2020-02-23 - Forced Reps, Flexion, and Frenemies

Today seems to be an upper arm day that finds Everett in the gymnasium, standing in front of the mirrored walls. Fully loaded dumbbells in each fist, he curls them up past the sweaty V in the front of his shirt while staring with glassy eyes into the mirror, exhaling out his mouth in this, the Temple of Muscle.

Kim slips into the gym. Her tiny form probably anathema to most in the gym. Her gaze settles on Everett and for a moment she is so very tempted to use her abilities to drop weights on his head. Only because he involved Grace in things. Still that moment passes as she really can't hurt another living thing. A veil thing maybe, and perhaps she thinks of Everett as a veil thing...at least in her darker moments. Kim just shakes her head and moves to where he is working out. Making her efforts clear to show her is there. "So are you okay to talk about other things? I am so very sorry about what I said with Kass present. I really hope we can talk things out."

Left arm rises and curls, bulging bicep, left arm slowly uncurls and comes down before the process repeats with the right arm. Up. Down, slowly, cautiously. It looks like he's even been at it for a while. She gets pretty close too before Everett notices. It isn't that she stands out, because she does and that's enough to draw some attention. It's because he's concentrating. On something real. Maintaining the muscles he already has.

When he does notice her, it's obvious. A double-take, and then he grins. Broadly and tooth-some. His loaded weights are put down before he pulls earbuds from his ears, under his long, loose hair. From them, someone gives a Death Growl. Surprise, he listens to heavy rock while working out. "Hey there, Dumpling. Here for a repeat?" Of course, he doesn't know the jig is up, "Gimme a sec, I'll get my chapstick from my backpack," though he makes no move to leave his spot. Or turn around. Addressing her reflection in the mirror.

Kim snorts at him "You better never call me dumpling again." she says folding her arms under her chest "A repeat of what? My saddest moment? Because I mean it when I say I am sorry. And I know the truth from someone I trust. So keep the Chapstick to yourself. Whatever you wish to imply just never happened. And I probably deserve the taunting. Grace-kanojo doesn't though so whatever your mind comes up with do. So doesn't involve her anymore. Shame and taunt me all you want. I have had worse." making no move to get in front of him or do anything than be sincere "So are you ready to serious for Grace's sake or would you rather just taunt me some more?"

"Aww," Everett snaps the fingers on his left hand when she says she's heard the truth from someone she trusts. "Nuts," he adds, turning around to address Kim finally. He doesn't find it any less entertaining, wiping his forearm across his forehead to wipe sweat. "Someone told, huh? That's unfortunate." He points a finger down at her, adding, "I had more too. Like how often you were talking about my dick. Like. An embarrassing amount of time," and to that, he looks serious. Looking behind him Everett takes a seat at a bench, now it's his turn to look up to her and frowns, canting his head softly and shaking his head.

"I haven't done anything to Grace." Everett points between himself and Kim, "I was just teasing YOU a little bit because you got so drunk, I was pretty sure you didn't or wouldn't remember that whole night. This was between you and me, had nothing to do with Grace." His hands turn, palms up, a defensive gesture, "It's just a little teasing. But since you mentioned her, Kass hasn't spoken to me since that night. I didn't even think it could have been something you did." He then shrugs.

Kim just looks at him not moving her arms "Unfortunate? No, no this is my fault." when he mentions how much she may have talked about his penis her cheeks go red "I...I don't remember that. Only that I meant to apologize for calling you small. It was the best insult I could come with and I don't want to know about your size. Because...you know what you don't want to hear about that. On that subject I an sure."
She snorts to his reply "Do you really think she wouldn't show me your text?" she sighs to calm herself down "Yeah I got very drunk and I said things I didn't mean. Because the memory of you hurting her was so fresh in my mind. Truly I remember very little from that night. Look I know Grace has mixed feelings about you. Because of what you did to her friends. I'd even be willing to accept if she wanted to be with both of us. Still that isn't her is it?" again Kim sighs "Alright I can accept teasing." at his last words she just blinks "If I caused a rift between you and Kass...sorry doesn't even make up for it. You say it is nothing I did...but if I can I will make things right."

