. drink up baby

[colton abernathy]

CURRENTLY: AT CAT'S CRADLE (MAIN STAGE)

COLTON

He can't help laughing at their outsized reaction, considering the band on stage and briefly wondering what it must be like to be them. What a superpower. Finally some of Ruby's ice thaws, and he grins for the camera, laughing at Mirren's antics up above him. She's a comforting weight on him, actually, grounding, her skin smooth and warm against his. A song he loves too comes on and he has all but forgotten his one time partner, who seems to have slipped back into the crowds, no doubt to return to her friends and call him an asshole. This does not bother him. What does bother him is a guy moving in close to Ruby, so instantaneously he wonders first if she's okay, going to try and intervene. "Steady," he murmurs to Mira, as though she could hear him through the din. He sees a glimpse of Ruby's face and she's smiling, leaning in to the attention, letting herself be lifted.. he closes his eyes, trying to push the resentment he felt for his best friend out of his mind. Mira's fingers threading between his is soothing again and he focuses on that, on the weight of her, on her hand, on her joy. He closes his eyes for a second, trying to banish any negativity, worried it might attach itself to this song forever.

[ruby anderson]

CURRENTLY: AT CAT’S CRADLE (MAIN STAGE)

RUBY

A random guys hand’s moves against her hips, a song she loved playing and she’s forgotten everything that troubles her. Eyes closing as Ruby feels the beat and alcohol she’s been consuming, loosening the usual rhythm she had. Mirren’s words snap her out of the daydream, as the cute boy nexts to her begins to happily obliged the demanding request. A smile so full on her face as she eagerly waves to the stage once hoisted into the air and never ceasing the singing as her other hand intertwines with Mirren’s, grasping it tightly. ”I still can’t believe this!!” Ruby screams to Mirren over the music, feeling unfamiliar fingers rub up and down her tanned thighs. The song ends and she leans forward to alert the one holding her that she was ready to come down. It’s not as smooth though, he squats and Ruby’s shoe gets stuck in his armpit on he as she tumbles backwards on the ground. “I’m okay!” She throws her head back laughing as he profusely apologizes and a few other crowd goers help her up, brushing the dirt off the back of her legs.

[mirren hewitt]

CURRENTLY: AT CAT’S CRADLE (MAIN STAGE)

MIRREN

It feels like a movie. The sounds, the experience, gripping her friends' hands tight and willing them to never let go. It was impossible to describe just how much she loved and needed them, how she'd sometimes felt so lonely when they felt so far away. Even Matt couldn't fill the same voids, scratching at Colt's head in earnest thanks as the hit drifted to a close. She's ready to come down also, about to motion for it, but Ruby quickly hits the dirt next to her and Mirren can't stifle the gasp. Free hand coming up to cover her mouth, body shaking with laughter at the replay images flooding her mind. Ruby's shocked face and quick recovery, the precarious save of her drink still lofted in her hand. "Are you sure you're ok?” Mirren calls, tapping Colt's shoulder and luckily, easing her way back down to the ground. Inspecting Ruby's form, noticing a red patch on the back of her thigh that'd likely bruise the next day. "I think I'll get you both a drink after that,” she decides, motioning for the concession stand as they shoved back through. Content now to listen from afar while keeping her friends even closer.

[colton abernathy]

CURRENTLY: AT CAT'S CRADLE (MAIN STAGE)

COLTON

It brings Colton unbridled satisfaction to see Ruby fall. It's what he has metaphorically craved for years now, unable to process his lust for her in any way other than an affront on him, unreasonably furious that she had committed the simple sin of being obviously pretty. In his heart he knew it to be unfair, but he did not let his heart make many of his decisions in life. Mirren's physical affection is the one thing tethering him to his own sanity, bringing him back from the brink and letting him feel a taste of the unadulterated love he felt for them before pubity had ever had a chance to wreak its havoc.  He laughs along with Mirren, though his laugh has a mean spirited edge that was truthfully wholly unnecessary. Easing Mira down with more grace, he bends to look at the damage on Ruby's leg. Nodding, he follows his friend through the crowd, joining the back of the line to the bar and hoping their IDs held out. "You guys are crazy, you know? I thought someone would kill us for that."

