Sister bonding in a sense.. ( Jamie)

[AQUANA EVANGELINA ADRASTOS]

Aquana was never good with family,she never really bonded with them in fact if she wanted to admit she was rather annoyed with then. But,she did care of them,they did mean a great deal to her. At least her sisters did,her brother well they weren't really big in their family so if rarely if ever talked to him. Their mother wasn't kind about it either so it just seemed to flow with her. Antala her youngest sibling,and they didn't connect well either,she tired too but she really just found it time consuming. But the one thing that did bring her joy,was to find her suitors,Aquana had one for herself,it was just all for a benefit. To produce heirs to make their bloodline strong. So of course she wanted to make sure her sisters had the same fun that she did. Now Jamie,well she wasn't sure what to be about her other sister, a lesbian what was that. Nothing was ever easy in her family was it,even though despite all of that,her and Jamie got along the best.

Yes they did butt heads,and if she would admit it out loud,she enjoyed it from time to time. But this was who Aquana was,family and closeness was a waste of time. It didn't have a point or a space in her life. Yet even though she did not like being close with her family,she found herself going on a shopping trip with her sister. Now what she thought of shopping, and what Jamie thought of shopping was two different things. So she would enjoy making her younger sibling squirm. Eying the time she saw that it was close to meeting her. Slipping on her shades, she left the house and slipped into the car,telling the driver where to go. It was a rather quite day and the traffic was light so she would make it in plenty of time.

Pulling up the shops she smirked as she saw her sister already there standing by an expensive boutique. Slipping from the car,she heels clicking on the concert as she headed towards Jamie. " Hello Jamie,glad to see you made it ." Her tone lighter them normal with a hint of a teasing tone,only her sister would be able to catch it. Glancing inside as eyes all the expensive dresses,shoes shirts and everything she loved but her sister hated. " This looks promising shall we ?" Standing at the door she watched, as it opened and they stepped in. People scurrying around as they eyed the woman that made their shop possible. " Yes this looks promising."

[JAMILA KALIANE ADRASTOS]

Why had she agreed to this again? Ugh. She loved Aquana, she really did, but this was not her idea of fun. When her older sister had suggested it, the only reason she’d said ‘yes’ was to get the blonde away from all of her responsibilities. Seriously, the woman stressed herself out so much that she turned into a bigger bitch than usual. Whenever possible, Jamie liked to get the other woman out of her head. Still… Shopping, really? Ugh. Just… Ugh. The two eldest sisters really didn’t have much in common, but Jamie loved all of her siblings with a passion bordering on fiery, but that was just out of her element. Ha. She made a funny. It was lucky the two of them didn’t live together anymore, honestly. That way Aquana couldn’t jump down her throat about being on time or what she was going to wear. She’d gotten more than one, ‘really? That’s what you’re going to pick?’ from her blonder sibling. Like she was some kind of peasant or something. Which made Jamie turn around with a recalcitrant look and threaten to just take it all off. Sometimes, altercations with Aquana were pretty fun. Secretly, she thought the elder mermaid appreciated that the redhead was unafraid of her. So many were intimidated by the woman for one reason or another, it was likely bracing and refreshing that someone wasn’t. And she wasn’t about to start now, she thought as she slipped on some beater jeans and leather jacket that really wouldn’t meet with Aquana’s high standards. The thought of the coming look was enough to make Jamie giggle as she left the apartment she shared with Calla.