"Kim." Everett says the word and leaves a pause. "Calling me small doesn't matter; you didn't do it out of malicious. At least," he considers, "it didn't seem to me that you were. What you said was funny. It was a joke. I laughed. There's nothing to apologize over." Shaking his head, his long free hair sways, "It's the reason why I thought I could tease you back. Which text, Kim?" Everett says softly, "The one where I was asking her to come to get her drunk girlfriend because she was talking about my penis, excessively and loudly, in front of me, someone I was dating, and two strangers. At length, if you'll excuse the pun. I think, all things considered, I was very." He pauses and purses his lips with thought of the right word. "Tactful."

"Did she show you the other texts? The ones that came before that," his turns inquisitively. He waves a hand dismissively, "I said I don't know if that's it. Kass is very. Uh. Busy woman, I guess. I sent her some things on Valentine's day, with a poem to call me and I haven't heard anything back. So I'm not saying it's you. It could be me. It could be something else. Don't jump the gun."

Patting the bench, an invitation for Kim to sit down, Everett stands. Even with one of them, it wouldn't be much of a seat. He walks to his backpack nearby, the one he's always wearing over his shoulder and unzips one of the side pouches and pulls out his smartphone, exchanging them for his wireless earbuds, and walks back, unlocking his phone, scrolling, and then handing the slim device over to Kim. As for Grace, he has yet to add anything.

Kim sighs deeply "I was only trying to quip back at being called small. Sure I know I am tiny." she blinks at his words "You think it was funny? At the time I only meant to protect Hera from you. I take my friends very seriously." at the question of which text she shrugs "With hearts for her and her girlfriends soft lips." when she explains further her blush deepens "I never meant that if I was sober. Truly in my mind the only thing I meant was to apologize. I see it came out as something different. So I probably deserved worse for my comments...I remember so very little from that night."
"She hasn't and that doesn't matter to me. If she wants you and me then I accept it. I have been with poly people before and it never bothered me. Grace has said she doesn't want that. But I am okay with it. So that is why I am trying so hard to apologize and get to know you. Maybe her feelings aren't clear, but if she cares about in the least then perhaps you are someone worth knowing." at the subject of Kass she shakes her head "The person I trust said I should get to know her...and their comments on you well I think it's based off of you armor. The part of you want to keep hidden. Maybe I'm wrong but I think you and I have more things in common than either of us are willing to admit."
Kim does take a seat and giving the tiny hacker free access to a smartphone maybe not the best of ideas. She will look over little detail of the device.

12/25/19 18:00:59 (TXT to Grace) Everett: thank you. i don't know what to get you. i have ideas, but they're nothing like these.

01/14/20 15:42:47 (TXT to Everett) Grace: Hi! Sorry for being AWOL. But I'm at the gallery if you want to check it out. Otherwise, I'll see you later some time. 🙂
01/14/20 15:58:18 (TXT to Grace) Everett: the gallery huh? is that the one with that red headed lady that likes to fling shoes at people? that art gallery? 😃
01/14/20 18:27:26 (TXT to Grace) Everett: NOW where are you? I don't see anyone at that lady's place.
01/14/20 18:30:11 (TXT to Everett) Grace: Not telling.
01/14/20 18:30:27 (TXT to Grace) Everett: aww, why not, babe?
01/14/20 18:37:50 (TXT to Everett) Grace: You know why.
01/14/20 20:47:25 (TXT to Grace) Everett: ❤️

02/04/20 14:50:15 (TXT to Everett) Grace: Hi? Seems you ghosted me after I got mad at you? 😕
02/04/20 14:58:17 (TXT to Grace) Everett: shouldn't i've?
02/04/20 15:00:06 (TXT to Everett) Grace: fine! Have fun.
02/04/20 15:01:07 (TXT to Grace) Everett: i don't know what you want from me; so i gave you space. is that not what you wanted?
02/04/20 16:19:21 (TXT to Grace) Everett: i didn't ghost; i was here the whole time. i answered everything you asked me to. but i gave you space and in that space you found something else and. i'm happy for you. sad for us, but happy for you.
02/04/20 16:40:20 (TXT to Everett) Grace: Last time I talked to you I got upset and then nothing from you. and I have been wanting to talk to you about it.
02/04/20 16:49:02 (TXT to Grace) Everett: you know where i live. you know my number. if you ever want to talk to me about anything, you know how to wrestle me to the ground and make me listen.
02/04/20 16:50:51 (TXT to Everett) Grace: you're just naughty.
02/04/20 16:56:00 (TXT to Grace) Everett: am i?

