me. She did the best she could. Sweet lady," he nods, "broke her back for my sister and I. I'm glad I got her genes."

"She is a mess," Justin says, "But she's a mess with a good heart who deserves another mess with a good heart, so that you can both be there for each other and work through it all together." He smiles a little bit. He tilts his head somewhat and says, "I find that surprising, I guess -- that people would be surprised by you getting a real job. Seems to me like you are constantly working hard at one thing or another, even multiple things at once." He's quiet then, nodding about Declan's aunt. "That's good that you guys have her. I didn't know that you had a sister. Does she live in town, too?"

"I didn't do well in school. My sister, yeah. I think she hurt my aunt pretty bad, growing up. It was... difficult. She was a single parent, and neither one of us were that easy. I think by the end, she was just hoping. But," he shrugs, "we made it through." Declan smiles. "And you're right. I've worked pretty hard since I was sixteen. But up until that point, I didn't do much of anything. Like I said, it got really hard when mom took off." He chuckles at the final question and shakes his head. "No. Not that I know of. She's more in and out. Last time we spoke, she said she'd moved down to L.A. and was waitressing. Let's hope she never makes it back up north. She makes this," he gestures vaguely, "look like a side act."

"Gonna be honest with you man, most folks don't do a lot before they're sixteen other than get in trouble," Justin grins. "I mean, I'm sure there are some industrious sixteen year olds out there. Hell, that Byron guy probably put on his first three-piece suit in middle school but.. I wouldn't feel too bad about having a non-productive highschool experience." He smiles a bit amusedly. He raises both brows as Declan describes his sister and says, "Yeah.. well, may she find her way in L.A. and not turn your life into a circus." He smiles a bit wryly, "L.A. can be such a mixed bag. Some of it's fantastic, and some of it is a disaster."

"Well, yeah. Of course. Nevermind, it's complicated and overwrought." Declan keeps smiling and shakes his head. Mentions of Byron earn a laugh. That sounds about right. "Trust me, she's probably on the side of disaster. No... definitely." Declan rolls his eyes. "And yeah, thanks. I hope she lands on her feet. Just... somewhere else." Siblings. "So, what about you? Any brothers or sisters?" Declan takes another bite of toast and chews quietly.

Justin shakes his head and says, "No, I'm an only child. Dahlia's kind of like the sister that I never had, you know? She's my best friend. Been there through the ups and downs, thick and thin, summers here, times down in L.A., now back here again. Even my folks ask about her all the time -- how she's doing, what she's up to. They consider her proxy-family." He grins. "My family life was always a little weird. Close in some ways, distant in others, but pretty good all around. I have some cousins that I keep in touch with, though."

Declan nods along, listening. "Sounds... nice. Sweet. Wholesome, except for, you know," Declan gestures vaguely again. He takes a big bite of toast and chews for awhile, thinking over what's been said. "I didn't realize you guys have known one another for so long." His attention turns to Dahlia. "I knew she loves you like family, though. She talks about you a lot. She's really excited for a shot to be in that movie you guys are working on." He grins. "I'm not sure how she's going to get out from under all this, though."

"Yeah, we met here when I was pretty young. My folks brought me up here every summer. They were friends with some of the Addingtons and liked the little small town summer vibe. So, we met when we were early teens. She dared me to steal a baseball cap off a bear at the Grizzly Den. I still have it." Justin grins a little bit. "So we met out here first, then hung out in L.A., and when her mother passed, I didn't want her staying in that trailer all by herself with just memories and her mom's stuff. So I kind of twisted her arm to come keep me company, since that house is way too big to live in alone." He smiles over at her fondly, some of that concern flickering back into his eyes. "She'll beat it. It's not going to be easy. She'll probably relapse, if we're going to be completely realistic here. But.. it's also not something she's been doing for her whole life. This is recent, and hasn't been going on long. She's got a strong chance of kicking it, but it's going to be work, and she's going to need support." He then turns to Declan and says, "What about /you/? How are you holding up? And.. is there anything I can do to help /you/ out?"