She arrived at the prearranged meeting place- some hoity-toity shop that Jamie had never willingly gone in before- and leaned by the door smoking a cigarette, waiting for her sister. The curvy woman showed up just a short while later, dropped off by her driver. ’Aquana, why in the world do you need a driver? Seriously. We both know you know how to drive your own damn cars…’ And they were off, starting the snippy banter back and forth that they both secretly approved of. Still snarky, she followed the blonde inside as she surveyed the place. Apparently, her executive sibling had high hopes that this would make a decent start to their little ‘outing.’ Oi vey, it was gonna be a long day. Especially since she was more than certain her elder sibling would try to throw some clothes on her that she had absolutely no interest in. ’Promising for you, maybe… Lookit how terrified you’ve made the workers. And you haven’t even started making your demands yet. Is that a honed skill? That aura of rude demanding?’ she asked with a smirk that was sure to get a rise out of Aquana. Which was almost the point. If she could distract her sibling from the problems in her head with biting comments in the present time, then maybe she wouldn’t be so mean when she went back to her life of constant, nagging responsibilities.

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clicketh for clothes!

[AQUANA EVANGELINA ADRASTOS]

Hearing that question all Aquana did was laugh , why did she have a driver well it was so that she didn't need to drive of course. Wasting time doing something like that had no appeal to Aquana. While her sister had no problem doing her own thing in driving , the whole reason why Aquana paid people do it was so that she never had to. Was it really that hard to understand apparently in some people's small minds it was. Just shaking her head she gently touched her sister's shoulders. " So that I wouldn't have to of course , it's not like he wouldn 't be doing anything else of importance he should be grateful that he had a job anyway. " Glancing back she saw her driver sink into his seat slightly , god men were weak there was nothing good about them , all they did was cause pain and a waste of time. " Well yes I know I have my own car but I didn't feel like driving it today. " All she could do was sigh with all the pointless questions , really didn't they have better things to be doing right now with their time. Like actually buying her sister an outfit that would be good for suitors.

All she could do was just smirk at her sister's comments , the people's in the shops had income because of her. She made their clothes worth buying why shouldn 't the be slightly afraid when she wanted to make her way into the shop. Her feet clicking against the cool floor as her eyes took in everything from the shop. Yes this would do quite well . tapping her foot she waited for someone to approach them. Hearing her sister all she could do was roll her eyes at her comment. " Well they should be scared , I put their sad little shop onto the map the least they could do was show they were grateful for it. As your for other comment. I am not rude I just demeaned the best , if people have a problem with that , then they are not cut out to be in my life now are they. " Yes she was a cold hearted bitch , ice in her veins as some could gladly say but that was not her problem.

If people could not deal how and who she was , the please just walk on buy. She had a family and a company to run , she did not have time to waste on people who can't even properly function. " Now I think I I see some good dresses over there Jamie , let's go head over that way and have a look , it would be nice to see you out of clothes that do nothing for your form I mean your never going to have a suitor if you look like a vagabond. "

[JAMILA KALIANE ADRASTOS]

Sometimes she missed the Aquana of old. Okay, yeah, she’d always been a brain-case with too much pressure heaped on her, as eldest, but when she didn’t actually have the power to exercise, she’d been a little easier to put up with. Now, well… Jamie loved the hell out of her, sure, but cheesus, there were times she just wanted to put everybody out of their collective misery and be done with her. Still, she seemed to cool it a little bit with the redhead instead of everybody else. ’Be that as it may, terrorist, it’s not like you do anything important while he’s driving your lazy ass around. And it’s not like driving requires more effort than you exert on any of the other inane activities you choose to do.’ Jamie’s mouth quirked into a pointed shape, emphasizing her point as she put out her cigarette, following the pretty blonde inside the building.

Her sister didn’t even say anything, merely gave a surveying glance around the store with her bitch-face, and the poor employees were skittering out of her line of sight. Jamie couldn’t help her sigh, or her comment. Which Aquana was convinced she was entitled to dispute, because she spent money there. ’Oh, please, Aqua. It’s not like you pay all their bills. Small fraction. You’re a powerhouse, sure, but that doesn’t make you their god. Lighten up. ‘Cause in quite a few cultures, including this one, demanding is rude. Reality check.’ Jamie started her perusing then, noting all of the items she would neverwear with a wrinkle of her nose. Ugh. This would be the kind of place Aquana liked. Sigh. She just knew her bossy-pants sister would try to get her into some of them. Oh? What was that? The attempt began, with Aquana suggesting, of all things, dresses. And that she looked like a vagabond. Who needed suitors. Jamie rolled her eyes and followed her uppity elder, shaking her head with a derisive laugh.

