One Kiss

Notwithstanding the fact that it was supposed to be her weekend to unwind and that she had already spent the majority of Saturday moping, Ivy was feeling incredibly wretched and disgusted with the world and her specific issues within it.

That was one of the lesser explored problems with breaking up, she felt. That person you expected to comfort you just wasn't there anymore. Never mind that they were the problem to start with. And the rest of her family wasn't helping either. All giving her space and shit just because she'd demanded they do so. How very dare they.

Well, fuck it. She'd just have to reach out, then. Like a normal, well-adjusted human being. Would the indignities never end?

****

Ian had a cooler full of drinks beside him as he relaxed in the sun on the back terrace. He smiled at Ivy as she harrumphinged her way over and trudged out the rear door. Seated on the chair next to him, she took a can from his stockpile and cracked it.

Ian said, "Look who awakens," with a pleased tone.

Ivy stated, "I wasn't sleeping,"

"Sisters, like Great Old Ones, can awaken from things other than slumber."

Ivy gave Ian a fierce look. "How many have you had anyway?"

Ian chuckled. "Enough." He took another gulp of his half-drunk beer. "I've worked it out, you know."

"Worked what out?""Life."

"Oh. That."

Ian remarked, "The secret to it," "It's so simple."

"Is it?"

"Yes. Having a yard where you can relax in the sun and sip beer is the key.

Ivy gazed at him. "You think that's the secret?"

"Why not? Superior to all I've ever heard.

With a groan, Ivy took a long swallow and winced at the flavor. "Well... today I don't even know if I can argue with it."

Ian nodded without effort. Naturally, the question is why you have chosen to participate in my philosophical discussions. You hardly like beer at all.

"

"I can acquire the taste."

"Yes. Yes, I did. You've never demonstrated any interest.

"Haven't often needed to get drunk."

Ian gave a finger waggle. "Well, I ought to caution you. Not having to get wasted is part of the secret. I'm just hoping to get a nice buzz.

Ivy pulled a face. "Let's pretend for a second that I still don't believe your nonsense."

"Ouch."

"Let's further pretend that I'm in pain."

"Double ouch."

"So maybe... maybe I do just want to get stupidly drunk."

"Perhaps," said Ian. "Perhaps."

Ivy shoved half a can of Ian's beer down her throat. Experience had taught her that she would not mind the taste as much after she was a little intoxicated. Although she still didn't understand why people liked, she conceded that it was most likely a result of experience. In most cases, she was perfectly content with better drinks.

Ivy remarked, "This secret of yours..."

"Yes?" Ian remarked, somewhat taken aback that Ivy would bring it up once more. Sullen silence had seemed to be her preference.

"How does it account for the yard you drink in being your parents'?"

Ian chuckled. "Well, I do understand what you're saying. And I've thought about that. You see, yards and homes are costly.

"They exist."

"I do find apartments acceptable; they are more budget-friendly but seldom come with adequately private yards."

Ivy nodded, contemplating mentioning the last residence Ian had shared with his former partner. She was uncertain about delving into that, as it likely involved confronting her recent breakup.

"Ivy responded with, 'It's an issue.'"

"That's correct," Ian concurred. "Thus, for the time being... our parents' garden." He let out a sigh. "Given the current state of the housing market, I can't understand how anyone manages to buy a house these days."

"That's truly unfortunate."

"However, I enjoy your wonderful presence, so there are benefits."

Ivy made a snorting sound. "How many beers have you had so far?"

"How many beers must I consume to appreciate my joy of a younger sister?"

"... okay, I'm stopping you now."

"Feel free to give it a try."

Ivy thought about it for a moment, but it likely would have required a bit of grappling with her brother to get his alcohol, and she wasn't feeling up to it. It could lift her spirits, after all. That wasn't acceptable.

"Ivy exclaimed, 'Blurgh.'" "This is really foolish." "Do you know the idea I just came up with?"

"I really can't," Ian stated.