02/13/20 22:23:40 (TXT to Grace) Everett: hey come get your drunk gf 😉

02/19/20 17:43:42 (TXT to Grace) Everett: ❤️s for you, and your gf 'hot lips' for me

Canting his head, Everett sais with a sincere tone, "Is being called small a trigger for you? 'Cuz you are." He holds up a hand to the top of his head while he stands there, and hovers the hand over her. A primitive way to compare the near foot and a half size difference. "Because," he adds, with a smile, dropping his hand, "I don't think there's anything wrong with being small. I have a friend that's about your size too, I like her size very much."

"Yeah," he smiles with a hint of humor, "you don't say. They're lucky to have you. You're like a little, sorry. What I mean is, you're loyal. That's good quality." Everett interlaces his fingers and shrugs, "I'll have to surmise that Hera's girlfriend's lips are soft. I've never been curious enough to wonder how Jessica's lips are, but I know some people I could ask."

Then Everett gets introspective, silent, and once again, skipping over Grace. More on that later, saying only directly, "I think. You shouldn't have to settle, Kim. I think however you fit on the sexuality scale that if you find someone that loves you, and you love them back, that you shouldn't have to play second fiddle." As an aside, he adds, "I don't even know how that works," making rude, suggestive hand gestures, "Would you do her, then she does him, then he you. Or is it like a timeshare deal where half the week she's yours, the other half she's someone else's? It sounds complicated. Aren't relationships complicated enough?" Everett shrugs a large right shoulder while he shifts his weight to his right leg.

"Mm," he agrees, nodding briefly, "I'm sure we do. We both like women. and talking about my, what'd you call it, wee-wee?" He opens his eyes and hands. A second and then he's smiling again, another tease. "I'm not sure what armor you mean. I'm an open book and anyone that claims I'm just a big cuddly teddy bear is a dirty liar."

Then the topic he's been putting off. "Look. I'll be honest. From her texts," he nods at the phone, "because that's the last conversation she and I had, it seemed pretty clear to me. She was upset with the way I was teasing her friends -- I think that was before you.; mostly Hera. And she was so upset, she got herself a girlfriend. As far as I can tell, that's a pretty clear message, that's why I don't have any animosity towards you at all. She made her choice before you were even in the picture."

Kim looks over all the texts and really it doesn't surprise her at all. Glancing back up to Everett "No being called small isn't a trigger. Being called smaller than someone's penis is. I know I am small. It's genetics and I can't help it." she shrugs. "There is phrase I like to repeat to myself, dynamite of any size is dangerous. I am truly not until it my friends are threatened then I will move heaven and earth to protect them." she tries to explain her reasoning.
She looks curiously up at the giant "I'm truly surprised you noticed. That in of it's self means I've missed judged you. The fact you checked in on Hera after she changed should have clued me in. You know I've never thought about Jessica's lips. She was so clearly into Hera that it never occurred to me to hit on her. And before Jessica my flirting just went over Hera's head."
%Introspective Ev isn't something she could have even imagined. "It isn't settling. I know some people can be in love with more than one person. In my eyes it isn't second fiddle but feeling for more than one. I can't say I could ever feel the same way, but I can accept it in others. Maybe it's my habit of seeing the best in others...perhaps that doesn't make any sense. I love people for who they are and if they love others then that is okay. I am used to people who are not interested in my body but my mind." she admits since they are being honest with each other. "If they are sexually attracted to others then that is fine."
Kim nods to his comments "Yes we both like women. Eh pretty sure by what I remember I called it Pee-pee." at first not realizing he is joking but at the smile she gets it "Really bullshit. Before I came here I wore the armor of a Pansexual. Even knowing I wasn't and was really only into other women. I think you wear it with your butt against glass to keep from others knowing you aren't as bad as think you are. I know what I threatened before and in part there is some truth. If you have a shady past I can erase it from files. Giving you a fresh start. As fair as records go you could be anyone you want to be. I owe you that much from my words." there is no trace of humor, she is being very serious.
Of course she knows about the last few texts "It was Hera. I didn't think you pressed your ass against the window for me. You didn't even know who I was. I still think she cares about you. Maybe in a different way now. Look I love my Grace-kanojo. She is everything I know I don't deserve. I still think she cares about you. Maybe not in the way I expect, but it is there. I am no fool."

