The Cephalo Diaries 2018

THAT'S AMORE~!  

Well, it's not exactly how he wanted to get this day moving, but he was grateful nonetheless. Les hitched a ride to the park alongside Aurelio and his family. A food truck with refreshments for the band was something greatly needed on this hot day. Even though Aurelio's family sang the whole way there, it was still worth it to not lug the heavy bass the whole way there.  

"Alright! Here we are, mio amico! If you need anything at all, papa is sure to lend a hand!" Aurelio said quite cheerfully as he got the concession area set up.  

Les nodded his head towards them, and made his way off the truck. "Thanks, dudes! Enjoy the show." Now here he was, lakeside view, and awaiting his band of rapscallions to show up for this slamjamboree.

"IT'S THE DAY! THE TIME IS NIGH!" Paisley announced as she approached the meetup spot. "So, are we setting up or nah? Where's the stuff?" Paisley put her fists on her hips, though confusion was more riddled on her face than demand. 

Torch was in tow, carrying the younger cousin's guitar that was strapped to her back. Seems she was just tapping away on her phone. "Prolly with the rest of em. Since they're not here yet?" 

"oh." Paisley blinked, "good point!" and she skipped off, continuing to explore the area.

A van pulled up to the park and two of the squids from inside went out to then start opening the back and bringing out what seemed to be portable amps and also maybe a portable battery. Zak huffed out a bit while trying to carry the things out while Zaykin seemed to stare at him but wasn't planning on talking about how weaker he might have gotten and just went on to help out as Valerie soon came out and started directing them around. A notable thing with her this time was probably a change from her typical purple to a now brown-ish color. Besides the rest of her get-up that, well, she apparently made her own band t-shirt and had the logo of the band on her headset. Anyways there she went with the two of them to go set up. Mira and Nicholas exited the van a bit after and apparently Mira had the keys so they went locking that off before running after the trio. Mira was especially excited from the looks of things, jumping a little more than usual with each step to which Nick could just be amused while looking around for their other bandmates. He kept a good hold on the strap of his keytar and well, can't deny that he was excited to actually put it into use besides just practice. 

"Heeyyy!! Les! Paise! Nice to see you guys~!" Valerie goes exclaiming and making a big wave with her whole arm pretty much and momentarily pointing Zak and Zaykin around to where to put things. Mira and Nick caught up soon enough. 

"Heya! Ready for today??" Nick goes saying while just. Making his way to Paisley's side more, mhm.

"Pshhh what kinda question is that?" Paisley folds her arms with a very proud smirk on her face, "I was born ready."

Les rolled on up, smiling over at his bandmates as they started to pile in. "Hey, dudes! Looks like we're missin just one of us."  

"Salami on rye! We got everything you need! Come on by!" Aurelio shouted to try and get business for his fam. 

Les, of course, snuck a hug over to Zaykin before getting hi portable amp. "Enjoy the show, mum." He said before joining back up with his group. "Ok! So we all remember the setlist"

"We're almost theeere! I can see it in the distance, hey does anyone smell deli meats?" Luanne lead the charge as she lugged 2 buckets filled with an assortment of pots and pans, Her posse of anemones was also a great helping hand. "Thanks for holdin my sticks, Abs." She said quickly before collapsing on the ground by Aurelio's food truck.  "I...I think we made it...yaaay!" Lu tries reaching a hand out to the anemosibs, but she's gone. 

Aurelio blinks at the site, and rolls over a few bottles of water to the anemones. "They're on the house! Let's make sure she doesn't die!"

"no problemo, gate~" Abigail continued to follow along, twirling one of the drumsticks in her hand. Very helpful. Though upon the collapse, she paused and peered down at the squid. Then knelt down. Then proceeded to poke her with a stick, "c'mon Lou, let's getcha to some shade first"

Emma and Dilan kept together somewhat while Dil was a bit determined to keep carrying more of the pots and pans. Emma certainly couldn't deny right now that she was worried for well, the two of them really at this point, but at least helping out with Lu's experimental instrument was good enough for now. Couldn't help but grab a bottle as soon as they got there though. 

"Lu! Ack-" The lone boy anemone struggled a little while wanting to help her out with all the things he was carrying to which he just made sure none of it would be falling on top of the fallen squid and getting a bottle too before going down to her. "Yeah- better resting in the shade right now! Can you drink right now??" Weeell, seems like those two got her. Emma looks around a bit before catching sight of other familiar people and waving at them to get their attention and some "hey"s around.

It took her a bit tp fight through the het and exhaustion, but she got herself leaning against Dil to help get some support.  "I'm..I'm good! Thanks guys!"" Theere's that chipper smile again, and downing  some water so she doesn't die. "And you did best of all~." She said before giving Dil a quick peck to his cheek.  

Les, meanwhile, watched the whole thing unfold, and started making his way downtown over to them "Show hasn't even started yet, and ya already died." 

"I'm a survivor!!" Luanne's triumph was...honestly nonexistent, but she's doing her best.

Zaykin rather appreciated the hug from her boy and sort of watched him go around while also glancing over at Valerie. Zak seemed to go off to check out the food truck though also momentarily concerned for Lu but welp she still seems to be trucking on. And...man was she a lot closer with Eupho than before. Dilan couldn't help but laugh a little with amusement. Not too much to seem mean or anything hopefully, but haha. Takes more than that trip to take Luanne of all people down apparently. The quick peck had him quiet for a moment before fixing their position to support her up better while giving her a kiss back and smiling happily. "Sure you did. Come on nooww-" 

Emma took a breath in and went drinking from the bottle for a while before going over to Les soon after. She immediately gave him a hug. "Hey Les...! Can't wait to see you all perform, eheheh...!"

"...What time is it, again?" asks a green older brother. The younger sister in pink raises her finger.. And lowers it again. ".. Go text Paisley before we're late." And thus Ellecant sent Paisley a text asking what time the gig starts. Meanwhile, Sleak packs some snacks. 

In a different corner of Cephalo, a stereo is turned off. "ALRIGHT! Aikooo are you ready to goooo? We should head out and be well on tiiiiiime!" Flake yells at her flatmate. She, too, had no idea when it starts. Unlike the siblings, she doesn't particularly care. And thus, she pesters her flatmate in the hope of leaving early.

"Yeah, yeahh, I'm coming! Seriously though, do YOU even know what time it's supposed to be?" Aiko chuckled a little while shaking her head, making her way out with at least a sling bag and all. To be fair, she didn't know either and just having some fresh air is probably better than getting there late anyways.

"NNNNNNNNNNOPE!" Flake responded. "I mean I could text Lulu, but we know where it is and better early than late right???" She looked at Aiko. "I would never forgive myself if I was late for this.. I would fight myself if I was late."

Meanwhile Paisley had been chit chatting away until she felt her phone vibrate. Pulling out the device and reading the message, she promptly sent back:  
NOW RIGHT NOW YOU’RE ALREADY LATE actually we’re still just setting up, but it should be soon. ish no rush~ 

Elle stared at her phone. And sighed. "We can take it slowly, they're still setting up." Sleak just nodded in reply. It wouldn't be long before they'd head out. No doubt they'd make it in time.

Lu managed to finally get back to her feet, and swiftly taking her phone out. Though, a big smile was evident on her face after the smooch from Dil. "I just got a feeewwww people to check on."  

>heyy heyyy..gettin all set up, prim!  When you smell ham, you're in the right place.   

>Flakeyyy set up is starting!   

Lu returned her phone to her pocket, pecked Dil on the cheek again, and gathered up her buckets. "Alright, dudes! Let's get this drumkit set up!" She turned on her heels, and marched towards the band  with a bright grin on her face.  

Les, meanwhile, stayed where he was to keep hugging  Emma. "Looks like I gotta do my best today, eheh." He chuckled lightly, and gave her a few pats on the back. "I think you'll enjoy what we play today anyway."

> you got it! 
It shouldn’t be too long. The last time they came, they did some sight seeing so everything should be fairly familiar with the area.... they hoped. Of course leave it up to the duo that were actually here to get lost. So Iris ended up leading the way.. soon soon.

Nicholas chuckled a little seeing Lu come around. She was really serious about the pots and pans thing, huh. Looking around a bit more... It'd probably be easier for others to see them even if they weren't invited personally by the band, hm? Whoever passing by the park and what not, woo boy... His fingers, or well, his whole palm kind of started to press down on the keys of his instrument while it still wasn't on, lifting one side and pushing down on the other and vice versa. Nerves, woo boy. Valerie was hiding them better with how she seemed to go talking to Zaykin and looking like she was trying to remember her parts in songs last minute- just keeping herself busy and what not. Meanwhile he was here drawing a blank. And there were still some more coming probably- he certainly knew at least three or so who should be coming around... And the others invited people too so... "Hey- Paise- we're, we're gonna do well, yeah?" He gave a slightly nervous laugh as he asked, momentarily glancing at her phone but more so focusing on her for now.

Aiko let out a little "heh", shaking her head and patting Flake on the back. "Yeah, you got a point there. Get going already then, I'm all good to go." She started to motion out the door. Wonder how many people would be there even, hm... Too bad Lex already went back before today, hah.

"Mhm! On it!" Dilan laughed a bit and went on grabbing the ones he left on the ground for a while before following after Luanne to help with putting it all together. 

Emma could almost feel her face heating up as they stayed hugging for a bit more but gave a happy hum. "I think so, mhmm..! I know you'll do great, you and your band, haha...!!" She gave Les a little squeeze before taking a step back. "I uhm- maybe I should, go help Lu and Dil hahah- and let you talk with your bandmates more or others ahah...!"

Paisley had gotten her guitar from Torch a bit ago. So she was currently beside Nick again, tuning the instrument. But with his question, the girl could only glance at him sympathetically before giving him a cheerful smile. “Yeah, we’ll be great!” She continued to tune, “we had done it with a buncha strangers, today we’re preforming with a buncha friends! No need to worry, Nicky~”

His mouth twitched a bit as he thought of talking against that. There were good reasons for him to be worried, or at least he'd think so. But it turned to a smile back at Paisley and a slight sigh of relief. Listen to her. "...yeah, you're right, haha. I..needed that, thanks." Moving his keytar away a little, he got close to Paise and got his free arm around her before giving her a quick peck on the cheek and then stepping back away. Fixing his cap a little as well.