Declan listens to all of that, quiet, while Justin speaks. He smiles, attention still on Dahlia. "I'd like to see that ballcap, one day." He bites his lower lip. "You sound like a great friend, man. And... I'm not sure she will," relapse, "I know it sounds naive, but I think she's on an upswing. All this shit with Ruiz... and whatever dubious stuff she has going on, I think she's coming out of it. I think she's found some sturdy ground, some real support." Declan squeezes her foot. "I hope she gets passed it, though. Even if she does go back on it." He turns to Justin. "Me? I'm fine. Just tired. Worried. I'm not sure there's much to be done for me. I took the week off so that I can watch out for her." He pauses, scratches his arm, and shakes his head. "I guess there is one thing. Once she's passed the worst of it, I'm going to be pretty wiped. If you could hang with her, keep her away from the ex and the worst of her stress while I get shut eye, that'd be... great. Really great, actually."

"Sure. Next time you're over, I'll show you the cap," Justin grins a bit and stretches somewhat, one arm over his head and leaning and then the other before he settles a bit. "I like to hope for the best, and prepare for the worst, just so that way i'm ready in the event of complications. But if she can pull out of this completely on the first go, then that would be ideal, and I sure hope for it." He says, "And I can definitely come hang out with her and watch over her while you get some rest. Any time, even if you just want to catch a few hours of sleep. I work from home. I set my own hours. I can be here whenever, and just let you crash out for a while, you know."

"I hear you. I just really think she has a shot at it." He looks back down to Dahlia. "It's not bad planning. But when I think about it, she's got a good chance to do it in one." Declan breathes a sigh. "I mostly worry about when she goes back to work. If she'll be tempted." He nods a few times. "Thanks. I know I'm going to need rest after all this. She'll probably want a break from me and the place, too." He shakes his head. "It's going to be... yeah. I hope she doesn't get sick of me by the end of this." He breathes a heavy sigh and crosses his arms, mind turning to thought.

"I doubt that she'll want a break from you, or the place. But you will definitely need rest and I'm more than happy to help with that," Justin says, and thenhe smiles a bit. "Yeah, man, I don't think there's much of a chance of her getting sick of you. The way she talks about you?" He shakes his head, smiling and reaching over to give Declan's arm a pat. "You've got nothing to worry about there."

Declan seems a little surprised. "... really?" He blinks a few times, gaze focused entirely on Justin. There's a long pause while Declan studies him, and his composure eventually returns. "I'm not sure that's completely true, Justin. I know she likes me. I know she wants to try hard at... something. But, I also know it wasn't enough, and that eventually she'll need a break. I can't sit on my hands and do nothing, I just can't," thus, workaholic, "and that will annoy her. Pretty sure." He takes a deep breath. "But I hope you're right. I do. If she's cool just being here, hanging with me... yeah. I know I can get her what she needs." He breathes a sigh.

"Why do you think it wasn't enough?" Justin asks, studying Declan steadily now, his gaze flickering over the man's features, his expression serious, interested in hearing what the man has to say. He then says, "Not sure why your needing to keep busy would annoy her. She has her own projects that she works on, her own jobs, and if she wants to just chill while you work, she can always come and lounge by the pool for a while. I honestly don't think that's something that's going to be an issue." He says, "I think she'll be cool hanging here with you. Give it time. See how it goes. But I've got high hopes for you two."

Declan shrugs. "People turn to drugs because their lives are too stressful, or aren't interesting enough. I know she started to get someone to trust her. But... well. I just worry she didn't think we were enough. I don't know. I'm pretty stressed. Normally I'm not like this." Declan rubs his forehead and shakes his head back and forth. He takes another deep breath. "I think it might annoy her because I can't sit still. But yeah, it's just stress. And I might take you up on that." He smiles. "Hanging by the pool, I mean. Chilling. We should do it soon, before the weather turns and it gets too cold. Then again... there is a hot tub." He chuckles. "Loved it, the last time I was there."

"I think you're pretty stressed, man. You have a lot going on, and going through this with Dahl is tough, and you need some rest. I think she did it due to some pressure at work and she got caught up in it, made some bad decisions, and now we'll help her get out of them. But I really doubt that it had anything to do with you at all. You know she worries what you think as much as you worry what she does." Justin's smile is warm, gentle as he says to Declan. "Try and take it easy on yourself a bit. And definitely, come by and use the pool and the hot tub. We can all relax and it'll be a nice time." He smiles, "I'm glad you like it. I get tense when I get into the zone sometimes, and by the time I come out of the office my back is killing me. The hot tub does wonders."