"Well, to be fair," Everett starts, overturning a hand, to get his smartphone back, "I have a really," wide eyes, "HUGE pee-pee, so you aren't that small." As though to pantomime a demonstration, he bends down and touches his ankle. Past his sock and his shorts. Clearly, more joking on his part. Standing up again, he cants his head and shakes it, "You shouldn't put yourself down, Kim. There are a lot of people in the world who'll be more than happy to do that for you. I know. I'm full of... let's say surprises. You know what they say about judging a book by its cover. And I'm glad Jessica's found someone too. I remember she was pretty mopy that she was having trouble finding someone to love, and maybe if Hera's happy, she'll throw less high heels at my head."

"You know what you're looking for. And that's great. Me? I'm looking for the one to grow old with. The one to have kids with. The one to have the white picket fence with." He shrugs a shoulder, "You know, The One. And I don't think that my One would go out and get herself a girlfriend just because I made her upset with me because I clowning around. Get? Find? Maybe he lucky enough to secure? The point is, I don't see a future there, but it's a conversation that Grace and I should have if that's something she wants." He pauses, covering his mouth and looking like he has more, serious, to say, but is refraining.

"Ah, Kim. If only you knew. A little over a year ago, I was doing some pretty bad stuff. If not for the love of a woman, I'd probably still be doing them. But she was there for me, taught me a few things. More than a few things. When she died I thought I would too." He clears his throat, and looks away, around, making sure they aren't being overheard. "Somedays I still do. Look," he wipes the air with his empty hand, "You don't owe me an apology. We were all just joking around; that's what friends do, right? Even Glowbug."

Kim rolls her eyes "Yeah even if you do it doesn't impress me." glancing down at his gesture, before giggling "Seriously it was the worst insult I could think of for a man." she just shrugs again "It isn't putting myself down. I know my limits and what people expect from me. Still you aren't the first to say things like that. Yeah I know all about judging a book by it's cover. I never knew her before she was with Hera. And no one will tell me about the shoe incident."
Kim gives a serious look over Everett "I don't think there is anyone left to leave out a 50's fantasy. Still there is probably someone out there for you. I don't think there is anything like the One. Unless you are Neo." sure she isn't a total dork. "I do think you and Grace-kanojo should have a serious talk. Maybe it wouldn't be good, but I think it should happen. I love her so very much and only want her to be happy. I can't speak for her and I won't dare to. And don't take this the wrong way but I am willing to share her love. If it makes her happy." truly she doesn't look bothered by this line of thought at all. "I would just need your word that you'd never play with her emotions again. If you can't give that then you should just forget her."
"Look Everett I have had many friends who where on the wrong side of the law at some point. I erased it. It never happened in the eyes of computer systems. If you've made mistakes then they are key strokes away from just not existing. No matter your reasons for stopping we all deserve another chance...she died? Oh Everett I am so sorry." Kim looks like she truly means it. Being overheard, well almost no one believes her skills with technology to begin with. "I do owe you a apology. Because I misjudged you, because you do care about Grace-kanojo and Hera. And friends..." she pauses before extending her hand towards him "Then friends it is. If you want my skills they are there."