... And a text from Lu. Huuuuuuh.  
> Are you a psychic CAUSE I LITERALLY JUST TOLD AIKO THAT I COULD ALWAYS TEXT YOU FOR THE TIME You got to tell me if you are !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"They're setting up, so we definitely need to go there riiiiight noooooooow!" And so Flake left with Aiko. . . . . Coincidence did exist that day, as that very same moment the Disyne sibs also left their house.

"Heyy, dudes!" With that quick shout, Lu started spilling the buckets down in the center area. The clanging certainly alarming anyone nearby, but it really was expected with this one. "I shouldn't take too long to get this all set up with the help I got!" She was still as cheery as ever, and evidently ready to get goin. Though with her phone going off, she did go check it quickly.    
> HELL YEAH I'M PSYCHIC!  CALL ME MADAME LU! 

Les meanwhile...kinda wanted the hug to go on just a liiiiiittle longer, but she was right. The show must go on! "Yeah..definitely!" The pats definitely got him flustered, and he made his way back to the band. "A'right, I'm pumped for this, and I think we're good to go soon."

That cracked a bit of a dorky smile, though Paisley soon recovered and pulled the bill of Nick's hat further down over his face with a snort, "dork." Yes she says that lovingly. 

Meanwhile, a band of three had just made it over the hill... so to speak. Iris had been leading the way, but as soon as the small pink inkling caught sight of a crowd forming -especially that they had music equipment- she took a few more steps ahead of the trio. "Hahaaaa! We're heeeere!" Well, not quite. but the destination was in sight and that was enough for her. It didn't take long for them to actually be in the vicinity. And while the two darker inklings decided to find a spot with shade, Primrose had gone ahead to the food truck. "Ah, so this was the smell! What kinda food do ya sell here?" She'd call out to the vendor.

"Haha, shush..." What else to expect from her? Nicholas could only laugh a bit while fixing his cap once more and somewhat went leaning on her- just hugging her a bit more.  

"Hey Lu! Alright good luck there~ haha, yeah, I feel like we are! Woo! I'm PUMPED!" Valerie went saying, though her movements seemed more restless than just general excitement, what with a foot of hers repeatedly tapping the ground beneath her.

Lu seemed to pause, staring at Valerie, and then wrapping herself around her. "Look at you! Purple? BEGONE! NOW THE PRETTY AND BEAUTIFUL VAL IS HERE TO ROCK  THE HOUSE! " Lu's excitement is STILL not going down any time soon.

"Wah- L-Lu!! Haha- glad you noticed??" Valerie was honestly caught off guard and just laughed at her friend's actions- though kinda went hugging her too.

On the opposite side, the rather burly squid turned around to his new customer, and let out a joyful laugh as he showed off the menu. "Anything at all! Mozzarella and mortadella sandwiches are today's special, but we also have fresh lasagna to give!" Aurelio's dad smiled down while Aurelio went off with cutting the deli meats.

Primrose blinked, astonishment took over her features as she seemed to tiptoe to see further into the food truck. “Whoa, for eel?? Could I get some lasagna please?”

"Aurelio! One-a hot-a plate of lasagna!" The father quickly shouted as Aurelio made no hesitation in getting a big slice for the customer.  "Made fresh by mama herself! That'll be $3.99!" Aurelio added in, and held his hand out for the moolah.

“Ah, sure, okay!” Primrose shoved a hand into her pocket, ultimately pulling out the change and forking it over in exchange for the goods. “Sweet thanks!” And off she went to the growing crowd..

A neon-green and black blur seems to speed toward the site of the concert. You would swear that it's breaking a speed limit, but the driver knows exactly what she's doing. It is precisely ON the limit, and somehow completely safe. Though how loud the brakes sounded the moment the blur arrived, one could question that theory. A van. And the reason for the color of the blur is also visible- the front of the van is painted in that hideous neon-green- the rest in black.. The people who know the driver are unconcerned. Anyone else.. Well, the moment a door opened, there was that unmistakenable smell of air freshener. The kind of type you'd use to hide other smells, and by the fact that there are several stacks on the dashboard and many hanging from the rearview mirror, to the point to where it looks like the mirror itself might crack, you are sure it IS. ..The faint smell of weed all but confirms the thought. It's been five months and hundreds of pine wood air fresheners, how the fuck is that smell still there. The stereo is oddly silent, but the driver, as she leaves her van, is not. "LULUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU WE HAVE ARRIVED, ARE WE LATE?!" ...She is not. Nor is other person in the van.

Aiko, getting out of the van, just went shaking her head and laughing a little. "Doesn't seem like it, Flake-" 

"AUNT AIKOO!" Tol green gal has been tackled down by smol blue child. Zaykin takes a bit to go over and pry Mira off of the poor squid while saying hi as well to Aiko. Welp.

At this point, Lu stopped anything she was doing. She was already almost done setting up when the van rolled on in. "FLAAAKEEYYY!! AAIIIIIK- oh, you're gone."  Luanne giggled, and then started dragging Dil while running over to FLakey. Of course, she greeted her with a huge hug, and then pulled Dil CLOSER. "FLAKEY! LOOK! SO this is my boyfriiiiend! Told ya he was a cutie!"

Flake laughed out loud when Aiko got tackled. It was just an hilarious sight to behold, seeing the much smaller squid manage to throw down Aiko. Ah, family. "So that's the boyfriend, huh..“ She looked him over. "He's so short, it's almost adorable.."
"BUT!" She raised her finger dramatically. "Will he pass the cover band challenge?!" ... What.

Dilan had no choice but to go along with Lu it seems and gives the newcomers a wave and smile. Luanne's introduction honestly had him becoming a bit flustered, but the smile on his face seemed to just become brighter with it.  And then he blinked a few times at Flake in confusion. "Wait- what?" In the meanwhile, Mira goes asking Aiko about the kinda weird smell that was reminding her of possibly some other counselor back from camp and Zaykin just sighs while helping the two up, not questioning things much.

"THE COVER BAND CHALLENGE!" Flake lowered her finger, changing from pointing dramatically upward.. To pointing dramatically at the boyfriend. "A series of questions about what you would decide if you were in a cover band! There are no wrong answers, but there are some not good ones." She said with smirk. "... Question one. You're starting a cover band. You can pick anyone you want to join you, but! Your most talented best friend says that if you ever try to get them to play polka songs, they'll leave your band immediately. How do you respond?" ....No, seriously, what.

What. Dil just had this look of weird amusement on his face while still being accompanied by confusion and just. Kept listening to what she was saying and uh... Polka? Uhm. Not even sure if he knew that genre enough to say much about it let alone to someone who wouldn't want to play one from it. "Uhm. That's alright, tell me if it's too polka-ish for you or something...??"

"Obviously, we must go maximum polka!!" Luanne said with her fist in the air. "Aaaaanyway, I'm glad you're here, and I still got a few left to show up!" She added in before scanning the crowd for her penpal.

"Boooo Lu, he's not good for you.." She said in a really fake sounding, obvious joking tone. "Of course you'd go maximum polka, anyone limiting you is just.. Cribbing your style, yo." Oh cod she's doing weird impressions now. "Anyway, I'm joking there is no cover band challenge. But the lesson to be learned is.. Never limit your creativity. Even if nobody likes what you do, if YOU like what you do you should keep doing it as long as you like it." Flake stated matter of factly. "... And I would've kept trying to become a death metal singer if I didn't hate how my throat hurts after a single song. Fortunately there's a cover band for everything!.. Right, Lu? .. Right, Aiko?" ... Why are you asking them for confirmation..

Dil pretty much just listened to the two and looking between them and then laughing a little. Alright. He kinda knew the creativity thing but it was nice to hear it from someone too. Death metal singer, haha- "My sis probably could try and be one if she'd want too, heheh. She tends to scream songs out a lot anyways..." Aiko looked back over to Flake while trying to avoid answering Mira's questions and gave a thumbs up. "You've definitely been finding all sorts of cover band stuff, mhmm." Even if some are certainly...not right in ways she can't quite pin point why.

Primrose had been gawking at everything like a tourist.. even though she essentially was one. Another glance around, however, she managed to catch sight of a familiar cyan head! It was her! Except! Her mouth was full from a forkful of lasagna. So the strawberry decided to wave her arm up instead, trying to catch the other's attention as she made her way closer.

Luanne eagerly waved her hand over to Prim before grabbing Dilan again. "Flakey, I'd love to chat but more people to greet!"
And with that, she ran over to the lasagna muncher as she dragged Dil with her. "PRIIIIMM!! I'd hug you, but gotta respect the lasagna." SHe'd wave over to everyone else along with her. An excited bean with no sign of calming down anyone soon. "SO this iiiiiss my boyfriend! Ain't he a cutie?" And now she's clinging to Dilan.

Prim finally gulped the mouthful once they met up. "ahaha thanks." Maybe she should get rid of the plate.. And then she introduced her boyfriend. The pink squid looked at the anemone and stared for a little bit, before giving another cheerful smile, "yeah, he's ok!" well. it wasn't a negative answer. "I'm Primrose, it's nice to meetcha! UM! how far are you guys along in setting up? I've gotta drag the others out of the shade if it's soon!"

Luanne stared back at her unfinished "drumkit," then back to prim, back to the kit, back to prim, and then finally just blinking a few times before sheepishly grinning. "Riiiiight, I was doing that! Not too long, I think! I just gotta put on some finishing touches." She gave Dil a quick peck on the cheek. "Enjoy the shooowww!" Shes' gone back to the kit finally after all this distracting.  The snare was put in place, and then finally placing down the last few pots and pans around her. It was a sea of cookware, a  singular snare, and two buckets. Lu's an absolute madwoman. "Ok! I'm all set!" With that, she grabbed her sticks and went wildly clanging against every object. "Woo!"

Wow okay she's- she really wants to show him off to her friends and calling him a cutie- Dil was flustered once again but tried to push through it and gave Prim a greeting and wave. Chuckling a bit with Lu's response and then another peck on the cheek, the boy found himself having a hand on that cheek and staring off in her direction somewhat...lovestruck or so, haha. Emma made her way back to her brother and gave him a playful little nudge in the arm. It made him laugh a bit and do the same to her, though the girl had a bit of a sad smile on her face for a moment before masking it more with an excited look for the start of the show.