’There are so many things wrong with that sentence, A, I don’t even know where to start… Dresses don’t touch this body for anything less than one of those stupid galas Mother hosts. These clothes do perfectly remarkable things for my figure, judging by the sheer number of women that land in my bed, so no ‘suitor’ is gonna happen for me. And there’s no way a vagabond could afford this six-hundred dollar jacket. Thank you. Very much.’ This was an old argument that they never stopped re-hashing. Aquana had some issues with Jamie being gay, because it meant she wouldn’t be gifting their lineage with any more children, which was a totally backwards mindset. And how was their mother supposed to marry her off to a man for profit if she refused to entertain them? Like Jamie had said, many times, she was genetically designed to rebel against her familial code. She loved every second of it. Telling her mother, in no uncertain terms, to shove it, had been one of her highest achievements, by far.

[AQUANA EVANGELINA ADRASTOS]

TREATING LIFE LIKE A PICTURE


BUT IT'S NOT A MOMENT THAT'S FROZEN IN TIME

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w i t h t h i s f e e l i n g i n s i d e m e t h a t i c an t e xp l a i n,

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All Aquana would do is narrow her eyes at her sister's remarks , the one thing she could admire about Jamie is that she was never afraid to speak her mind. That being said it pissed her off as well. Why Jamie thought she could talk to Aquana the way she was , it would have been laughable if it didn't annoy her more. She would shake her head next and respond. " Then if you think it is so horrible that I have a driver. I will just fire him before we leave then and he can try and another job that would take him." It didn't matter truly to her, she just didn't feel like driving that day. If though it would get her sister to shut up about his treatment when she would just fire him and solve that problem. Watching her sister smoke another grimace would pass her face. " I see your still smoking, such a disgusting thing to do, It makes you smell horrible and the taste, but if you want to ruin your teeth and smell by all means continue." She knew that she was being a bitch right now, but Jamie should know to expect it when she was with her sister Aquana didn't change for anyone and this was one of those times as well.

She would purse her lips again at those comments her eyes would flick to the workers as they paused listening to the sister. With a soft sigh her words be sharp and slightly heated " Instead of listening to us talk I am sure you all could be working. Or did I need to talk to the owner already." Eavesdropping was another thing that annoyed her, why the hell did people think they had a right to listen in anothers conversation. Her eyes would move once more towards her sister and just give her a pointed stare. " Since when did you suddenly care about workers rights Jamie. And this is not demanding we both that, if you want I can truly be demanding and then that would just bring me great pleasure. No what I am expecting is people to do their job and not stop and stare at us but to actually do their work. It is not that hard of a concept." Why everyone thought she was a bitch for demanding perfection was beyond her, That was not her problem though, she wanted things done a certain and expected them to be that way. There was nothing wrong with expecting perfection when it was possible to have it.

Her hands would slightly twitch at the woman comment, she didn't hide her displeasure of her sister sleeping with other woman. It didn't help continue their blood line and their mother wasn't happy with it either , which Aquana would hear about when both of them talked. Their sisters never were aware of how much their mother truly scolded and yelled at Aquana for their short comings and if Aquana had anything to say about it, they never would either. She was going to be the next head of the family so it would all fall on her anyway so why bother them with it. Don't say that Jamie, you know our mother hates when she finds out about the woman you recently had. Or if she hears whispers about it, A smirk would pass her lips again as she held up her clutch and just offer her a small sicking grin. " Well then it is a good thing that I am paying for it all isn't it ." She would by Jamie some pleasing and suitable outfits before the night was though and they left the shop even if it killed her,.