[ruby anderson]

CURRENTLY: AT A BEER STAND

RUBY

The irony of her fall would only make sense later on in the summer. Especially in the eyes of her friends, when secrets would no longer be concealed. Ruby’s dusting her bottom and not caring as she proceeds to laugh, checking to make sure all bits of dirt were off of her. Mirren is off of Colt’s shoulders laughing but also becoming attentive of what could’ve been a serious injury. Ruby doesn’t miss the extra sharpness of Colt’s laugh, reminding herself to continue forward with the cold shoulder. “I promise I’m fine,” she murmurs before chuckling at herself again. If she were any bit sober she would feel the pounding in her hands from where she caught herself mid-fall. She moves her body away before he can fully examine her, only allowing a glimpse. Mirren drags them to the nearest beverage area and Ruby finishes what’s in the tallboy can, tossing it into the recycling. “I think this is the best line we’ve been in all day, I’ll take another white claw pleaseee?” She requests before digging through her purse to fire off another drunk message to Everett, grinning. “Where to next?” Ruby bumps her best friend’s hip as they make their way up towards the counter, curious who else Mira wanted to see. “And let’s stop at those nice bathrooms we saw earlier too. Before we’re immersed back into the crowd.”

[mirren hewitt]

CURRENTLY: AT CAT’S CRADLE (MAIN STAGE)

MIRREN

"We started a moment, those people should be thanking us!” Mirren's still flushed with excitement, alive with the heat of the sun and proximity of her closets friends. The two she could be the most herself with, so much more at ease and relaxed as they zipped through the line. Oblivious to anything else happening between them. Mirren nods along, though she isn't surprised the lines are moving much quicker. A lot of major acts were now on stage, grounds thinned out in favor or packing in for the performances."It's a sign,” she breaths anyway, almost used to agreeing with Ruby all the time now. It had become habit after her friend grew a pout and an attitude, still unsure whether it came from her budding popularity or the shadow that was stuck at Dunmere this weekend. So she's surprised when her friend lets her take the lead in where they go next, tapping her chin as she thanked the attendant for her latest drink. "Should we go watch The Killers? Maybe if we stand in the right spot we'll catch Cat's Cradle coming off stage and can figure out how to get some selfies.”

[colton abernathy]

CURRENTLY: AT CAT'S CRADLE (MAIN STAGE)

COLTON

Ruby's dismissiveness is obvious, the blonde managing to manoeuvre around him without so much as a glance. It was maddening. Staring at the back of her perfect head as she leads the way with Mirren, Colton has completely forgotten that he was making out with someone else mere moments before, too distracted by his own mounting irritation. "What do you expect when headliners are on?" he says sharply to Ruby, having the same train of thought as Mirren but none of the tact. He reaches across the both of them to pay before either can complain, pissed off but still aware of the fact they were students and he had been making plenty of money tending to every menial task the housewives of the Hamptons had to offer him. Cracking open his beer, he shrugs, indifferent to where they went next now that he had decided to be in one of his sulks. "You could just go hang out by VIP, you're bound to get a chance. Maybe talk your way in."

[ruby anderson]

CURRENTLY: AT A BEER STAND

RUBY

It's his last comment that makes Ruby finally say something. Pushing her buttons like he always did. "I know your mother taught you if you don't have anything nice to say, to keep it to yourself. Because I got the same lecture from her," she mutters, returning his similar sharp tone and speaking only closely to him. Mirren was on the outside of Ruby this time, Colt to her left. It was nothing that would give them away for this was typical Ruby and Colt moment. Hot and cold, continuously  arguing in some way. He pays for their drinks and she rolls her eyes, when neither of them are looking in her direction. Mr. show off, she wishes to mumble under her breath but keeps it to herself. "I think The Killers would be fun. But will never turn down trying to stand near the VIP section and see Taylor." She moves her shoulders up and down, while  taking a sip of the crisp white claw now in her hands. She takes the moment to stop a random person in the crowd, knowing they're overdue for a group photo. "Hi, excuse me can you take a picture of the three of us?" Ruby asks of the young girl she stops, guaranteeing she'll take a decent one.