"Oh! Thanks! Good luck!!" Primrose waved after the cyan squid.. with a fork in hand. She couldn't help but giggle at the lovestruck expression on the anemone's face.  She quickly glanced around to locate her bodyguards group, finding them under a shady tree not too far from the stage. Perfect! "Say, you're more than welcome to join our spot over there, if you want!" Prim turned to the now two anemones. "I'm gonna go on ahead~" She gave another smile and trekked back to the tree.
Prim practically slid to her spot upon reaching them again, "look I got lasagna! It's pretty good, you want some??" She held the plate out to the two of them. 

"Er.." Osprey gave the plate a weird look, but shrugged and scooped up a forkful, "yeah, why not." nom, "hm. yeah pretty good!" 

"oh look, an indirect." Iris would sneer. 

"I'm gonna kick your ass" Osprey would growl back, along with a giggling Primrose.

"Okaay, well that's one way to signal us." Les said as he rose up from his spot. Bass all tuned, and he's 100% hydrated. "A'right.  We all tuned up, and ready to get this started?"  He would turn to the rest f his bandmates as Lu gave the "Drumkit" another whammy of hits.

"..We're gonna be late, we need to pick up the pace.." Elle stated as she looked at her phone.. The park wasn't that far off anymore, but considering they had walked there, they still hadn't arrived. 

"Think Paisley's gonna let this start without you there?" Sleak raised an eyebrow.... before.. well, realizing it's Paisley. Since when did he have such a positive faith in her..? "...Yeah, okay, never mind. But I'm not gonna sprint over, Elle, if you wanna be on time, you're gonna have to run there yourself." 

"Aaahh, I don't want to run either.." She sighed, and lowered her shoulders. The two had kept a steady, and now slightly quickened pace, but it seemed unlikely they'd arrive on time... 

On the side of people already on time, Flake was.. well. On time. Lu kinda left her behind almost immediately, and it looked like Aiko had some family members around.. So our flaky Flake found herself standing there.. solo. She walked back over to her van, slid open the side door and sat down in a bean bag. She had a clear sight to the stage from her van. She also had a cold drink in her van. So she just sat back in the hopes of enjoying herself.

The two siblings looked at Primrose for a while and then at each other, having a little bit of a silent conversation with tilts of head and shrugs and then looked back to see the inkling going to her company. Why not! Seemed like some nice shade from the sun as well so that's nice~ "Hi theree!" "Mind if we take a seat around here?" 

Valerie giggled a bit, standing by a table with what was probably her set up for this gig- launchpad, laptop hooked to a portable battery, portable amp... Seems all good. "I think we are! Let's get this gig going, yeah??" The now light brown inkling spoke up to her bandmates, somewhat trying to talk over Lu's drum playing. 

"Oh- I'm all good to go!" Nicholas responded and gave a thumbs up, playing a few of his keytar's keys to test a bit more and smiling happily. Can't hide the slight movement from side to side trying to not go shaking from nervousness even a little bit.

”oh they did come! Please! Sit sit!” Primrose scooted over to allow more room.. even though there was plenty already. Looking at her own group, the pinkling gestured a hand towards the anemones, ready to introduce them, “So we have some new frieeends. This is! Um..!” Blank. 

“Ggs, Prim. Didn’t even catch their names, didja?” The green inkling folded his arms, then sighed, “name’s Osprey.” He gave a wave. 

“Iris.” The purple one nodded. 

On Nick’s notion, Paisley swung her guitar to her back and wrapped her arms around the yellow inkling... mindful of the instrument of course. “You’re fine you’re fine you’re fine!” She gave a squeeze. She meant to give this as a playful encouragement.. “Let’s get this show on the road!” She gave an gist pump in the air, “how’s our crowd lookin like?”

Luanne gandered around  at the crowd, narrowed eyes, and drumstick tapping at her chin "Well by the looks of it, I'd say we almost doubled in the amount of people we had last time!"  Les gave a shrug of his shoulders, and brought his bass around to the front. "Not a problem to me. Just means more people to enjoy us."

The anemosibs went giggling and laughing for a while before nodding a bit back. "Nice to meet you~ I'm Mellie!" The girl happily said, kinda grabbing her brother's arm and him more so hooking them together with that. 

"And I'm Eupho~ So- Prim, Osprey, and Iris, yeah?" The boy tilted and asked, smiling bright while they kind of made their way to where they would be sitting to watch the show. He was more so looking at the squids besides them there until his eyes went back to the band and just... There was just a different feeling and maybe a bigger smile looking at Luanne more. 

Emma bit her lips for a moment. "So you know Luanne??" She goes asking, kind of looking more at Prim, seeing that she did notice her be one of the people Lu dragged Dil to. 

Nicholas froze for a moment before chuckling. "I- yeah I am! Paisee-" Apparently he wasn't hiding it well enough if she went doing this. Was making him laugh though, so that was nice. He gave her a little hug back, trying to be careful with his keytar. 

Aiko rubbed her head and went waving a bit at Zaykin and Mira going to their own spot before going back over to Flake. "Got any more drinks there, Flake?" She asked, fixing her visor a bit to make more shade for her face at least.

“Mhm!” Primrose has swallows another bite of the little dish.. it was almost gone.... “We sorta met on an exchange program. And just kept talking since!” She shrugged happily, and then passed the plate along to Osprey.. who seemed very confused on what to do with the leftovers. 

“Heehee..” Paisley gave a small giggle to the hug. It felt nice.. though soon after parting, she swung her instrument bag around, “alright then! Let’s do this!” She padded over to her spot.. for the time being anyways. No doubt she was going to stray from there. But she also took that moment to send another text.  
>okaaayyyy now you’re late. Looks like we’re boutta start 

"You know it!" Flake patted the coolbox besides her. "Never leave home without some cool drinks. Because you never know when you'll get thirsty." She nodded.. "..Though, in another way.. I guess that's what the mattress in the back is for." Aaaand joking wink. Thanks, Flake. Prime example of maturity right there.  

>I knoooooooooow We're running at this point, won't take another 10 min.. 
"AAAH, WE ARE LATE!" With the obvious, loud emphasis on "are". Also intended to be an emphasis on late, but that's the issue with being in a sprint and trying to talk- you run out of breath and so you can't scream everything you want to scream. 

"Well, sorry I don't have any beak-ons in the Park!.. or a car.." Sleak sighed. "Cephalo's expensive as hell to live in, how do people do it." 

"IS THIS REALLY THE TIME FOR THAT." Ellecant questioned. "WE'RE. NEARLY. THERE. COD." ..Well, nearly there.

They went giggling a little. "Interesting!" 

"Yeah~! Oh, they started...!!" The two anemones seemed to shift their attention more so at the band now. Aiko chuckled for a moment while rolling her eyes. 

"Oh, whatever. Lemme have one of those..." She goes on taking a drink from the coolbox, sitting by and watching the performance as she opens and drinks. 

Meanwhile... "I can hear music! Leeenn, they already started...!!" 

"W-we probably aren't that late, just go and quiet...!"  A short magenta inkling dragging along a tall pink octoling made their way to where the gig was going on. Valkyrie looked like she could just go on running full speed if she wasn't making sure that Allen wasn't tripping up from her dragging him by the arm and all. Once getting there though, she looked around and became more excited as she spotted familiar people. Especially the now brown squid currently bopping her head to her band's music. God, Erie looked really pretty. Allen sighed and patted the little one's head. She has quite a crush on Valerie, huh...  Felt a little weird to be out and about without his hat and all, but... Gotta, gotta try some things a bit more.

“Oooo! It’s this song!!” Primrose, too, got distracted by the band’s starting to play. Even so much as to humming along with the song.
As for the jiver anemone, she took her spot by the food truck, likely taking shelter whilst watching her pal and the rest preform. Chill gal.
The orange inkling kept her spot by the stage, off to the side, hoping not to be bothered. Yes.

Flake held back her laugh.. Of course Aiko knew the true nature of the mattress- it was legitimately just there for taking a nap. Why not, driving can be exhausting. But still, a dumb joke out of the blue.. Aiko chuckled, so Flake was satisfied. Successful joke. "Ah, they're starting.." 

"AHHH THEY'RE STARTING!!" Ellecant ran as hard she could and the park was nearby - the music was audible. "We're late!" 

"We sure are." Sleak responded. He was keeping up with Elle easily.. "We could go a bit faster, but that would require you to squid and get carried." 

Elle paused, eyeing her brother. "... No." A shrug from Sleak. They kept running.

Dilan and Emma were humming along as well, Dil even trying to sing along though quietly to still be able to hear the band's singing than his own. Emma, though, could have sworn she saw...was that right? She smiled a little bit more, trying not to go blushing now.  
Mira was hecking recording this as good as she could. Trying not to giggle much when she noticed Nicky and Lily having a moment on stage and Zaykin just sighing besides her. Went looking over at Valky to try and motion her over since a familiar face, though... Held her breath for a moment after realizing what her companion was. Her eyes went back to Valerie in a bit of worry, but there didn't seem to be any fright at all with her- she was still enjoying their performance... 

"Humh. Luanne's really making all those pots and pans work, huh?" Aiko finds herself asking out loud, clear surprise on her face that things sounded actually good with all that so far.

Primrose would whistle, using that as her cheer, “Booyah! You guys are so cool!!” Iris chuckled at the cheer, and Osprey lightly claps, just to comply really.

"Lu's not letting normal conventions stop her one bit, it seems, haha.. Which is excellent!... I'm glad she's finding her own sound." Flake responded.. "...Mmm.. I wonder if I could help them out.. I know so many cover bands at this point, wonder if I could get them proper recording equipment or at least like find a studio they could rent..." She thought out loud.. "Though they arranged all this, so I guess they probably don't need any help like that. Especially not if I can't actually guarantee anything, ahaha..." 

"PARK!" Elle screamed as she entered the park at last! That only took this entire time, huh. "WE MADE IT! WE ARE HERE!" 

"You realize you're creating a disturbance now, right?" Sleak pointed out, right after entering himself. "Let's find a place to sit down and chill."

"Ayy they're pretty good!" The Italian father would chuckle as he he resumed the slicing of deli meats. Quite a bit of sandwiches were already made, and somehow even more pasta cooked up! Though with all this music playing, Aurelio decided to pop out his phone to text a newfound friend. Maybe she'll take some enjoyment outta this. 

[Ay, you should come over to the park. A few friends are playing a little concert, and I'm sellin food!]