"Yeah, yeah. I guess I am." Declan shrugs. He nods a few times, accepting Justin's answer with no further argument. "I wish she wouldn't. I like her the way she is, more or less. A wild fucking mess. I could do without the drugs, but. Everyone's got baggage. No one is scott free." He bites at his lip. "Yeah, I will. Take it easy, and hit that hot tub. That thing... you're right. Hit a spot I forgot I had. Anyway. Drink?" he smiles a bit. "While we wait for her to wake up. I have beer and wine. I can mix something for you, too. I have a pretty good stock."

"And she likes you the way that you are, but you're both in something new, and you're both going through those discovering-each-other days where you are still learning, and still worried about what the other thinks," Justin points out. He nods when a drink is offered and smiles, "Surprise me. No tequila. Beyond that.. whatever you feel like making."

"Yeah. Of course," Declan smiles and nods a few times. Of course. He knows all of this, but it's relaxing to hear someone else say it. Cracking his knuckles, Declan looks off to the kitchen. Making a drink will be a good distraction, though. He walks over and opens the freezer, grinning, already an idea in mind. "A total shot in the dark, here. But... I think you'll like it." As he grabs caramel and vanilla ice cream, Declan keeps talking, "You're with a guy named Stefano, right? He lives with you guys?" Scoop, scoop. In goes the ice cream. Next... a caramel liquor. "How long have you two been together?" Declan glances over his shoulder.

Justin pulls himself up from where he had been sitting and wanders to the kitchen, in part so that their continued conversation doesn't wake Dahlia. He leans up against the counter out of the way from where Declan is preparing the drink. He watches with curiosity as the ice cream comes out, looking intrigued, and probably like he'd just eat the ice cream on its own without the drink. He nods then when Declan asks about Stefano, "Yeah, we've been seeing each other for a few months now. He's a massage therapist from New York. We kind of ran into one another on the boardwalk one afternoon when he'd just gotten into town and hit it off pretty well." He smiles and then says, "He was renting a place month-to-month and hadn't found somewhere he liked yet. So I told him to stop paying so much rent, and come stay with us. He has his own room, like Dahlia, and he insists on paying rent, like Dahlia." He chuckles. "We figured, at least we could figure out if we could stand living in the same space together that way. Things seem to be going well."

In goes the vodka from the freezer. Glug, glug. It doesn't melt the ice cream... nice. Vanilla extract goes in next. Moving to the pantry, Declan grabs a small butterfinger bar and snaps it apart over the drink, letting it crumble down. There are a few stirs before, at long last, he adds cream and milk. It's a variation on sweet nuts. Just... with no nuts. Because Declan doesn't have any in his pantry. Har-har. He slides it over to Justin before answering. "Sounds like a pride thing. I admit, I'd pay rent, too, pretty much no matter what. It sounds ridiculous, I guess, but," Declan shrugs, "I think a lot of people don't like being in anyone's debt." He leans forward on the counter. "You seem like a sweet guy. So I made you a sweet drink. Trust me, it'll still get you buzzed. Your guy will probably like what it does to your ass, too." He's unable to contain a smirk.

Sleep was light. Bits and pieces of heard conversation drifting in and out of Dahlia's semi-conscious mind.The weight shifting on the bed is actually want causes Dahlia to finally flutter her eyes open. There'was an unintelligible sort of murmur from the woman, brain still a little foggy. But she slowly props herself up, taking stock of the two men, the drink, the ice cream. Oohh ice cream. It was cold. Cold was good. "There better be a cup of ice cream up there somewhere for me..." She starts attempting to get out of bed - even if it makes her dizzy. That's okay. She just wants to stand. Even if it's only for a few minutes.