"As far as insults go, it's not bad," Everett smiles and nods. "Some guys put a lot of ego into their wee-wees." Yeah, he's having a lot of fun saying that word. Wee-wee. "It is a bit. You have a fine body, Kim. People are into you to score, not to get SAT scores. Ok?" Everett winks.

Lifting his head, Everett combs the fingers of his right hand through his hair to pull the strands over his shoulders again while he gazes up and smiles, "The Shoe Incident. That's nice. Good name for a band. Anyways; Grace and I were practicing wrestling at the Kelly gym. Well," his green eyes roll, his smile widens, "Grace was practicing. I was getting frisky. You know how it is, closely pressed together, rubbin' all up on each other. Hera comes in with her dog. I didn't know Hans was a boy dog, and I thought I was being funny when I asked who's the bitch, and her owner."
Everett pauses for Kim's reaction while he, himself, looks sheepish. "I mean. I thought it was clear I was talking about dog first, Hera second," he says, using his hands to signify the two differences, "Bbbuut, Hera didn't hear it that way. Off came the shoe, and you know the rest. I think she might have thought we were wrestling for real too." Shrug.

"I dunno. I hope there's more than one person for me, otherwise, I've missed my chance." The supposed chance to being compared to Neo, Everett murmurs, "I dunno, let's see." Suddenly, he looks unconvincingly surprised, and glancing deeper into the gym, "Woah. I know Kung Fu." Then he pauses before looking back down, "How's that?"
He shrugs, "I guess. She and I will have that talk sooner or later. And I want her to be happy too. And you too. Without me in that," he swirls his hand around, "I dunno; mess? You two are happy. Why risk ruining it? Ya know?" He frowns softly, and shakes his head, "I'm not sure how I was messing with her emotions. But I think we agree, we both want Grace to be happy."

He looks down at the small offered hand before taking it and pumping twice, his squeeze gentle like he's afraid he'll break her, "Thank you and don't sweat it, Kim. You don't go through life, looking like I do, without being misjudged from time to time. And thank you; if I have need of those kinds of skills, and in my old life, we did, then I'll know who to call. Some stuff isn't on computers though, and some stuff doesn't have a statute of limitations if you know what I mean."

"Well I know so few insults for men. My friends in Portland always said I went too far." Kim says before shrugging. "You aren't the first guy to say I have one. Still there is zero interest in what they think. Except for my beard and I was his for our families. But seriously you don't even want to know my SAT score." she winks back at him.
She listens to him "Sure I know all about bodies being pressed together. And about how seriously Grace takes wrestling. And I...oh again that isn't something you probably want to know about." she digests what she thinks is a joke. Even still she believes the best out of anyone "Well I don't think it's funny. I can still look at being someone's bitch, and sure I know it's the name for female dog. Oh so Hera throw her shoe at you? I can see her doing that. I've come to accept my friend has a temper that I don't have."
"There is always another chance. I truly believe that. If not I wouldn't be standing here with you but in prison." as to why she doesn't say anymore. She laughs at him knowing Kung-Fu going with her geeky humor. "I thought about taking it up but it would be way too stereotypical. And also take time away from my girl. Oh my girl is my rig. But sure downloading Kung Fu is cool and also you know Chinese. You do know I'm not Chinese right?" she winks at him, but she never expects anyone to know the difference between Asian ancestry. Things get more serious "Then we both want her to be happy. That means more to me than anything else." before giving out another sigh "Sure we are both happy together. If she wants to be with as well then I can't help but think it would make her even happier. Again I don't know that for sure what she has said about you is complicated. As I was with Mac. I made my choose...and I don't look it as ruining anything. If being with both us will make her happier than I support it. If you are looking for a threesome that will not happen. She said you hurt her emotionally. And didn't go into details and I didn't want to push. Course we both want Grace to be happy."
Kim accepts the gentle shake and probably at his full strength he would hurt her "Okay statue of limitations is nothing. Maybe you didn't get my meaning so I'll make it more clear. I wasn't lying about having a way into the State and even Federal law enforcement systems. I designed their defenses and know all the ways around them. Even with mistakes trying to detain someone with system back-ups just doesn't happen. They assume a error was made since after I delete info there is no proof. It isn't something I do often anymore. But I still keep my skills sharp because without my company wouldn't be nearly as powerful as they are. Maybe you don't believe me either, but all past sins just wiped away. What you do after I probably wouldn't interfere."