> oh ! Sounds fun ! do I get a friend discount ? Xd  
“Let’s go Celeste it looks like we’re heading to the park!” Angie hopped off her seat and waited for her sister to do the same- like an excited puppy. 

Celeste, however, only looked at her with a glare, “...why do I have the feeling you’re about to make me socialize.” “Because I am.” Angie placed her fists on her hips proudly. The inktoling only sighed, “alright. Alright.” Then she took both her empty container and her sister’s unfinished parfait with a smile, “but if you’re not going to finish this, then I will~” Off the two sisters went, parting from an outside parlor, and to the park! Hope they weren’t too far to miss too much!

Zak was spending time eating at the food truck which apparently he's been by here the whole time since, Mira went cheering and somewhat clapping even though she was holding her phone for the video- though then handed it over to Zaykin for safe keeping as she quickly got up to get more stuff to chew on, and then there's Valkyrie asking Allen to get some snacks maybe for the two of them because she forgot to pack some. Woo boy. 

"Hey- Paise, want something from the food truck while waiting? Like water or something?" Nicholas went to her side as Les and Lu started up the next song.

“Hm? Oh. Yeah water sounds pretty nice.. I’ll go with you!” Paisley began standing up to get her guitar on a stand.

"Heh, alright then~" The boy went waiting on Paise before making his way over to the food truck with her. 

Aiko drank a little more before shrugging her shoulders. "Well- I don't think they'd reject any help given, so why not try? Though, you better not get into any trouble trying to do so, just saying." She lightly nudged at Flake's arm.

“Gosh We’re really gonna need it for the next one, huh?” Paisley thought aloud, “hmmm! I’m excited!~ OREO.” She slammed er hands on the countertop of the food truck, “A couple a waters pleeeeeaaase!”

Aurelio swiftly turned around with the two water bottles for the performers. "All water is complimentary for the band! And, my name is Aurelio!! I am not a delicious cookie!"

“Ya sure? Cuz you look like quite the snack~” Paisley leaned over the counter with a smirk.

Nicholas chuckled while scratching the back of his neck for a bit. Never change. He took the bottles, somewhat waiting for Paise to finish teasing Aurelio. Though- a little roll of the eyes happened as she continued. "Thanks, Aurelio! Seems like your family's doing well with this food truck-" 

"Hey hey Aurie can I have another lasagna? Oh, Nicky and Lilyy! You guys did good so far, eheh!!" Mira comes over, giving the two a double thumbs up before glancing over to Aurelio to be sure he heard her before that. 

"Oh- thanks, Mira, hahah."

Aurelio had already fallen backwards with his cheeks blazoned with yellow. He made himself wide open, and took the KO punch.
His dad just looked down at him, chuckled, and then got a nice, hot plate of lasagna to the small cutie. "Made fresh by my beautiful wife! Sei perfecto~!"

Paisley had a fit of snickers after his reaction. Oh, how priceless!  Though her attention was taken away by the bubbly Mira, and so she slid herself off the counter. “Oh, hey, thanks Mimi!” She smiled.

"Right, right, breaking and entering into a professional record studio would probably get me arrested nowadays." Flake casually replied. "I'll have to actually ask around. Probably should do so before offering anything. Well, I got Lu's number, so." She shruggged. "Say Aiko.. Think they'll do requests? I have half a mind to yell Freebird.." Flake laughed to herself before taking a sip of her drink. 

"PAAAAAAAAAAAAISLEY!" Elle yelled, in no particular direction. 

Sleak sat next to her on the ground, just. Facepalming at that action. "..Elle. Please." Sleak stated, still facepalming. "She's in the band playing, so. If she's not on stage now. She'll be there shortly. No need to yell for her." 

"But how will she know we're heeeere if I don't?!" Elle countered. 

"YOU HAVE A PHONE. TEXT HER." Sleak shook his head and looked around.. Is that a food truck.. with Italian food.. Oh, and Paisley. "...Maybe get something to eat?" 

"..what? No, I'm looking for Paisley." Aaand another facepalm from Sleak. 

"PAAAAAAAAISLEY WHERE YOU AT"

Paisley had slowed her snickering from the first shout and merely glanced up. Was someone calling for her? ...there it was again. Paisley actually glanced around this time. That was Elle, right? She just saw her too- ah. Yep. There she was. “YOOO OVER HERE!” Paisley had raised her hand, the one holding the water bottle. “uhh.. land mark uh. FOOD TRUCK.”

Aurelio had finally come to, and shook out his head. The lad was NOT ready for what he let himself open for.

"FOOD TRUCK!" Was Elle's immediately reply. She did a step forward to sprint towards Paisley, but then paused. Eyed Sleak. 

Sleak, who just looked at her with an unamused face and said "Oh, so NOW you want something to eat, huh." to Elle, who immediately furrowed her eyebrows in anger. For about 0.5 seconds, anyway. 

For someone who seems to have super anxiety she sure was fast to get to Paisley. And then noticed all the unfamiliar faces and immediately. Hid. Behind Paisley. "..Hi."

"Thanks a lot, mister! And no problem guys~!! Oh-" Mira ended up stepping back as suddenly Ellecant was soon behind Paisley after a series of yelling. Mira blinked and stared for a while and Nicholas scratched his nape and gave a little wave at another used-to-be campmate and all. 

"Heey there, Ellecant. You uh, you good there?" Nick questioned with a raise brow, only now kinda getting his bottle open and all.  

Meanwhile, Allen seemed to go off to the side to avoid getting into the kids' way and went ordering stuff for Valkyrie and himself. Dilan was all for Luanne having her own solo- gosh she was doing well with the first song and so continues to this one too...! Can't deny that Les was pretty good for both too and the rest for the other- but he was stuck on Luanne a bit more.  "Cod, she's so good..." 

"Loverboy, get your head out of the cloudsss." Emma nudged him again he playfully nudged her back around and all- but personally... Les was really great so far, hah...

"Yeah no, definitely don't do that. Walk and talk would do, as some might say." Aiko chuckled a little with that. "Requests? Huh, well... Maybe some other time they will. Val kinda said something about a song list. Or maybe you could try asking after they're done with all their prepared songs?" Aiko shrugs a bit, trying to recall any conversations she had with the now kinda coffee-colored squid. Speaking about her, she looked around and spotted Valerie interacting with Valkyrie it seems, hah. Good for her.

“Um.” Paisley glances back at Elle when she took ‘cover’. “... don’t think you’d be very good at hide n seek, huh?” She joked, and patted the pinkling on the head, “c’mon they were on your side at camp after all!”

"...Were they? Was anyone at camp actually, honestly, legitimately on my side? Cause. I dont think anyone was? Not even you, really?... Especially not you, really?" Elle stared at the others for a moment. "...You, I recognize you. I think. Do I recognize him..?" She stared at Nicholas for a bit. "...I think I recognize him, I mean. He did just. Say hi, didn't he, Paisley..?" She took about a second of looking around, before she looked at Paisley again. "...Also, hi, I've arrived. Sleak's over there." She said, pointing off in the distance. The wrong direction. Close enough. "Now then... help me out here for a moment. I'm trying not to absolutely panic after I've just ran over here, but I'm slowly failing.. You know of a simple way to distract me from my own mind screaming at me?" 

"....but isn't it more fun if it's unexpected..?" Flake eyed Lu, still banging her pots and pans.. "I have half a mind to just. Text her right now with the request to do Freebird. See how she'd respond... OH, I'll say she can put her own spin to it, bet that'll actually get her attention!" She started typing furiously on her phone.. But.. paused. "...Eh, then again, I could always just. Ask her later, I guess. Don't want to ruin her thing here."

"Wait, which house were you in?" Mira perked up, because this gal wasn't exactly familiar to her either. Nicholas raised a brow and bit his lips a bit. Woo boy. 

"Erm. Ellecant, I know there were a lotta sharks swimming around the flag hunt and all like Paise, but we were both going around for the dolphins- also you don't- didn't we already meet again during the whole bonfire story thing?" 

"WAIT YOU WERE APART OF DOLPHYRA TOO!?" Mira suddenly yelled out. 

"Oi, you said you wanted to be a Sharquynn until Zaykin made you be apart of Dolphyra, I don't know if I want to count you there!" Nick went calling her out.

And so once the song ended, everyone in the food truck began to give a roaring  applause! The two of them worked together really well, and the song was fun itself! "Ayyy! These bambinos ain't too bad!" 

"Siii, the shortie even shows the fun she has." 

"I told you they were good!"

Elle jumped as Mira suddenly yelled out. "..I mean.. I think so? I guess? Probably? I still have that dumb little trinket from camp so uh you could probably tell from that, but.." She looked away. Trying not to look at Paisley for the.. emotional support. Needing it though. "...I've kinda.. tried to forget all about the place. Would've succeeded if I didn't ran into Paisley in Cephalo, I guess." She just looked downward.. "I just.. got out of there, okay? I don't even know what bullshit happened after I left, Paisley said something about an octoling conspiracy thing if I recall correctly but honestly that was.. Paisley, so.." She paused. "...Aw crap, I had no trust in Paisley and now I trust her with my life, what the heck happened to me.." Okay, NOW she was looking at Paisley. "That reminds me, that.. crap all WAS just you bullshitting me, right? They did that brainmeltingly boring flag hunt for months and then you tell me it was some brainwashing thing... I mean, if brainwashing was their goal with the flag hunt, they would've actually succeeded if I stayed for any longer."

Aurelio slammed down, and turned his attention to Ellecant. "I have the whole confession recorded! Merde, it was so stupid!!"  

"Aurelio!!" The mother slapped him on the back of the head with a wooden spoon. 

"Language!" 

"Sorry, mama!"

“Heh yeah, house sides. I’m the only one against you all right now~” Paisley added to the explanation with a toothy smirk However with Elle’s rambling, she took the smirk back. More of a slightly baffled expression was on her face now, “oh that? Uh..” she rubbed a hand behind her neck as Aurelio beat her to the punch. She could only return with a sheepish smile, “Yeah. Alla that was real. Guess it was good you got out when ya did though!”

"Oh it was real. My mama was a counselor and a previous camper. All that was real and mommy kinda went having a talk with her for a long while after that." Mira started saying, now suddenly deadpan and looking at everyone with kinda dead eyes. Not a good time to remember.