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a n d i'll f i n d m y w a y t h e l o n g e s t d r o u g h t, [/i][/color]

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(tags) - -- - Jamie/Smashie <3
(notes) - - - Sister bonding <3
(music) - - - - Halestrom
(status) - - - - - N/A
(words) - - - - - Enough
(credits)- -- --- for banner @ caution
(lyrics)- - - - - - feels like today by rascal flatts <3
(credits) - - - - - for template @ AMY ofUNKNOWN DARK INFINITY, dont steal biatches kthnx,baii<3 ![/center]

[JAMILA KALIANE ADRASTOS]

My my, we were feeling cranky and spiteful today. Something was up with her older sister, and Jamie just didn’t know what. Yet. She’d weasel it out of her eventually. Maybe today, even, but that would take a while. Good thing she had no other plans for the day. Even though shopping trips with her sibling were generally hellish… Ugh. And Aquana ran on a busy timeframe, so one never knew just how much of her valuable time she had to spare. Jamie would just have to see what she could get in whatever space the eldest had made for her. After the blonde bitch cooled it, and remembered who the fuck she was dealing with. Jamie may not have been a mean person, or even violent, but she didn’t take her sister’s crap. More than anybody else, Jamie excelled at giving the blonde mermaid as good as she gave, and taking the blows she liked to dish out. Nobody would know it, unless they saw them together, but Jamie had an extreme amount of patience. And nobody would know, even if they did see them together, that the sisters loved each other more than they would ever let on. Jamie would kill for her sister in a heartbeat, and vice versa. If she ever needed it, the other would give just about anything. It’s why they put up with each others’ shenanigans. Including Aquana’s threats to fire her driver.

’Oh, A, stop being dramatic. You know you’d just hire another one when you got bored with driving, anyways.’ She rolled her eyes, taking a last couple drags on her cigarette, which Aquana wrinkled her nose at with distaste, making the redhead grin, and blow a perfect smoke ring. Harder to do with cigarette smoke, but not impossible. ’It helps me tolerate you, sweetheart. You’d think you’d be a little more appreciative of it.’ She winked, putting the thing out, and finally following her sister into one of the myriad shops in this strip of Manuka. Oi… She was already starting, glaring at the poor little employees. They hovered on the edges, wanting to help, but not wanting to interfere and piss her off either. Oh, the conundrum. Especially when the bitchy princess reprimanded them, sending them scampering. The redhead just had to shake her noggin, eyes rolling. ’I care about regular people’s rights, ya silly. And you didn’t have to send ‘em away, they were just trying to pick a good moment to offer help. You know, their job? Which you just scolded them for not doing?’ Her slim eyebrows arched, emphasizing her point with a chuckle. And then she was off on a tear about male suitors and crap, and Jamie couldn’t help her laugh and her tearing apart that little series of sentences, piece by piece. A didn’t like her sexuality, but that was too damn bad. She wasn’t gonna change who she was for anybody. Least of all her pretentious family. Mostly, it was the older generation, though some of it had trickled into the younger ones, like Aquana. But Jamie was noticing a change in the Adrastos kids. Second gen just wasn’t feelin’ it. That was something she could get behind and encourage. She wouldn’t hide, like so many of them were forced to. Not even when Aquana encouraged her to do so.

’Psh, A, please. You know I don’t care what she hears. What’s she gonna do to me? Also, I know you love me, so when are you gonna accept that facet of me?’ She tilted her red head, genuinely curious. She wouldn’t push Aquana to understand- her sister chose to understand what she wanted- but she did want the acceptance. She wanted her to stop trying to change it. And her wardrobe… Ugh. She just shook her head with a sigh, and followed her blonde sibling around the store. ’Do you know where the other useless additions you bought me last time are? Hiding under my bed in one of those space bags. Okay? Why don’t you just buy yourself something? Since my kinda thing seriously isn’t in here, and you look better in this kind of crap anyways.’