[mirren hewitt]

CURRENTLY: AT CONCESSIONS

MIRREN

She blinks sharply at Ruby's lash, surprised she'd spun on something that meant to be a tease and not a direct insult. Staying true to her unpredictability these days, Mirren braces for something more but is saved by the prospect of a brush with the band wrapping up on stage before them. Tuning back in, she ignores the strange bickering going on between her best friends and sways to the beat of their final song, hands lifting back in the air as she mouthed the lyrics. "I think we should do it,” she decides, turning back only to realize Ruby had walked away. It takes a moment to realize she's requesting a picture from someone, Colt reflexively shifting to the middle because they'd always taken photos that way. Ruby on the right, Colt in the middle, Mirren on the left. Memories on display on their mom's fridges and throughout their homes, always together and always in that order. It brought her immense joy to fall right back in, squeezing Colt and flashing a bright smile as the girl snapped away. Thankful, always thankful, girls took 500 photos. "Lemme see,” she asks, hands grabbing as she huddled over the screen. Hearting a few that were great, sometimes still stunned how grown up they looked. "I hope we look this good in our future photos with Cat's Cradle, absolutely manifesting now. We have to run if we want to catch them!”

[colton abernathy]

CURRENTLY: AT CONCESSIONS

COLTON

Colton laughs hollowly as his mom is brought up. "Really? Quoting my mom on me? I didn't even say anything mean, you've got such a victim complex." It's a petty back and forth, one much more befitting for children so really she was quite right to quote Helena. Mira gets lost in the music for a moment and Colt takes his opportunity to lower his voice, pulling Ruby in closer behind Mira's back to mutter in ear. "What the fuck was that back there? You really just let any guy touch all up on you like that?" Before she can reply Mirren has turned back and he separates from her, taking another swig of his beer. Ruby has dragged some poor soul over to take a photo and he takes his place, managing to smile naturally for the snap. It actually makes him feel better. Easing up, he peers over Mirren's shoulder, looking at the pictures along with her. His stomach twists... had he fucked everything up? Without dwelling on it, he tilts his head towards VIP. "Come on then."

[ruby anderson]

CURRENTLY: AT A BEER STAND

RUBY

Ruby's heart is pounding when Colt speaks lowly into her ear, Mirren's back to them and his words harsh, but a bit true. And  hypocritical coming from the same guy who put on a similar display just a few hours ago, maybe even worse. She wants to scream that his actions fueled her but Mirren saves the day (little did she know), looking back and Colt jerks away from their close proximity.  Her continued silence to him would be enough of a reply. The young girl happily obliges Ruby's request, so Ruby hands her phone to her and they are in their usual spots. She leans into Colton, squeezing Mirren's arm that was tucked behind him and smiles for the many pictures the random person takes. "Hurry, let's go!" Mirren and Ruby lock eyes, giggling simultaneously and sprinting away  towards the gates that separated the VIP section, Colton following behind. "I'm so nervous, I have my phone out and ready, someone else better have their's out as well, in case I freak out too much," Ruby's eyes wandering in every direction to try to catch any glimpse of their favorite band.

[mirren hewitt]

CURRENTLY: AT CAT'S CRADLE VIP ENTRANCE

MIRREN

It's a blur as they take off again, acting every bit the reckless children they are. With it comes the notion that adolescence makes them invincible, paying no mind to the dirty looks or bunched up crowds as they slid through with age. When they get close Mirren notices two girls helping their overly intoxicated friend out of the VIP area, idea bubbling before her very eyes. "Hi,” she approaches the strangers with little caution, voice low to avoid any onlookers. "If you're leaving for the day with your friend I'll pay you for your VIP passes. At least gets you some money back for having to leave early, right?” After various negotiations and a drawn out Venmo due to bad service, Mirren's wallet is a tiny bit lighter but she's scored 3 VIP passes for the day, distributing them to her friends with triumphant glee. "Keep that phone ready,” she tells Ruby, reaching out to grab her hand (and steady the shake), as they flashed their newly acquired credential and got right in. "I can't believe that worked,” she gasps when they're past security, eyes roving the new access they'd suddenly acquired before a flurry of attention caught her eye. "Ohmigod look, I think they're over there! Ruby, how's my hair? How's my lip gloss?”