The father blinked as he watched this whole conversation.
"Hey, why did we let Aurelio go there?" 

"We thought he'd lose weight." 

"Mama!"

“PFFHAH.” Paisley

Though at this point, the mother also stepped out,  and went right to the kids with a plate of cannolis. "Here, call this a little treat. Made them all fresh myself."

"...." Elle paused at all the.. revelations around her. She was gonna yell 'who the fuck' at this guy who said he got the confession recorded. And then say 'what the fuck' as Paisley came forward.  To complete the questions, 'why the fuck' was going for the girl who deadpanned at her. Now if she was unsure where she was or when this all occured, she could fully complete the quintuplet of W questions. But it turns out there's an easier way to actually ask all of those questions combined, almost ignoring everything going on around her. "..THE FUCK." Ah, there's classic deadpan Elle, with her first f-word drop in audible range in quite a while. Regardless, audible it was and even had Sleak raise an eyebrow for a moment, despite sitting quite a bit away from the food truck.
"...oh, free food." And there's food loving Elle, who already had one in her mouth before she could say anything else. Or anyone else could say anything else.

Nick bit his lips a bit more. Didn't mean to start all this up. "Uhhh... Sorry for reminding you guys of all that, I just... Oh- Les and Lu are done- oh thank you very much, miss- but I'm apart of the next song, heck!" The boy quickly took another drink from the bottle before getting to Paisley and hugging her. And then going off to their other bandmates.

“AHAHA.” Paisley literally lol’ed with Elle’s burst. That is quite the best response to learning that past. “Oh uh. Right-“ the girl barely had enough time to mumble when Nick went to hug her. Fight that flush. Fight it. “G’luck, Nicky!!” She called after he parted. But with that, she glanced over at the feasting Elle. “Guess that’s how you can keep yourself busy for now~”

Aiko gave a little applause with the last song's end and looked back at Flake and gave a little shake of the head. "Yeah no, that's a good decision for now. Besides... This one's actually ah... More emotional song or so I've heard... ...?"  She perked up a little. There seemed to be familiar voices coming near...

Mira, at this point, seemed to join Elle in the feasting on the cannoli, though Zaykin suddenly came by and gave back her phone. "Hhmp? Mhoma? Whf's uf-" 

"Oh, looks like we got to the park!!" 

"Why are there so many people around...?" Solua and Kyler finally come around, the pink girl having a tight hold on the older guy's hand as they wandered into the park. She seemed to be in awe at the look of the place and all the people in it today while Kyler started to look a bit suspecting as he started noticing familiar people.

The singing hit him and Solua found herself struggling to keep a hold on him to which Zaykin soon came over and kept Kyler nearby. Good grief, why were they making him do this..??

“Halfway there!” Angie pumped a fist in the air. 

“We’re already in the park.. you can literally hear the music” 

“Halfway there!” Angie pumped the other fist. The pair finally made it. Halfway through the little concert, and disposed of all treats and trash, but hey. Good music. “Okay where would my funny buddy be at.....” Angie clasped her hands together in the form of a gun, and scanned the area. It wasn’t long before she had spotted the food truck and ‘fired’ her gun. “Pew! Thataway!” Celeste could only roll her eyes and scoff with a smile. Her sister. Is very silly. And she followed her anyways to the food truck.

Aurelio at this point, also hopped out of the truck with a plate of his own.  "Deli fresh salami, provolone, and black forest on Italian herb and cheese! Sei perfecto! Try a sample!"  The little salesman began shouting, and making any attempt for more customers.  Business was good today, but ya always wanna make a name for yourself. So, having those little small sammich samps is one sure fire way to get people more interested.

“I’ll try a bit!” The duo had joined the little group just as Aurelio offered the plate of sandwich samples. Angie snagged two of them, and gave one to her sister, who seemed to just idly munch on it while observing the scene. 

“Angiiieeee!!” Paisley made a few steps toward the octoling, “I didn’t know you’d be around! Hope you’re enjoying the music!!” 

The girl caught the dance instructor while she was chewing, “Oh! Paisley, hi!” At this point, the blue octoling seemed to be lightly nodding with the beat of the music, “It’s pretty boppin’ so far! Excited to hear more!” She gave a sweet smile, which Paisley returned before joining back with her friend.

Flake looked at Aiko. "Isn't that actually the best time to interrupt things?" She leaned back. "..Though, let's be honest, nobody's using a violin, it can't be THAT emotional. Unless.. THEY ARE GEARING UP FOR A BAGPIPE?!" She was looking at Aiko again, now with a crazed look on her face. Which. Seemed to immediately disappear. "...Eh, actually, never mind. Since I've heard that gust bellows and flute remix, bagpipes don't really get me THAT excited anymore." Flake. What the hell. 

Equally what the hell is Elle's response time. Before Aurelio finished his sentence, Elle was already holding a sample. In her mouth. Which made her miss Paisley walking off. Which made her slightly panic when she noticed Paisley missing from her spot. Until she noticed Paisley just. Steps away. Good job, Elle.

Paisley noticed the sandwich already being devoured by Elle, “Christ, you’re fast.”

"..S'free." Elle replied in between bites. "Need to get one before they're all out." And a shrug. "Tastes better when it's free, too."

Mira kind of went watching her mother and friend kind of restrain her older brother and then trying to make sure she was getting good footage of the next song. And then went getting a sample sandwich before going back to where she was sitting before hand after a quick wave bye-sorta to her fellow used-to-be campmates. "...Flake. Luanne's still there because she's playing her violin now." Aiko talked back, somewhat amused with her apparently short burst of excitement for bagpipes of all things. Giving a little shrug before turning away from her, Aiko couldn't help but look a bit away from her and to the very familiar voices, mhm...

Flake looked at the stage. Then at Aiko. Then the stage again. Aiko again. The drink in her hand. ".. Would've sworn there was no alcohol in this. How did I miss the fact there is a violin. With Lu playing it!".. Aaaand a shrug. "Ah well, shit happens."

"Hehh, this is quite the cooldown after that last song, isn't it, Em?" Dilan chuckled a little, though really he started talking to her as it seemed that it was his sister's turn to be a bit awestruck, heh. 

"...h-huh? Oh uh yeah..! It is, huh? Not bad though..! Mhm!" The anemone girl fumbled with her words it seemed, making him laugh a little more before focusing on the band once again.

At this point, Kyler practically gave up as he definitely wasn't strong enough to break away from Zaykin of all people. But right now, he was more so struggling to find a place to keep his eyes on and what to focus his ears on because...Valerie's singing... Dear cod... And there was another who didn't exactly liked him around here- it was hard to not look at Zak every now and then. Somehow Zaykin being there was helping him not worry for his life right then. 

"Pops, they're doing pretty well, aren't they...?? Mira showed me their last performance- they're all really good...!" Solua tried talking to him, wanting for him to pay more attention to the music. 

"A-ah, yeah... Sure, they're good..." He merely mumbled it seemed, eyes wondering back to the performance, but not staying on them for long.

“Looks like you have a favorite~” Primrose teased.

"E-eheh-" Emma goes on covering her face with her hair. Not completely though, at least having some sight still to see the band. 

"She definitely does~ After a while, she fell for an angel's voice apparently heheh~" "E-Eupho staaphh,,,"

She caught that look over here. “Oooooo looks like he gotta favorite tooooo~” Prim continued to tease. 

Iris didn’t even look over, she was too busy inspecting her fingers, “a man who stares is a man who’s interested.. isn’t that right, Osprey?” 

He didn’t even notice that he was watching the three of them talk- of course, specifically at the pinkling next to him. So he was visibly caught off guard with his name called, “shUT AHp I’m gonna-“ 

“Gonna what?” Iris smirked cooly at him, causing the other to grumble and back down... and Primrose to laugh.

Aurelio was in complete and utter disbelief at the action. How the fuck?
"Mama mia! Is your stomach a blackhole?" He just looked at Elle, and then back at the empty plate.  "Now, I must prepare more!" He says as he then points towards Angie. "And you! We still got plenty of lasagna!"

“Much appreciated!” Angie winked as she finished her little sandwich. 

Paisley watched the performance quietly after that. After all, music and moral support. And then it took her a minute before she made a realization, “....oh shit wait I’ve gotta go up there soon.” The turquoise inkling downed half of what was left of her water. Needed to stay hydrated.

"Listen, you give me free food, I take free food. That's the simple fact of life." She stared at the cookie inkling, but it seemed he was pre-occupied with.. someone.. who wanted lasagna? Mmm, that also sounded good right now.. "..Wait, what." Elle paused as she heard Paisley's comment. "..Ah... r-right, I should probably get back to Sleak, then.." She looked sideways.. 

"..You know, Aiko." Suddenly Flake spoke up. "I think. In my excitement. I may have not slept well last night." She looked at Aiko. "That might. Y'know. Explain how I missed the very thing I had hoped to see.. And.. this bean bag is very comfortable." No, Flake, keep your eyes open! Aw, shit. 

As for Sleak. Well. He was there. Still sitting where Elle left him. Concert was decent, but sitting alone there felt awkward as heck. He decided to get up and head over to the food truck himself.. Yeah. The decision was made. Now he just needed to actually do it.. But after semi-running and everything. He kinda also. Didn't feel like it? He shrugged, as he laid backwards on the grass. Alrighty then.

Ah. Right. She sort of became a support for this girl. Think quickly. “I mean you could stick around here for more free food n shit. ...oooorr if you want some kind of front row, Vicky’s hanging out by the stage.” Paisley shrugged. She tried.

"Come and get the lasagna! Don't want that? Have no fear, because we have lots-a spaghetti!" Aurelio was quick to keep shouting the advertisements for his fam's truck. Only the finest of foods to be given to the patrons! 

Leaving his bass by his case, Les wandered out, searching for Val, and keeping his hand against his brow. Cod only knows she's gotta be extremely  shaken up after how impactful that performance was. A good one, but her emotions were very evident. "Yo, Val!" Les called out as he resumed his searched. 

Lu, on the other hand, was running all the way to her posse with as much energy as she did from the start of the gig. How she's able to hold this much energy despite playing 3 songs in a row is a complete mystery.  "GUUYYYSSS!!!"  Oh no, she's getting pretty close and pretty fast. Within seconds, she ended up tackling Eupho with a huge hug, and then pulling in his sister into it. "Are you guys loving the show so far? It's exhausting work, but I'm making sure its' TOTALLLY AWESOME!"

