Rabbit Hold Carvinal: A House ain't a Home

“I thought dirty old bars weren’t your style, Jojo” Susie replied, as she walked into the two laughing.

“You’re gonna push him away again if you keep doing that.” Renee said. “He walked in here, and we just got to talking. He barely had one drink.”

“Fine, then his second is on me.” Susie replied. “Because I am glad he's back.”

“One homesick, and one Fruit roulette it is.” Renee said. “Been pretty slow today, so I think I’ll make myself a Shocking apple too.”

“And a watermelon Fruit Pyro!” Cody replied as he opened the door.

“Citrus Earth too.” Cel added. “I’ll—”

“I’ll cover the tab.” Joshua replied. “Just let me know when a fifty isn’t enough.”

“Jojo…” Susie said with a pause.

“You’re not gonna take no for an answer are you?” Cel asked.

“I never have.” Joshua replied. “Not like I need it anyways.”

“I’ll take it this once.” Renee replied. “But it’s gonna come to a vote otherwise.”

“I left! You didn’t!” Joshua shouted. “Rule number 6!”

“Rule number 1.” Cel replied. “Leave no one behind.”

“And rules 3 and 4,” Renee replied, as she served up drinks. “We forgive each other's mistakes, and we always try to forgive them.”

.”And rule number 2 was?” Cody asked.

“That we remind Cody of the rules.” Renee and Cel replied together with cheers. 

“Rule 6 was never fully agreed on anyways.” Susie said. “I never voted and we ended up with a tie.”
“Boys versus Girls.” Renee replied. “And Susie abstained”

“I kind of liked us having 5 rules.” Cel said. “Even if one is kind of a jess on Cody memory,”

“I like rule 5.” Cody said. “Wherever the Occultic goes, is where they call home.”

“You do remember where that one came from, right?” Renee asked. “Jojo?”

Joshua took a big swig with all eyes on him. “I remember a small girl who was also poor as dirt, and used to parents who were far from the best. Remember her bringing another redhead around since she had just moved in.”

“I remember being openly mocked, and getting along with a certain class clown. “Who always maybe a certain brunette laughs.” Susie said

“And I remember meeting that girl and boy when a certain Redhead brought them in.” Cody replied.
“And the other redhead coming up with our name right on the spot.” Cel replied. “The rest seems like history”

“It seems natural,” Renee replied. “For once it felt like home… At the time.”

“It certainly felt like it.” Joshua replied. “Or maybe that was just knowing that people finally like me.”
“Jojo…” Cel said. “Was that why you ended up hating us?”

“All this time.” Cody replied. “Didn’t the rumors hurt?”

“Guys!” Renee replied. “We don’t talk about the rumors Rule number 7.”

“Seriously,” Susie said. “They hurt Renee too, ya know? I’m gonna make some tea, and hope everyone get some sleep tonight”

“I’ll show ya around.” Renee replied.

“Rule 7?” Joshua asked.

“The rumors she was paying you to be her friend got worse.” Cel replied. “That day it was like half the student body believed she stopped paying you. Or you demanded more, or something.”

“I… never knew.” Joshua replied.

“You’re back now, that's all that matters.” Cody said. “Especially to Renee.”