[colton abernathy]

CURRENTLY: AT CONCESSIONS

COLTON

With the girls leading the way, he hangs back, taking the opportunity to go through his phone. A few texts from a girl he'd been talking to on Hinge, one from his mom, a slew from Adelaide. Nothing of interest. He slips it away, finally catching up and shooting a quizzical look in Mirren's direction as she chats to girls he doesn't know. Maybe they were from NYU? But Ruby doesn't seem to know them... in seconds the mystery is solved, his resourceful best friend brandishing three shiny VIP passes. Though his face remains impassive, he gets a small thrill out of the idea of having status, his adrenaline starting to kick in as they're waved beyond the barrier. "Clever girl," he murmurs, trying to keep a low profile though no one in the section seems to notice the interlopers. "What's the plan now, are you just gonna go over there and ask them out? You know they date models."

[ruby anderson]

CURRENTLY: AT A BEER STAND

RUBY

"God you're such a genius! I'll send you a venmo too!!" Ruby hugs Mirren before kissing onto the side of her head. Still in disbelief that this was actually happening to them. Between the pair of girls and their ability to get things done (Ruby pushing through the crowd and Mirren's sweet talking) this day would go down in history as unforgettable. Ruby pushes the VIP lanyard over her head, feeling even more excited as they begin to walk through the sacred grounds. "You look great!" She flattens a few flyaway pieces on Mirren head and then gives her a final nod. She applies her lip gloss, offering it to her friend in case she also wanted to reapply. She ignores Colt's comment about them dating models, very eager to meet the band she's idolizes for a long time. "Hold my phone Colt, get ready to take a picture, hmm let's talk to Niko first. There he is! I'm too nervous to go right up to Taylor yet." Ruby beckons her friends, heart beating incredibly fast as they approach the newest member of the band. He stops speaking just as them walk up, a huge grin appearing on Ruby's face, the nerves still heavy in her stomach as she fakes the confidence. "Hi Niko! I'm Ruby and these are my friends, we just wanted to say we're so excited you've joined Cat's Cradle! We're huge fans."

[mirren hewitt]

CURRENTLY: AT CAT'S CRADLE VIP SECTION

MIRREN

"Colt!” Mirren huffs, elbowing him in the ribs. In all actuality Mirren really hadn't planned further than this, now standing within feet of the band she'd been passively obsessed with for years. Running off the adrenaline of hearing them live and reunited could honestly have fulfilled her for years to come but now? If she was being honest all she wanted was a few selfies and to thank them for being her go-to karaoke songs. She barely has time to formulate her next thought before Ruby's already making their decision, her wide eyes drifting back to Colt before covering her mouth in a silent fan-girl scream. Then she straightens herself, feigns a cool girl face, and dutifully follows her straight up to the newest member of the band. "Mirren - this feels like such a good welcome,” she adds in, a tinge of a sting pulsing through as she realizes Ruby'd only named herself. But one flash of Niko's smile has her melting into a puddle, taking a second to compliment his tattoos and ask about his favorite song to play, keeping it light and easy before he's inevitably pulled another direction. It feels like seconds, but by the time the girls step away they'd managed to meet every member of Cat's Cradle, scoring light conversations, small moments of fangirling, and, the ultimate jackpot, selfies with everyone. Mirren's flipping through her phone, giddy at the one of her and Joe, when she looks to Ruby whose palms are empty and her mouth drops wide open. "Oh my god - Ruby...does Taylor still have your phone? He took the selfie, right?”