Elle paused, short of biting her lip, noting Paisley was ... very obviously trying to help out there. On one hand, free food. On the other hand, was there free food? "I.. I guess I should.. probably buy something and get Sleak also something.." Nope, unconvinced. But she couldn't just leave Paisley there. "...But your crowd is waiting, obviously. You should get to the stage, Paisley." Confident? No, just pretending to. Even if the others were people she should know, Elle was not at all confident in staying around. But she had to try, if only for a moment.

Of course Paisley could see right through it. But she was right, the girl had to kind of get going. But Elle was trying, it was something! "You'll be okay." She gave the pinkling a smile and a bop on the shoulder before dashing off to the stage.

"What- dear cod, Flake, please. It's not even over yet man-" Aiko seemed to had a tone like "oh come on" mixed with slight amusement and somewhat urgency to keep the gal awake yet also worry that she hasn't had any sleep. Gosh darn it.

Emma all the more went red and flustered and hiding her face and what not while Dilan laughed with amusement at all that was happening. The boy with them had a crush on the pinkling here, huh? Cute haha. With that though, he was completely unprepared for Luanne suddenly tackle hugging him, pretty much hitting his head somewhere again- probably the tree but oh well! Took him a bit but he chuckled and hugged her back while Emma kind of awkwardly joined in the hug. Still somewhat trying to hide all the blush though. "Of course! You lasted so long up there though like wow!! You guys are so cool~" Dilan commented, squeezing Luanne a little bit playfully. 

"I-It is really awesome...!! You're all amazing..!!" Emma joined in the praising.

Valerie didn't wander far, just went to a near friend to get some hugs for a while and that friend was apparently Valkyrie at the moment. Allen watched with genuine concern for the now brown inkling while his pseudo-little sister just kept hugging her, not talking much. "O-oh, yeah? Les? What's up?" Valerie responded to her bandmate, meanwhile Valkyrie stared and even narrowed her eyes at Les for some reason.

"Hey- Pops...? Maybe you should try talking to her now...?" Solua mumbled a bit, to which Kyler sighed and gave Valerie a glance. 

"...not yet. I don't want to make her cry more, and she's clearly not that well after that song." He sighed again and massaged his temples for a bit. Why sing it though anyways. It just got her a bit too emotional...

"Mmm.. Maybe I should get some coffee or something.. Or an energy drink." Flake noted.. "...If those, didn't. You know. Taste like chemicals." Wait, Flake responded, but her eyes were almost solidly shut. "...Mmm.. Do we still have cola or something." Her hand reached into the cooler and grabbed a can. A can of cola. How in.. what?.. She sat up, opened the can and sipped. "...Dangit, not strong enough." ...Still has her eyes closed, huh... 

You'll be okay. HM. That's funny. Elle didn't agree with that thought. There were all sorts of people that. May or may not know her. That are linked to.. that place that she has almost completely banished from her memory. And she has no idea who they are... Wait, the food guy.. She turned to him and.. Stepped. Closer. "Hey, uh.. you. Uh. Food guy." She paused, bit her lip. Damnit, she heard his name earlier didn't she. Wait, right, wasn't it.. uh.. "..Oreo? Was it?.. You said you had lasagna? How much for two portions?"

Primrose, seeing the oncoming, stampeding inkling, shuffled closer to her group to stay out of harm's way. "Yeah you guys were great! This whole thing is great!!" She added, giving a fist pump.

Aurelio gave the biggest thousand yard stare at Elle. Oreo.  Why does that name haunt him so? His name isn't even hard to say! "$7 for 2 portions, please." He did his best to keep the smile up on his face.  

Les, on the meanwhile, looked directly towards the glaring child before returning his stare right  over to Valerie. Is this child a cat? "Just uh...checkin on you, y'know?" The inkling crossed his arms as he inched closer to the two. "Had ya next to me, so I heard it all pour outta ya." 

Luanne quickly raised up her arms into a fist pump along with Prim, kissed Eupho on  the cheek, and wrapped her arms right around  Mellie. "And I see you've become acquainted with 2/3rds of my little anemoposse~."  She gave Mellie a light squeeze, and immediately  wrapped her arms back around Eupho. Except...he gets an onslaught of smooches. "They're the best, huh?" Oop, and there she goes right to Prim now for the hugs. "Seriously I can't thank you enough for coming all the way out here to watch us. You guys too!!" Luanne gave Prim a soft squeeze as she waved over to Osprey and Iris. Everyone gets the love!

Valkyrie might have yanked Valerie a bit closer to herself than Les as he approached, though Valerie didn't move that much away and seemingly didn't mind it.  "Ah, ahhah... Was it that clear? I'm- I'm sorry haha... I just... Didn't expect to actually... See him here. And uh... Guessing he didn't expect it either, hahah...! ...he's not looking at me still, hah..." The brown inkling answered, her voice growing quiet as Valkyrie gave her a squeeze. 

"Don't mind the idiot, he's being stupid, Erie. Not your fault." The shorter girl tries to comfort apparently. Valerie smiled though sighed with that.

Snap"...that looks good, mhm." Mira seemed to say to herself as she takes photos of Nes- Nick and Paise.

Prim chuckles with the little hug, while the other two give smiles back to the violinist. “Two outta three?” Primrose cocks her head slightly, before peeking up in realization, “right! The minty one isn’t here!” She looks out to the crowd, “or is she? I mean. We can have an after party, yeah?” 

“Mmmmmm lasagna sounds pretty good. But I’m not sure how well that’ll mix with parfait..” Angie pondered, “I’ll grab some later. Leftovers can be discounted, right?” She jokes with a wink. And with a nudge the octoling headed to the crowd, inktoling following after.

Meanwhile, one inkling that’s been parked by the stage for nearly the entirety of the show.. finally decided to get up to approach the food truck. “Yo, y’got anything else other than water?” Torch leaned over the counter.

Elle raised an eyebrow as this guy was staring at her, before finally answering her question. She paused, thinking things through.. mostly if it was worth the money. She snapped out of her thoughts when she heard someone familiar nearby. And looked over at the food truck. That's Torch. Well, Paisley did mention she would be around, didn't she.. But considering Sleak is. Also around. She turned to look at the spot in the grass they had planted themselves at before. Sleak seemed to be just laying there in the grass. Okay. ..Wait, was he even listening to the concert?.. She paused, but realized that. She hadn't... really.. listened to the music. Big oof moment there, but she did feel stuck in this social interacting and all that. "S-so.. $7, huh.." Elle said. To no-one in particular, considering she hadn't looked at the guy since he answered her. "Alright. How long does it take to prepare?" Elle, please, at least look at the guy instead of looking at Torch and Sleak nervously.

Emma just sort of laughed softly with amusement. Luanne really wasn't letting her energy drain so fast, eh...? And her brother ended up bombarded with affection before the gal moved on to hugging the rest of the ones there. Woo boy. Dilan was in a mix of being so happy that she was doing this and wanting to return it all back to her. He probably wasn't able to give back as much as she did go giving hugs to everyone. But well, he'll just wait a bit for her to be done with that. Then he could attack back. Heh.

Les bit the inside of his cheek, letting his arms down, and then giving in to give Val a hug. He really didn't care if the girl also there murdered him. All he he wanted was to make sure his friend felt better despite the emotional turmoil.  

"An after party? Hey, that's a great idea!!" Luanne finally released her grip on literally everyone, and brought her hand to her chin.  "I suppose I could easily use my garage again, and we can jam til we pass out!" Up to the air her first went! Then back to clinging to Dilan. "Of course, you and I can have quality time together tonight!"  

"Give us about 5-6 minutes, and we shall have it ready!" Mama Montoya responded to Elle, and quickly got to bringing the heat to the lasagna.  Aurelio, meanwhile, nodded towards Angie as she made her way out. "Can't guarantee a dis-" His attention was stolen by a Torch. Whoa. "We have many things! Coffee soda, espresso, cappuccino! And our variety of deli meats right before your eyes! Our special today is mama's lasagna, however!"

Torch made a face, "So.. either a cold water. Or a buncha hot drinks o n a hot day. Save for that soda, but.." Her expression continued the bit of cringe, "guess I'll just take the water, thanks."

Valerie seemed to be surprised with the additional hug, but very much seemed to appreciate it all the same while giving the two hugs back. Valkyrie was a bit displeased, but also didn't want to cause more trouble for her dear friend here so Les lives for now.
And Zaykin seemed to be giving her a look from the side so this boy might actually mean something to her, whoops. So the shorter squid just kept up with the hugging until she decided it was enough and pulled away after patting Valerie a bit more. 

"Hahah... Thanks a lot, guys... I guess I needed that..." Valerie hummed out a little, smiling at the two. 

"Don't mention it, Erie." Valkyrie went saying in a tone as if she was too cool to be thanked or something. Hm.

"Oh an after party sounds awesome~! Ah- heh, heheh~ My oh my, guess I have a lot to look forward to even after this~" Dilan chuckled and happily wrapped an arm around Luanne as she got back to him. Couldn't stop the blush that came to his cheeks with all this close time and affection though. Gosh it felt great. 

"Ahah, yeah...! Sounds fun...! Y'know what, I'm gonna take a bit away, maybe check out what the food truck's got again mhmm, I'll be back!" Emma excused herself with failed subtly or so and got away from where she was. It was just those two performing... Where was Les though? Was she just, what... Ah. He was with another... One of the other members, someone Dil tried helping a little or just discussed with for music and all... Mmmhmmm. She sounded really emotional in the last song, so maybe there was more to it and he was just helping her out now. But why did it feel so... The anemone girl clutched the ends of her jacket while reminding herself to breathe before somewhat mindlessly going over to the food truck more like she said she would have- even if she didn't go asking more about the menu to actually get anything though.

Aiko sighed. "Y'know there's a food truck over that way- they must have some kinda drinks too besides you just drinking more cola and all." She tried suggesting while now lightly pushing at the other's arm to not let her completely fall asleep. There was still more to this whole gig thing and Flake could just sleep afterwards.

"A-ah.. alright, thanks.." Elle responded, meekly, to the woman shouting from the food truck. 5-6 minutes. Alright. She noted Torch nearby talking about drinks.. Should.. Should she say hi? Torch hadn't noticed her and seemed to be talking to the cookie-named guy.. 