Whew, that's a lot of information to process. And Everett smiles, ever broader while it keeps going. Eventually saying, "Man. You sure do know Park. I thought she talked like she just took speed with an intravenous of Redbull chaser, but wow. That's a lot to process. Let's see if I can highlight the important stuff." He starts counting off on his fingers, "Grace and I should talk, totally agree, and if the two of us can find out what I did to hurt her, and we get back together, I shouldn't expect threesomes." That's the left thumb. "Not that I was," Everett says, "I'm sure you'd destroy me."

Forefinger, "You're hecka smart. Which is great, and I had no doubts. I figured you would be. To that end, I believe you when you say you can hack it out and help me with law enforcement stuff. But that's not exactly my problem. Not yet anyway."

He lifts his middle finger, "It's a good thing I'm a thug and not a comedian. People own dogs, dogs don't own people." He shrugs dismissively, "Meh. Bad joke, I got what I had coming to me. I'm not holding a grudge or nothing."

Then his ring finger, "I didn't know you weren't Chinese. I didn't know what ethnicity you are, but it doesn't matter to me. I judge a person on their actions, not the color of their skin. But I wouldn't mind learning more. Like, who is Mac?"

The last finger and then he looks down at his open palm. Then over to Kim. "Uh. Well. I'll think of something."

Kim blushes at being compared to Park "Yeah I know Mee very well. She reminds me of who I once was. Something I am rediscovering here. And even without the comparison you can always just say Kim shut up." she listens to his recap "Yep you and Grace do need to. Maybe it's a lot to expect things can work out as we are both loyal to each other. I'd still hate for her to miss out on something, because she saw something in you at one point. I could watch but I'll not be involved in any intimate actions between you two. Really you won't want me to be. Male anatomy just makes me sick...nothing against men. It just isn't who I am."
"Okay so that isn't your issue. Just offering in case because you know talking the statue of limitations and all."
Another finger and she is still listening before speaking "With our conversation I really don't think you are thug. I think you are protector."
Ring finger makes her laugh "I'm a Japanese-American. And as to who MactheKnife is. She is streamer and owner of a local game shop. Showing me a love of retro gaming and just being a dear friend. Once I hoped for more but that just isn't her." The last finger well he doesn't really say much "I am sure you will think of something."

Rather than the truth, Everett smiles, "Yeah, what she saw in me dangles from my lap to my thigh," then waves his paw in the air dismissively. "She and I'll figure something out. Don't worry about it. I just don't see there being a future in it." Shifting his weight to his other foot, he crosses his arms over his barrel chest and then he smiles, "There isn't anything wrong with liking what you like. For what it's worth, I feel the same way. I can't look down in the shower without retching. But I understand where you're coming from. Some guys would figure being in that kind of. I dunno, is that even a triangle? That sort of relationship would be he'd get a crack at 'em both. But I'm not like most guys. I guess."

"Me? Naw," he smiles jokingly again and jabs his sternum with his thumb, "I'm no protector. Don't ruin my rep. Mac the Knife, I haven't heard of her. Is that the comic store? The one with the black cat with long ear fur? That's a nice cat."

Kim snorts "Yeah I bet it does. Grace isn't the type to just be into that." a serious talk deflected by bravo "Maybe there isn't a future in a triad. All either of us want is her happy. No matter the cost to me." she admits feeling no reason to be anything other than honest. "Well at least I know you aren't into other guys. If you were I could maybe ask you to be my beard. Because my parents will be pissed when I bring Grace home for the holidays. Like I said a triad...geez it's like you never heard of poly relationship before. But in this case it could be more of a V. Eh like two different people having a relationship with one person." she clarifies not like these things aren't very complicated.
Giving Everett a close look over "I'll never even whisper my thoughts to anyone else. Maybe I am completely off base there." before she shakes her head "Not the comic store. The Control Pad. A actual brick and mortar store. And really have you never watched a Twitch stream? Mac is fairly famous, I mean a medium sized streamer and all around great woman."