[AQUANA EVANGELINA ADRASTOS]

God her sister could drive her to the point of insanity , at least the had the balls to speak of her like a person instead of someone who was scared of her. Yes Aquana knew she was a bitch , but that didn't mean she didn't want people to speak up for her. Her sister was good at that , not that those words would ever be spoken. Jamie and her no matter how rough things got , she was able to always trust her and have a good conversation. Their mother was a tyrant sometimes so it was nice to know they had each other's back. Because for as much as she was cold and distant , Aquana would truly do anything for her sisters and she hoped that they knew that. Which was why times like this no matter how much Aquana wanted to bang her head against the wall , she would enjoy her company and good conversation. It was just hard for her to let down her barrier she kept around herself running a company learning to be a leader , taking a step back and being able to breathe well it was just something that didn't happen ofter so having Jamie here to help keep her in check sometimes made her chuckle.

“ Well you just know everything I would do don't you. Oh trust me sister we both know this isn't dramatic. I wouldn't want to create a spectacle I am not that brash. “ Knowing that she could cause a scene as good as the next person a grin would stay on her lips , not that she ever do that . No she truly did have more class then that so she would just use her words as barbs instead. “ Oh you wound me sister , and to think I thought you didn't want anymore more then spending time with your big sister. I mean aren't we having just a wonderful time.” Then again if she did have the option a glass of wine would be in her hand right now or a martini to drink , she always did better with some alcohol in her body. Rolling her eyes at her sisters scoldings of how she treated people she would continue to look though racks of clothing trying to find what would work for her and for her sister. “ Well then since we seem to be having a pause in our lovely conversation, you think they would come.” After those words left her lips , a young woman approached them both and showed them some of their newest lines. Nodding every so often she would give them a muttered thanks and sent her back along to do other things.

“ Yes but we also know she has ways of making our lives more difficult, please Jamie just be careful you know I wouldn't want anything to happen to you or Ana if I can help it.” Yes while Jamie lived away from their mother Aquana was there more often then not and had to deal with her wraith whenever she did drop by. Yes she was able to show a hint of kindness and she did truly love her sisters and never wanted anything bad to happen. “ Oh I will accept it as soon as you show me someone worthy of you and actually accepting of that lifestyle.” That was the best she could do so Jamie would need to accept that for now. “ Because maybe I hope soon or later that you actually well embrace that part of you , you would look truly lovely in these gowns that I buy for you. So maybe just humor me for a day , if you can actually stand to do that for your sister for once.”

[JAMILA KALIANE ADRASTOS]

Oh, Aquana, when would you learn that Jamie was not like the other puppets in the palace? She already knew it, truth be told, and the redhead knew that. But sometimes the mermaid felt like her sister forgot who she was talking to. Like… like the time apart had altered her memory of the person Jamie was. Dude. Come on. She was gonna be who she was gonna be, say what she wanted to say, and nothing Aquana foisted off on her was gonna change that. Not even that bitchy attitude she liked to wear like some kind of impenetrable shield. Good thing the redhead knew how to get through that, huh? Even though they both knew the blonde would never admit that. Ha. Well. Something to be said for small victories, she supposed. Even if they were only in her own head. At least the businesswoman admitted that Jamie knew her pretty well. She’d known the woman for… many years. Of course she knew her and her habits by now.

’I should, I mean, I put up with you for long enough. And you like to take it to that extreme place, Aqua, somebody ought to call you on it sometimes. Though I appreciate the class that keeps you from completely losing your mind all the damn time.’ Her tone was light and playful, teasing the icy brat that was the heiress to the Adrastos throne. Something that Jamie actually found herself occasionally envious of, in those weak moments when she felt like she could do something about it. But no, that was Aquana’s burden to bear and crown to wear, so to speak. Even though sometimes it put her on this high horse that the rocker just couldn’t resist toppling her from every now and then. ’’Wound you,’ my ass. You don’t really care. My witty repartee just bounces off your thick hide, remember? ‘Sides, we both know I wouldn’t hang out with you if I didn’t want to. Be flattered.’ And it was true. If Jamie truly detested her sister, or the other way around, neither one of them would’ve seen each other. The fact that they intentionally made the time meant something. Something like, they were really important to one another, and not even Aquana’s bitchiest comments or Jamie’s brashest ones would change that. It was in that moment that they entered the store, and the blonde began herself another mini-tirade, causing Jamie to roll her eyes and reprimand. She’d given up, a little, pausing long enough to allow one of the traumatized creatures to actually roll in and throw herself on the pyre of Aquana’s brief, irritated glances. Brave woman. Quickly dismissed. Lucky woman.