"Aikoooo, what if I don't want walk over theeeere..." Flake groaned.. Was she just being lazy now?? "Can we drive there safely..? I could drive us there." Please do not, Flake. "...Dangit, alright, let's just walk over, maybe the walk itself'll help wake me." She got up, as if she wasn't tired at all, but her first step made it clear she definitely was about to nod off. Heck, Flake, why are you like this. 

"..A text from Elle?" Sleak raised his eyebrow. He looked over- she was still at the food truck, so what could be-.. Is that Torch? Of course that's Torch. This is a Paisley concert, why wouldn't she be here. Hrm. "I ordered us lasagna also Torch is here.. Well, that's clear enough. Guess I should head on over.." Sleak got up from the ground, and began walking toward the food truck. Unsure of what to say or do when he gets there. Elle still stood there, eyeing Torch. And the woman in the food truck. Easy enough as Torch was AT the food truck. Lasagna is coming soon. And it's almost impossible for Torch not to have heard her at this point. She wondered what would happen next.

Aurelio gave a raucous series  of nods, and kindly delivered the water right to Torch . "And water is free of charge! If you need anything else, we're here!"Mama Montoya, meanwhile, was keeping  close watch on the lasagna. There must not be any cold spots in the middle at all!!  

Ooop, Lu was starting to get a little snuggle crazy with Dilan there, but still made sure to wave by over to Emma. "Stay saaaaafeee!" She then hopped back to her usual self, and began searching for her Anemosis. "Heyy, Abigaaaill! We got an after party set!!"  

Les pulled away, patted her on the back, and gave off the brightest smile he could. "Chin up, ay? We still got one more song to do!" The squid then went on his away again, but of course...took a pit stop to give his adopted mum a hug. Still grateful for her always showing up at these things.
Though once pulling away, he started his search for his beloved his starting to get really close friend. High, low, and not really doing too much effort to search. Once he caught sight of Emma, he was all smiles as he ran up to her. "Hey, dude! How's the show goin for ya?"

“Oh. Well thanks then.” Torch took the bottle of water and immediately cracked the seal open, she took a swig as she stepped over to the nearby pinkling. Of course she’s aware of her surroundings.. mostly. She just wanted her drink first. The orange inkling patted Elle’s head, “howzit goin, squirt.” She didn’t seem to be excited or anything, just your casual greeting. 

Meanwhile, the minty anemone was still taking refuge by the food truck. It’s was a bit more quieter in terms of socializing, but she would still eavesdrop. How could she miss the yelling of her bff after all? In response, however, Abigail lifted up her hand in a form of a “Y”, shaking it some. Gnarly dude
She didn’t feel like yelling.

"Ahaha... Yep, I'll try...! For the show must go on! Heheh!" Valerie responded with a little hand up, already looking better. A wave as Les went off and then ended up dealing with Valkyrie hugging her more. Woo boy, she can be a little possessive or something, but thank goodness that went alright.  
Zaykin, of course, accepts the hug wholeheartedly even if for just a while and kept her eyes on the boy as he left before looking over at the ongoing performance and over to Kyler. Sigh. Val's off the stage yet he still doesn't go to her to even try a little. At least he's not trying to escape from the area now even with nothing holding him down now. Oh well. 

The red-ish anemone kind of jumped and quickly turned to face Les and straight up stumbled and tumbled on her words right away as if not expecting this sudden approach at all. "OH- ahuhm Les! Hey I, mrph, uhm haha- I uh it's. It's ehh it's going well! Hahah!! I'm all good!" Her eyes went darting around as her hands went into her hair and kind of went pushing some tentacles over her face to somewhat hide her flustered expression but to no avail.

"Ahahaaa, hi Torch.." Elle.. nervously replied. "..I'm uh.. extremely stressed right now? How about you?" Though she had been out of her comfort zone since before she ran into Paisley, and felt that zone go even further when Paisley went to the stage... Part of her was glad to see a familiar face in Torch. Well, there was a bigger part of her that wanted to hit the ol' panic button.  The issue was, however, that the panic button had the effect of calling Sleak over to pick her up. And at this very moment, her panic was flaring up due to Torch being right there and uh Sleak is also there and last she checked it wasn´t a good idea having the two together. AND WELL, THAT JUST CAUSED MORE STRESS???
...At that moment, a thought popped into her head. What did it matter to her, that Sleak and Torch had an issue with each other? Was she really that stressed out over a hypothetical that didn't even remotely affect her?? Well, yes, that was the entire point here. Elle blinked, and looked at Torch. "...This is only my second time at one of Paisley's concerts, and. I guess. I'm just not in a good place, mentally. Just yet." Okay, calming down. That's one problem done and over wi- oh fuck, Sleak is literally coming this way. She facepalmed, but then looked at Torch.
"Also, my brother is here as well, and I think he's coming over." Her voice seemed to still tremble a bit, likely still the effects of being nervous about this. She was right about Sleak coming over. As she spoke, he approached the food truck, but he wasn't exactly rushing. Likely fighting his own mental demons, trying to figure out what to say. Or not, not like she knew. 

As for Flake? She had taken one more step, and was about to faceplant into the ground as she fell forward out of the van's sidedoor. Except she squidded at the last moment, to everyone's relief. But. She. Didn't change back. Nope, there she was, just slowly.. inching her way to the truck now. As a squid.

Torch had taken her hand back, pocketing it as she heard the other. "yikes.. well I'm just existing." She took another swig of water, glancing at her surroundings as she did. She kept her cool. Of course she would rather not have the poor girl exposed to. well. Her.
Torch faced the pinkling again, "Mm. Well hopefully you get there soon. Doesn't sound fun. More exposure might help." She shrugged. Though with Elle mentioning her brother, Torch gave a quick cool glance over, "Well, since the feds're coming, I guess I'll dip then. Enjoy the rest of the concert, kid." She actually gave a smile to the younger, then turned and took another drink as she began to walk to her spot.

Woop! Luanne tossed her rock horns up, and ran right on up  to Abigail before placing her arms right around her anemo-best friend.  "Heck yeah! And it's always gonna be the best it can be with my main girl by my side!" Ok so that arm wrap turned into a full hug.

Les, on the other hand, found himself moving a biiiit closer to Emma. Albeit, turning his head to the side to shield the oncoming emerald blush on his cheeks. "Well uh...I'd like to make it even better with you, y'know." The inkling slowly dipped his hands down to his pockets. Come on, string bean. You can do this. "Maybe you and I could come back here later tonight?" The smile returned to his face even with his soft-toned voice. "Guess you can kinda well..call it a date."

Aiko went along with Flake the whole time there and just... Stared for a moment as she turned into a squid. Sigh. She shook her head before scooping the gal into her arms and going over to the food truck. Lightly poking the squiddo as well to maybe still keep her up if possible.

Emma was really trying her darndest not to just melt into a puddle from embarrassment as if she still hasn't fixed up how she's thinking for words and now Les got closer to her and was being all cute and- Wait what. The anemone was completely silent, but her face was practically as red as a tomato.
What.
She brought her hands up to her mouth, then hair, then back to her face with her hair, and then a quietly muffled scree for a short while. Another deep breath and she moved back to trying to actually stand normal and looking at him more. "I-I- sure!! I wouldn't- I wouldn't mind that at all! Just- just here? Right here here? Tonight? That's all good with me!!" She tried pushing actual words out of her mouth again, though her face still wouldn't stop with the blush. Holy carp did it get hot in here why is she starting to sweat aaa.

The smile on Les's face couldn't get any brighter. His hand moved up, trying to cover his burnt face, but he gave in to the burn.  The squid's arms were thrown right around her, holding her close, and resting his head right against her. "I might need your address, but I'll pick you up at 7, ok?" He may have stayed in the hug a little longer.

Ohgoshohgoshohgosh Emma took a moment before hugging him tightly and nodding a bit into his shoulder, having her eyes closed in embarrassment yet also just...wanting to focus on how close he was right now. "I'll-I'll message you later for that address- don't worry, hahah...!"

"..The fe- wha?" Elle looked around- police?? What would it matter if..? She blinked. Elle, please. You're not dumb.
"..Right. See you later, Torch.." She sighed as Torch walked off. Elle too wanted them to finally make up, but what could she do..? 

And seeing Torch walk off, Sleak too wondered what to do. Call her back?.. Even though he had thought of what to say while approaching, even now he.. Wasn't sure. What to say.. What to do.. Seeing her walk off like this just felt like she was getting further away. But by the time Sleak was standing next to Elle, Torch was no longer there. And going after her seemed.. wrong..? "...So, you.. said you got lasagna?" Yes, thats a way to start. 

"...It's still heating up, but it shouldn't take much longer." She replied, not really looking at her brother. No, she was still looking off to where Torch left. Both siblings realized that something had to be done, but neither actually did something... 

"..Right.." Sleak sighed. "Well, if our spot's still free, we can sit down and eat there, or find another place, doesn't matter much." 

Flake meanwhile.. uh.. well, she sat just happily in Aiko's arms. Exactly as planned. She could never tell Aiko, however. Every few pokes Aiko did, she just bounced a little in Aiko's arms, almost as if she was more of a jellyfish than a squid. ^-^

//snap snap snap//there certainly wasn't a little shipper snapping pictures of her ships, nope, not this blue inkling nuh uh ohmygodthey'resocuteshe'sgottapesterbigbrolater

Les grinned from ear to ear.  he might have gave her a little squeeze as he hugged her.  The boy was happy. No way he's gonna be afraid to show it.  Then came his cue. Grand finale time at last. Almost reluctantly, he pulled away from Emma, but kept his hand on her shoulder with that grin facing her. "I'll see ya then. Time for me to get this thing over with." Les slowly grazed his arm off of her, and ran right on down to the stage.  

"Hey! Paranoid girl! Your lasagna's done!" Aurelio shouted as he placed the plates on the counter.  

"Well, looks like it's time for the big one, Abs!" Ok, Abigail got a little squeeze too. "Thank you again for the help, dude!" Luanne was gone. In a blink, she took right off to the stage.

Abigail smiles with the squeeze, and waved as Luanne left, “make it a good one, Gate!”

oh in the meanwhile though"WOOOO!!!!" Mira jumped and had her arms up in excitement for this time's final song. Woo! Last one for today!! She GOTTA have a good shot at this!! 

