How Green Becomes Wood

[pandakatiefominz]

"I don't think I'm attractive, I think I'm just a project," Milo grumbled, "I'm, um, aesthetic at best. Like those restaurants influencers only go to because they can take good pictures."

 

[BookKnight]

"Right. You're a project, and I come from a very grassroots family," Peter said mildly.

Alec laughed and reached over to pat Milo's shoulder. "Never mind all of this. Just remember that if you want to, dating in person is now an option. Like getting a job. Or a pet! Or a larger vehicle than a bike, like those moped things. Or planting a garden."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"We don't really have a big enough yard for a garden," Milo said, "but it's weird to suddenly have options and possibilities. I've spent so much time thinking about when I'd have to leave, it's strange to not have to think about that anymore."

 

[BookKnight]

"It's a weird thing to get used to, Stitch," Xander said. "But you will. In time. It's one of those things that you gotta give time and nothing else works."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Looking at Xander, Milo smiled a bit, knowing from the conversations they had shared Xander really did understand, "Yeah, you're probably right."

 

[BookKnight]

Alec finished off his last slice of pizza. "The future is a terrifying land of unknown adventure, but I think it'll be great fun, too."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"I've had enough of adventure," Milo said, "but I didn't think I'd have a chance to settle so soon. I feel like Frodo."

 

[BookKnight]

Alec smiled at him. "Just... please give us a heads up before abandoning us to the Grey Havens."

Xander grunted. "I you pull a Frodo and are like, bye guys! I swear I'll swim out to the boat and kick your ass."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Milo laughed, "He lived in Bag End for awhile before he left. I'm not thinking about going anywhere now."

 

[BookKnight]

"Good. I still want a proper good bye," Xander grumbled.

Peter chuckled. "Just enjoy the moments that follow, my friend. The rest will come in time."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"We don't have to think about goodbyes now," Milo said, "I only just learned I'm staying. And I don't even have summer school this year."

 

[BookKnight]

"That is the best news of all," Peter said to nods of agreement.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Anyway," Milo said, finishing his pizza, "Do you want to watch a movie or something?"

 

[BookKnight]

"It's your birthday, my dude. We are at your command!" Peter said cheerfully.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Cool," Milo said, taking the plates to the sink, "What should we watch?"

 

[BookKnight]

"I refer to my earlier statement," Peter smirked.

"Do you have a comedy? Or something lighter?" Alec asked, helping Milo.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"We've got Netflix and HBO Max, so... yeah, probably," Milo replied, "Max has all the Studio Ghibli movies on it."

 

[BookKnight]

"What's that?" Alec asked curiously. "I recognize the name, but I can't think of any of the movies."

"Ghibli is good!" Peter said. "I vote for one of those."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"They're animated," Milo said as he went back to the couch, "They're really sweet. I really like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke."

 

[BookKnight]

"I like Pom Poko," Peter said with a slight smirk. "That one's my favorite, and Porko Rosso, but Spirited Away is excellent. Which Ghibli do you think is the best one to introduce them to? Not Pom Poko. That's for sure. Maybe Nausica?"