It's slow. The grin that spreads on his lips. But deeply amused. "That's funny, no, I've never been in one. I'm more of a monogamous guy. Usually. Is that what isn't called? And here you are, an Asian, saying its a triad. Oh man," he tilts his head up to scratch his chin while thinking aloud, "I could get me one of them arm sleeve things they have. And cut off my finger anytime I fail the triad. Hm. On second thought," His eyes open, and suddenly, pointing in the air with the hand that was under his chin, "I know! I could cut off a segment of my wee-wee. Hm, but then that segment would just grow into a new one, and slither around." The same finger he pointed in the air he wiggles between them, like a worm. Or a snake.

"I wouldn't mind lying to your parents if you want. But I don't think you would want that, because I'd totally sell it." He pauses for a second to smile broadly, toothfully, "Dumpling. The whole package; pulling out chairs, opening doors, holding hands, whispering sweet nothings, stealing kisses when someone is watching." The pink tip of his tongue sticks between his teeth, his smile couldn't be wider. Is he planning on deceiving her parents, or is he teasing her, knowing her feelings.

"I'm a terrible person, Kim. I swear. It's just that sometimes I have my moments, and become a decent person from time to time. That's what Noel did."

Kim shrugs her shoulders "Well it's usually just called being mono in the context of the LGBTQIA+. Which is just short for monogamous. For myself I am mono as well with being open to a partner no being that way." at the Asian comment she rolls her eyes "Triad in that context is Chinese. If I said a Yakuza relationship that would be more on point. But that has no meaning." shaking her head again she isn't exactly proud of her heritage but knows when people get it wrong. "Again Chinese and I have nothing against them but it doesn't fit. As far as I know cutting off a finger only comes from failure, but that knowledge is only from anime so I don't know how true that is." she sticks her tongue out "I don't even want to think about your Pee-pee growing something new or slithering around."
"I am tired of lying to them. Giving them false hope I'll come home with a nice Japanese boy and give them more grandchildren. My elder sister should be than enough. I am sure you wou..." that is until he say dumpling, and she gags putting her hand up to mouth to keeping things down. After a little while having her stomach back under control "I did ask you to never say that to me again. Joking or not. I really need to be true to who I am. And I should tell my Grace-kanojo what to expect." ignoring other implications of his maybe jest.
She gives him another look over "If you were a terrible person you wouldn't give a damn about Grace or my feelings for her. So I don't believe you. Somewhere deep down you care about others. Maybe you keep it hidden from even yourself but I believe in you. Because again it's just my nature. But eh who is Noel? Is it like a Christmas thing?"

"That's a lot of letters. So, when I say I'm coming down with a burning case of mono, I'm speaking the lingo. Good to know," then he uses his fingers, "Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer? But what are the last ones? Those are new." He smirks a little, crossing his thick arms over his chest again. "I didn't used to have mono," that sentence is found pleasing when he smiles to himself. "Then I did, with her. Came here, and was that way again for a while. Now, I guess I'm not so much anymore. Old habits. Old, slutty habits, I guess. I know I'd rather have burning mono. Dan Savage says its harder. Less natural." He shrugs a shoulder, "I figure it's just a commitment thing. With my whole 1950's fantasy you mentioned."

When Kim points out the Asian gang nomenclature difference, Everett nods his head, "Oh yeah. Sorry, you all look alike to me," and then he's looking at her, wide eyed, brows up, and grinning. "Kidding. So no Yakuza'ing it up with Grace and I, huh? Not really a shame, Yakuza'ing doesn't exactly flow off the tongue, does it? And if you don't want to think about slithering penii. Penises? Pee-pees, then don't Google Detachable Penis. You've been forewarned," A thick forefinger is shook at her.