Looked like Jamie and her lifestyle was more interesting to Aquana at the moment. ’I’ll be fine. Ana… We got that one, you and me. Don’t worry so much. Watch out for the people who need it more than me, huh?’ She actually graced Aquana with a small smile then, impressed that her sister would give her the obvious show of concern, even for a second. ’As for someone worthy… why you think I sleep around so much? I’m trying to find the ideal woman to bring home to mama.’ She chuckled wickedly, knowing that wasn’t really why she did it, but amused to propose such a thing to her uptight sister, who barely liked to hear of her sleeping with women in the first place. She’d get over it eventually. And hopefully, someday, the whole ‘dress’ thing too. ’Come on, I wear these ridiculous garments sometimes, when I have no other fucking choice. Why would I wanna subject myself to it on purpose…? What I get if I ‘humor you,’ and struggle into these ridiculous confections, huh? And not something lame like you buying them for me.’ It’d be interesting to see what Aquana’s brilliant business brain could come up with, in terms of fair compensation for the humiliation Jamie was about to heap upon herself at her sibling’s behest.

[AQUANA EVANGELINA ADRASTOS]

Aquana couldn't help but love her sister's backbone that would never be admitted out loud but she would show it in glances. Or just in the time they spent together, not many would be as mouthy to Aquana as Jamie was, actually very few would dare to do it. It showed true strength in Jamie that she actually had the gall too. Her fingers would be going though the items as her sister continued to talk a smirk passing her features. How they all became so different Aquana would never really know, Jamie was the rebel in a sense, Antala was the sweetheart, and she was just the bitch. The ice queen the heir to thrown, yes she knew all the names that went with her persona and she was alright with that, it didn't bother her. If anything it made her even stronger and wanted to show people what she was truly made of. She wanted her family to be proud of her , their mother to be proud of her. Not that Attina would ever show it, but she could hope deep down that it was making a small difference in her life. Oh well those were just dreams long forgotten or not worth thinking about again, her eyes would flick back once again.

Jamie is the only one who was actually able to handle her, she would chuckle at her comments about her icy nature and taking her witty comments. A small eye roll would occur and she would just shake her head slightly listening to her speak. " Oh yes I am so flattered by your comments, and we both know that we are the only ones able to handle each other. I don't think others have the stomach to handle it. At least no one that I met. " It was true though no many would be able to handle them both in a room together they do tend to fire off one another. It was just what they did, a type of bonding in a sense. Not many would be able to understand it , but it truly worked for them, at least that was what Aquana liked to think. Even though they weren't sunshine and rainbows, she wanted to at least have a small bond with her sisters. " Yeah ,yeah you always were a smartass, I am still trying to figure out where you got that from. Because lord knows are mother doesn't have any of that. " She might have long ago but Aquana didn't see that side of her mother much anymore.