Justin shakes his head, "It doesn't sound ridiculous at all. I get it. I mean, people want to have their independence and they want to contribute and pay their own way. Nobody wants to feel like they're receiving charity. Which makes sense, you know? But with Dahlia, she's family. It's only because it's important to her that I let her do it. Stefano's a little different. We're.. still figuring things out, and it's a little soon for the whole moving in together step. So this is kind of an.. intermediate step. Proximity without sharing a bedroom kind of thing. It seems to be working for us so far." He smiles and watches as the drink is completed. "Damn, that looks good." He lifts it and studies it for a moment, then he chuckles. "Are you telling me I have no ass?" He glances back and over his shoulder, as though he could see. He hears Dahlia stirring and he moves over toward her, offering her an arm. He doesn't tell her not to stand, but he makes sure she's steady enough while Declan mans the ice cream and liquor.

"Beauty awakens," Declan says with a small smile. "There sure can be. I'll get you some." Declan makes the same drink he made for Justin, but with less booze and more ice cream. It takes him about four minutes. As he works, he says, "How'd you sleep?" before moving on. "You're a lot more understanding than I'd have guessed. Anyway, it's a smart move. Giving one another space, moving slow, never the worst idea." He licks a spoon. "Oh, you've got ass. But this will give it that extra bounce. Bit more to grab. Doesn't look like you miss leg day very often - definitely a mistake, if you're asking me. If you ask me." Drink made, he turns and walks over. "Probably better that you don't, though."

Dahlia is normally a stubborn person - both men know this. However, she accepts Justin's offer for help, exhaling slowly. "Thanks hun." She murmurs and gives a fleeting little smile. There's a touch of a grimace before she lets Justin go so she can stretch. There's a moment of debate internally - as if she's also thinking an ice cold bath sounded nice, but then steeled her resolve and started making her way to the kitchen. Meeting Declan and accepting the cup, leaning against him for a moment. "All of you have nice asses." She took a small sip of the drink with a contented sigh.

Justin gives Dahlia a hand until she doesn't need it anymore, then he returns to his lean up against the counter with his glass in hand, taking a sip of his drink. "There's no rush, really. Neither of us is going anywhere any time soon. I just moved here and plan on staying. He's got clients and has found work. We have time to see where things go. And honestly, I'm good with that." He then laughs and says, "Yeah, I work out, and I run. Stefano doesn't seem to mind." He then says "Thank you, Dahlia. You have a fine ass, too." He gives her a little wink.

Declan wraps an arm around Dahlia's shoulders and kisses her head. The touch is brief, though, so that she can enjoy that drink. "That must be why she really likes us, Justin. She's an ass-woman." He chuckles a little, leans back, and crosses his arms over his chest. "Drink up. You'll need all those calories." He turns to Justin. "Good. I can't wait to meet him, too. You guys sound pretty chill." He makes a show of looking down at Dahlia's hips and legs. "Yeah, she does." Declan tries to contain a smile, but mostly fails.

There's a pleased little noise at the kiss to her head. Everything's achy but she enjoys the brief contact. Then she relaxes against the counter too, taking another sip. "This is delicious." Nodding a little in agreement with Declan. "Ass -woman, ab-woman. You guys just parade around naked for me and I'll be right as rain." A light teasing, then looking down at herself. Knowing full well she's lost enough weight that it's diminished her curves somewhat. "Mm, it'll look better soon. Especially if I keep drinking this kinda stuff."

"Well, once everyone's through this, and has had some rest, we'll all get together and do something. It'll be chill, relaxed," Justin says with a smile to Declan. Then he laughs at Dahlia and says, "You know, you keep saying that. It might just start happening." He sounds like he's teasing, though. He slowly nurses his drink, "Damn, this is good. I might need just one more before I go." He laughs.

Declan continues to smile and runs a hand over Dahlia's back, fingers scratching gently. "Parading naked sounds like a lot of work," Declan points out. "I'd be fine with lounging, though." He gently pats her hip. "One step at a time. But yeah, I did buy stuff with lots of calories, for when you're feeling up to eating. Comfort food." He shakes his head. "You'll walk out of here a week from now craving carbs and wanting to go for three-mile runs. I promise." He looks over to Justin. "Hey, I'm there. And yeah, sure. I can make you another. Give me just a minute." Declan goes to do that, but... he needs to get some more ice cream from the deep freezer. "Be right back." He smiles at them both before walking on.