He has a small measure of schadenfreude at Kim trying to keep her meal down at his word usage, and he's a sadistic bastard sometimes, "If not that word, how about Spicy California Roll? But no, you shouldn't lie to your parents. I will," he says, and a lot of his advice he's given is advice he's not, or would not follow, "but you shouldn't. Not about this. It's a core of who you are. And if they can't understand that and love you for who you are. Then. Fuck 'em. There's a lot of people here in town that'll gladly be your family. Yeah?"

"No, though that's what the name means. Noel was the name of the woman I. God. I probably would have married. She's the one that wanted to come here," he points down to the ground, "start the whole 'making kids happy' thing." Everett makes a face, "Kids. Gross. But, uh. You know. Like I said already -- then she died." Everett draws quiet, for a moment before he noisily clears his throat, "Ah-hem. Um. Not to be an ass while we're having this heart-to-heart or anything, but if I don't go back to working out, I'm going to lose all my gains. So? Is that it?"

Kim shakes her head again "Yeah sure you could say that." at the question she speaks up "Inter sexed and Asexual, the plus is for others which include poly-amorous." yeah big city girl throwing her words around. "Well at least you found that with her." thinking he means Grace. Before deciding to tease him "Men can't be sluts. They are just man-whores...sorry that was too easy." sighs at the mention of Dan Savage "Savage love doesn't even begin to cover some things. I wouldn't say mono is less natural, just that if you truly love someone you want them to be very happy."

She pretends to give a deep glare at his joke, before she bursts out in laughter "So then you know how I look at all you white people. I mean you are all from Norway right?" putting her hands to her side as she laughs. Subsiding as Ev goes on "In all seriousness if Grace only wanted to be with both of us at the same time. I'd try. I don't think that is her at all. Still for her I'd do anything. And yeah Yakuza'ing just doesn't roll off of anyone's tongue. They would cut it off...maybe if my waifus haven't lied to me. Oh you mean the Ramones Detachable Penis? I actually love that song. Anything else I know my way around search engines."

Having herself back under control she answers "Really you won't go with fatty tuna? Geez you missed out on good humor there. No I am done lying about who I am and who I want to be with. I love my parents but they need to accept me. They have in other things and I can't just say fuck them. My whole family I care about and my elder brother is the only one who could accept me. Still I need to try with them. Zoiya was very right. My only true family in town is when I ask Grace to marry me...and I shouldn't have said that." she truly doesn't want Everett to feel bad about talking with Grace "Just ignore that."

And in some way she is still very much like Park. As he talks about his dead love she goes to tightly hug him. "Everett I had no idea and I am sorry for even bring it up. You deserved that future you had in mind." if permitted the hug she breaks it after her last words "Yeah that is it. I'll leave you to your workout. I have said what I wanted to and you have said your peace. What comes next will just come." Kim will wait for any reply before heading out of the gym.

Smiling, Everett's glad he can get a little friendly racist, and have it returned. "Somewhere like that, probably," he admits with a soft nod of his head. He makes a noncommittal coy smile at the mention of a threesome, opens his mouth to add to the smile, and for the umpteenth time, shrugs instead of vocalizing his uncertainty.

"Spicy California roll was the first thing that came to mind. Besides, implying you're fat wouldn't exactly be fair, now would it?" He nods after his rhetorical question, "Good. Bring Grace home, with a wedding ring, and an adopted baby or seven. Blow their minds," he says with a wink, then traces a line across his lips, "Ignore what?" Playing dumb, it's his specialty.

When Kim gets up from the bench and gives him a hug, its a one-arm hug she receives in return, still gentle, and quick. He is a gross sweaty boy after all. "Don't worry about it. It happened a long time ago," months. "It's the first time I said her name out loud, in all that time." Nodding, Everett gives Kim a wave goodbye, then looks around for his dumbbells before dropping his phone and picking them up again, and kneeling over the same bench Kim had just vacated. He restarts his routine, only getting two pulls in before glancing in the direction she left in, and then shakes his head softly, making his hair curtain around his head. He started thinking. About things, he swore he wouldn't. A lump rose in his throat, and he realized why. Putting the equipment down again, Everett got his earbuds back out, turned his music back on, just in time to hear the end of the death growl before slotting them in his ears.

There.
All better.