Her head would be tilted as she looked though the outfits, setting some aside and scoffing at others. While she helped fill most of this store with some clothes ideas, some of them she couldn't help but wonder why they even made it on a rack. Oh well this wasn't her store they could run it however they truly wished too. Crossing her arms she would be debating a dress as she listened to her sister talk. She knew they together they could both handle their mother for Ana but that still didn't make her feel any easier if she wanted to be truly honest with it. For now though that is what would have to do, she didn't really have much power over it so she would hope it would all work out in the end. Yes a sigh would escape her lips at the comment about bringing her to their mother because that would go over so well. " Sometimes I think you just want to see her explode because you know, that is exactly what would happen. So if she does tell me your going to do it what way I can stay at the office all day and avoid her wraith for as long as I can. " While Aquana didn't fully approve of Jamie being with a woman, she wouldn't stop her either. All she truly wanted was her siblings to be happy even if she never showed it. Oh so you will just try them on and not buy them, I suppose we could work with that for now. You know I still want to put you in my magazine though right we both know you have the face and body for it , why do you keep brushing me aside."

[JAMILA KALIANE ADRASTOS]

Jamie knew that her sister loved her. Felt it in her bones, even. So that was part of why she took Aquana’s shit and delivered it right back to her. Despite what the world might think when looking at the two of them interact, it took gall and courage and a whole hell of a lot of love for the two of them to stand up to each other. For them to muster up the spine to blatantly disagree with what the other had said. Or proclaimed, as the redhead sometimes felt like her sister was doing. Occasionally, the rocker could swear Aquana was just a little too eager to grab up that mantle of power and run with it, becoming even more like their mom than she already was. Let’s not get confused, Jamie did love her mother. She just… she also couldn’t stand her. For years, she had encouraged them to be the best, brightest, most unique versions of themselves. But when they finally started to individualize, they were shunned for it, made to feel less. And they had all responded to that treatment in their own way…

Aquana had become the bitchy powerhouse, following the path their matriarch had laid out, Jamie rebelled as hard as her little fins would let her, Antala fell in a more neutral line, being a sweetheart and kind soul, doing what Attina asked so as not to be punished, and Hermes… Oh, Hermes. He barely got their mother’s attention, poor boy. The eldest children, though… Well, they did. And some of that bonded them, while some of it drove the in different directions. However, there were other things keeping the two bonded, like a mutual, silent appreciation for their sister’s raw boldness. Sometimes, that appreciation came out in little ways though, little side comments that were actually a grand gesture that almost made Jamie want to hug her cranky blonde sister. ’Maybe it’s ‘cause we share genetics. Get a little impervious hide built into the blood.’ A quick wink went with the words, still giving her sibling crap. Really, all their outings consisted of such. Jamie gave Aquana a hard time, pointed out things that the blonde would rather not examine, and Aquana did the same in return. They were each others’ mirrors, and while sometimes, the thought twisted Jamie’s stomach up in a knot, she was pretty sure there was no one else she would rather have do it. ’As for my smartass nature… Not sure where I got it either. Perhaps it was some recessive gene that the Adrastos thought they’d bred out a long time ago.’ Oh, that one got followed by a sound closely resembling a cackle, though out of a mermaid, it was much more pleasant than the noun implied.

It sort of drifted as Jamie followed her sister around the store, eye rolls close on the heels of practically every sentence that dropped from her sister’s pretty, full lips. Until the moment Aquana mentioned Attina’s occasional bouts of irritation that bordered on rage. ’What can I say? Maybe it’s the shared red hair, but I like to stir her up. Somebody ought to do it. I do it to you… You just handle it better, perhaps.’ Her red head tilted, growing concern in her grey-blue eyes as she watched Aquana select this thing or that one, knowing that some of the dreadfully feminine attire was intended for her. But no way would she do it without some kind of compensation. Nope. Nuh-uh. Hmm. What could she wiggle out of her sister? ’Fine. I’ll try them on, for you. But you owe me lunch… or something. Maybe you’ll just owe me a favor…’ Her lips quirked and she thought about it, before chuckling and shaking her head. ’Because, A, we both know you’d wanna doll me up into some ridiculous and unreal version of myself. Your magazine really doesn’t reach my particular audience. Why do you want me in it so bad?’ She knew it was some kind of compliment, to keep offering her the option to model in her sister's magazine, 'cause that wasn't a small publication... but, well, meh?