"Okay, so... you know those times when you're feeling down, and you want to improve your mood, yet anything that could lift your spirits is something you feel inclined to resist?"

Absolutely. "Who wouldn't?"

"Okay... what makes us that way?"

Ian contemplated the issue for a prolonged moment. "Insufficient sunbathing while sipping," he ultimately proclaimed.

"You're completely fixated today, aren't you?"

"Are you claiming that you aren't?"

Ivy shot a look of disdain but had to admit the validity of the argument. Understood. You have won this round. "Could you pass me another beer?"

"Are you beginning to enjoy them?"

"Not at this moment." "Wait for a moment."

Ivy opened her second beer. It still wasn't exactly pleasant, but she had a lovely initial buzz going, and it was already less unpleasant.

Additionally, she wasn't as gloomy regarding her circumstances. She attempted to recall how that occurred but was unable to think of anything. She wasn't intoxicated enough to completely forget her ex yet, but she found it hard to be as concerned.

Perhaps a portion of it was Ian? He appeared incredibly relaxed. Perhaps it was influencing her slightly. Or perhaps... perhaps he was simply a nice person to have around at this moment. Big brothers might not be completely trustworthy, yet they could be relied upon not to partake in certain actions that former boyfriends occasionally did.

"Are you still on your mind?" Ian inquired.

Ivy blinked, then scowled. "Keep out of my mind."

"Hehe, no tricks of the mind." I could merely perceive your expression, that’s all. "It became quite dark in that place."

"Well... it's difficult not to." I really dislike Terrence, but... I believed I loved him as well. "Breaks apart your entire universe."

Ian exhaled deeply. "Indeed, it does, right?"

Ivy flinched at the agony that appeared on her brother's face.

Apologies. "I understand your feelings for Ava while you were together."

Ian lifted his shoulders. "Yeah, so... you’re aware she was unfaithful to the guy she was unfaithful to me with?"

"No way?"

Sure. "Doesn't assist much, but... it’s somewhat amusing at least."

"Ha, indeed." Perhaps someone will shatter Terrence's heart on my behalf. "Since it seems he didn't even care enough to grant me that ability."

Ian gazed at Ivy, scrutinizing her facial expression. He thoughtfully reflected on her feelings.

"Is that the source of your pain?" he inquired gently. "Offering him a part of yourself and sensing that he never truly reciprocated that trust?"

Ivy's expression contorted, and Ian felt a deep pain for what his sister was experiencing.

"I believe, at least in part," Ivy replied. "You believe you understand someone, rely on them, care for them... yet to them, you meant nothing all along."

"I don't believe that's entirely accurate." However, ... I understand what you're saying. Just keep in mind, that he's jerk. "You're not a jerk for being brave enough to love someone."

"Sure, um... sure." I suppose."

Ivy had a lengthy sip from her beer. Ian let out a sigh as he stood up, feeling slightly unsteady from the drinks and from having been seated for a while.

"Extremely near."

"I'll return shortly," Ian stated.

"Really?"

"Have to urinate."

Oh. "Wow, I appreciate you sharing that."

"You inquired."

"I did not!"

"Your manner did."

Ian began to walk. As he walked by Ivy, driven by an impulse he couldn't grasp, he bent down, raised her chin towards himself, and kissed her. Not on the lips, as that would have been strange, but also not securely on the cheek. Instead, right at the corner of her mouth. Teasing with sky ground.

"You know that I care for you, don't you?" he said.

Ivy turned red with embarrassment and felt at a loss for words.

"Of course," she whispered. "Which...."

However, Ian was already on the move again, out of her reach before she could formulate any clear reply.

What on earth was that? It wasn't just a kiss. Not exactly. But somewhat?

Ivy continued to think about it while Ian came back and took his place again.

"Ivy said, 'You kissed me.'"

"... what is it?"

"Why is that?"

"To demonstrate love between siblings?"

"It was on the lips, however," Ivy remarked.