"Yeaah!!" Zaykin exclaimed as well, and Solua cheered. Hahah, they really didn't get in so late- at least got to watch like what- 3 songs or so? Nice..! Kyler had a smile on his face at this rate, though still avoiding some eyes... Zak was mostly around the food truck, quickly finishing up his bought snacks whoop, swallow before you accidentally choke just trying to support your siblings and their friends.  

Emma took a breath and smiled widely at Les and giving him a wave. "Good luck! Give it your all!!" She calls out, taking a bit before going back to embarrassedly flustered state of having her hair cover her face as she got back to her twin. 

"Wow oh wow, you're as red as a cherry, Em~" Dilan laughed out only to receive a slight kick to the side, yet he couldn't help laughing a bit more and Emma making all sorts of muffled noises while sitting back besides him.

Primrose cupped her hands around her mouth, letting out a high pitched “WOOO!!” Whilst stomping her feet. Her companions only chuckled at her cheer in response, giving their own bit of shouts of encouragement.

"Oh- OH grand finale time!! Oh I hope you'll enjoy the show, Al, Kyrie!! Ahh, see you two later after this!!" Valerie started bouncing on her feet through all that talk, looking at the short squid and octoling before almost literally bouncing off to her bandmates. 

"GOOO ERIEE!!!" Yeah it's probably clear that Valkyrie here has a favorite. Allen couldn't help but sigh.

"Hah... Oh, looks like they're gonna be ending it off soon, eh... Heh, let's get those drinks already and enjoy." Aiko commented right as she got there. Eyeing what looked to be Torch moving away from there and, huh, that one's Sleak, isn't it. Aiko hummed a little before calling out to someone in the food truck. "Excuse me, what drinks do you guys have?" 

Emma took a moment actually not covering her face to watch the performance but oh my god the music and Lesislookingrightatheragain-Yeah okay back to hiding her face. How red can she get.

“THERE’S MAH GIRL. SHOW OFF THEM MOVES AYY!” 

“Ange, please, Youre gonna mess them up.” Celeste was close to dragging her sister away.

"Pops? Are you okay?" 

"...I'm just fine, what'cha talking about..." 

"Why are you covering your face?" 

"...nothing, don't worry, Sol."

"Coffee soda, espresso, cappuccino, and water!! We planned this all last minute, so we grabbed what we were able to!" Papa Montoya chuckled, and gestured to the drinks. "Hey, this band ain't-a too bad! Me like...me like."

Elle slowly turned to the lasagna squid. "..Thank you, Oreo." She stated, as she approached the food truck, now with Sleak in tow. "..Oreo? His parents named him after a cookie?" Her brother asked, with a raised eyebrow, as Elle grabbed the two plates. "..I think so? That's what he said, anyway." She shrugged, seemingly ignoring the whole 'paranoid comment'. 

It was at that point that Aiko approached the food truck, with Flake there.. After the interaction with the guy in the truck "Coffeeee??" She moaned, from the arms of Aiko. She flopped out of the arms that held her and turned into the squid she should be before landing. "Spressooo.." She said, half-sleepy looking at the vendor. And fully ignoring everyone around her. ..."Huh, that's.." 

Sleak looked at Aiko's direction.. "..Hey there."

"MY NAME IS AURELIOOOOOO!!!"

Wow poor guy. But meanwhile, her friend was up now. Kind of. "Told you they'd have something more then cola, Flakey. Espresso for her and cappuccino for me please." Aiko sighed but smiled. And then took a moment looking back at Sleak. Gave him a fingergun.

Both Disyne siblings knew, when the kid started screaming. Yeah, he was doomed to be called Oreo.. Ah! Yep, looks like they recognized Sleak too. Elle was left with a raised eyebrow at the interaction, though. She started eating her lasagna. Sleak noticed, and.. simply.. laughed awkwardly, before also eating. I mean, he only recognized the girl, but it wasn't as if he really knew her?.. He thought, anyway. 

"Mm, they actually don't have cola at all, do they. Coffee's second best though." Flake responded. Wait, plain, non-sleepy speech..? "...Just the smell alone is enough to wake a gal up." ...Sure, Flake.

Papa Aurelio immediately got the machine brewin, and even got a cute little cup for the hot delicacy. "Good taste, I see!"

"... Mhmm, alright. Thanks sir." Aiko eyed Flake from the side with how not sleepy she was now but accepted the cup and started drinking while turning around to watch the gig. And also momentarily giving a wave to her captain, to which Zak perked up a little and waved back. Hah.

"Wow he's really digging that look down at ya sis-" 

"Dilstaphhealreadyaskedmeout-" 

"He asked you wHAT WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO-" Dilan at least stopped the teasing for a moment to join an applause for the end of the last song there, but was also too amused with the curled up ball that is his sister right now.

Angie put her forefinger and thumb near her mouth, giving a loud ass whistle as her cheering. Meanwhile her half sister clapped beside her.

Flake eyed the filled cup of coffee and just.. SNIFF.. took a real good whiff then and there. And she wanted to pick it up, but noticed that oh shit the song is over, and instead turned to clap. She'd yell but. Aiko was standing next to her, and she was also literally at the food truck. No way Lu'd hear anyway. So she didn't yell, nor scream, but she did stop to take a sip of her EXPRESSESPRESSO! No really that was way fast, and she'd make the pun if she wasn't sipping the coffee at that point. She'd have to keep a note of this food truck's origins. And thus, a mental note was written. 

Barely meters away were the Disyne siblings, Elle poking her lasagna and Sleak. Holding his plate. Partially looking at the direction Torch walked off to. Partially realizing the song had ended and nudging Elle, who had not yet realized it. She was in fact about to ask what the nudge was about, until she noticed everyone else was clapping and- well, she could hardly stay behind. Good thing the two had sat down, cause their plate was safely on the ground for that clapping.

Sleak sighed, before finally taking his first bite of the lasagna. Elle, half looking at her half plate of lasagna, was also half looking at Paisley, wondering if she'd come back here. Ah, but who knows, maybe they should just go home... soon, anyway. 

Far from the food truck or the podium stood another inkling. He had watched the concert, but brought his own food and drink, so he managed to completely stay unrelated to everyone near the food truck, and hadn't noticed anyone in particular, barring the fact that he knew some of the people on the stage. He was clapping as the songs had ended, but unlike Flake, wasn't the kind of person who'd yell in the first place. Perhaps he should have. It was a good concert, he'd definitely show up at more if he knew about it up front, like today. Alas, poor Sean! People knew him, indeed, a fellow of curiosity, of most excellent people's skills.. Pff, or so he wished, anyway. A shrug at his own mental joke later, he sat back down and ate the sandwich he brought. It was a nice day, might as well enjoy it even without the concert.

The coffee-colored squid went around, giving Zaykin a hug, Mira a high five, suddenly over with Aiko and Zak with more hugs too, skipping over to Valkyrie and Allen to which the short squid was the one to go and hug her tight but after a little talk, the octoling got to pry her off and started packing up their stuff... And soon, Valerie found herself staring at Kyler and Solua. The two were talking to each other, so haven't quite noticed her yet but just... She approached and gently placed a hand on his arm. He looked as if he was expecting it at some point as he sighed and turned to look at her. Another chance to actually talk.

Torch had watched the whole ordeal, so much as standing already from her spot and waiting for her little cousin. That water bottle was long finished, and crushed in her fist. “Whoa hey, you okay?” 

“I’m fine! I’ll.. be fine.” Paisley nodded, final answer. 

Of course her cousin continued to look concerned, but not like this was the right place nor time to pry.. she only sighed. “Alright then. Home? Food? What.” 

“Let’s just walk, we’ll figure it out.” No time for argument, Paisley had gone ahead. Choosing a route right through the crowd, yikes. No, Torch would not make eye contact. Gaze, straight ahead.

The Disyne siblings saw the same thing at the same time. Obviously. Even though Sleak's interest had been changed to the lasagna, he still glanced to the stage now and then. And Ellecant was constantly looking there, too, wondering about Paisley's next intention. Sleak's reaction to what happened, was him looking sideways for a moment. Pushed away by the one the kid seemed to love. In that context.. He blinked. Wait, what was that thought?.. Though it was hard to see, a green coloration appeared on Sleak's face...
Elle's reaction, however? She had been blushing since the kiss itself. And. She didn't know why? Was there something that bothered her about this? But what was that twinge of.. schadenfreude, as Nick got pushed off?
Both Disyne siblings thought they should help Paisley and Torch.. Neither, however, did. The lasagna ran cold. 

Flake's coffee didn't. That expressespresso was expressly drank.. Causing her to miss that part on stage. Welp. But despite her acting more awake, she uh.. Really wasn't that awake. That coffee was direly needed.

Some took notice of those leaving, others paid no mind as they were leaving as well, though Aiko had a moment where she was hugged by more people before they left apparently. Well, hugged only at least two more times as Mira and Solua got over to her and Zaykin gave her a wave before leaving with the girls. Huh. Solua was with them now... Aiko sipped her cappuccino as she eyed Kyler and Valerie, now apparently talking to each other... That's something. She stopped drinking for a bit and looked back over at Flake.  "Hey, let's finish our cups and then get going? Or would ya wanna stay at the park for a bit more?" She suggested to the girl before taking another sip of her cappuccino.

"Mm.. Nah, I think we're done. I'll hit up Luanne later myself." Flake said as she put down her.. Empty cup?? "Besides even with the coffee I'm reaching my limits, ahahaaaa... Zz.."

Multiple times she finds herself raising a brow at what Flake has apparently done it seems, but in the end Aiko just chuckled and went to kind of finish her cup too before putting it aside. "Let's get going then, and I guess I'm gonna drive. Can't have you falling asleep on the wheel now, pfft." She gave her a nudge with her elbow before she started to make her way back to Flake's van. Couldn't help but give Valerie and Kyler another look as the former got him into a hug. Mm. Hopefully they'll do alright.

"Excellent!.." Flake gave Aiko a thumbsup.. from which her van's keys hung. In one smooth motion she flung it over to Aiko, before starting a slow slog towards the van.. "...Can I squid in your arms again, that was pretty dang comfortable.."

Aiko turned to focus on Flake, chuckling a bit as she caught the keys and sort of held her arms out and open. "Come on over then, girl. Let's go back now."

Flake looked at Aiko and leaned towards her... before falling forward and squidding straight into the open arms. "TO HOME!"