Vars looked over at the bassist and shook his head. "Love Aarne. Like twin to Aarne. Family love too."
In the Norwegian's mind the things that might normally put people off of Joe were probably things that Aarne's family was used to. Everything from looks to the loudness and the chaos. How could they not like someone that acted like the child they loved so much.
He tried to change the subject a little. "Meet Aarne sister. She like too." Vars couldn't remember but he thought she was 4 or 5 years old now.
"Yeah, I know, babe---I'm just fucking nervous about the trip."
Joe rarely admitted being scared or nervous about anything, so this was a new feeling for the bassist who was feeling far more sober than he'd been in months. He wasn't going to let his addictions get the best of him and drink himself into a stupor or take too much coke and get high. Vars wanted him sober so he could make a good impression on Aarne's family.
"Aarne's sister? She sounds like a cutie. It'll be ok---I know it will be. Fuck."
The Brit really wanted to gulp down a whole bottle of Jack right now but resisted.
Vars felt for the Brit. He had some nerves sometimes too when he thought about meeting Viktor's parents but not to this degree. However, out of these three, Vars had been married before so he had some experience with what Joe was about to go through.
"Ávrá." Vars had to pause and think hard about the translation into English. "Aurora is English."
Joe could have a drink or even two when they got to the hotel. He needed to calm down but that would take time. He was hoping that Viktor could help his bassist as well.
"Ávrá? Ok. Aurora. That's a really pretty name. I bet she's just as cute as Peachy."
Joe wanted to see Aarne's little sister because he guessed she'd have the same dark-coloured hair and cute smile. His nerves were settling a little but he needed a drink. Fuck, did he.
"Let's go to the hotel, honey. I need that fucking drink."
Viktor patted Joe's back and would help his bassist because how could he not? The man was about to propose marriage to Aarne's parents and fly all the way to Finland to do it.
"You've got fucking balls, mate. You can do this."
Vars hoped that Joe would relax as the trip went on. It wouldn't be long before they were at the hotel and Joe could have his drink. Vars smiled at Viktor and nodded in agreement before they pulled up to go into hotel.
Joe had managed to get back to hotel, have a few well-needed drinks and then the whole part about boarding the plane and getting to Finland. Viktor had also accompanied Joe along with Vars for support because the Brit was nervous as fuck. He'd gotten trashed on in-flight booze and had slept the whole flight, being shoved awake by Viktor when they were about to land.
Now all three men were in Finland and Joe was currently walking up towards Aarne's family home. Fuck. It was happening.
"Fuck! What if I piss this up and---"
Viktor frowned and shoved Joe in the back for being so nervous. It would be fine. The man just needed to show Aarne's family who he really was and act natural.
"You'll be fine, mate. Take a few breaths. You'll fucking nail this."
Joe swallowed hard, exhaling slowly, feeling his breath come out in soft wisps of air. It was fucking cold in Finland this time of year, not that it bothered Joe, since it was winter. More the temperature shock compared to back in LA.
Vars had driven them from the airport since he still remembered where the Finnish drummer's parents lived despite it being almost two years since he had seen them. Not only was it cold but it was also dark most of the day. Rovaniemi, the city they were in, sat right on the arctic circle and there were only a few hours of daylight each day. There was also a decent amount of snow though the streets and sidewalks were cleared.
Vars joined them once they pulled up and smiled. "Remember, greet then go kitchen make coffee. We talk." Vars shoved Viktor because he would be the one the family would pay attention to even more so than Joe. He would be speaking for Joe. Vars offered Joe a small bag too that smelled off coffee. "Make gift. Traditional visit gift."
Vars went up and knocked on the door. It would be better, at least in Vars' opinion, if Joe did the traditional pleasantries. It would make him look like a better person, more interested in their culture. Not that Vars thought Joe wasn't interested. He simply didn't have all the time to learn the details of customs. He also reminded them to take off their shoes once they stepped inside the house, even in the cold of the foyer.
The woman that came to the door was average height but there are some facial features that clearly show that she is related to Aarne.
"Hei, Násti Järvinen. Toin Joen, poltan ne kaikki ja Viktorin, paholaisen, puhumaan hänen puolestaan." Vars introduced them and took her hand, shaking it and supporting her hand with his on her forearm.
"Tule sisään ja liity joukkoomme." She responds and steps in to allow them to join her in the small foyer that had a single wooden seat, for taking off shoes, and a place to hang up coats. Násti turned to English once they were inside.
"Nilas was called away and sends his apologies." Her husband was an on call veterinarian which, especially in the winter often called him away randomly. "Ávrá will join us later."
She's met Vars but her eyes are on the other two, especially Joe, however she's being polite.
Joe clutched the coffee bag close to his chest where his heart was hammering away fast. Fuck! Oh fuck. What if he ruined it all with his big mouth and said the wrong thing? His parents might hate the crass, drunken Brit---
"Oh fuck."
The bassist swallowed his nerves as Vars knocked. This was it. A woman came to the door and Joe assumed this was Aarne's mother. She looked like her son. The coffee. Should he give it to her now? Wasn't that what he was supposed to do?
"Hey uh---I'm Joe, bassist for the Hell's Angels and Aarne's fiance or---uh---in waiting. I've got some coffee for us to share."
His mouth was running off slightly and he felt himself become all flustered not wanting to fuck it all up. He was doing ok so far, wasn't he? They were going into the house removing their shoes. Ok then.
Vars went in and sat to take off his boots and coat. He needed to sit because he was still walking with his cane. Násti though had her eyes fixed on Joe. Her gaze was friendly but also critical especially after saying fiancé.
Vars glanced up at Joe and wondered if that was a faux pas. He knew Finnish culture but not the nuances to the degree of someone who lived it. When Násti didn't speak and walked away toward the dining room Vars smiled at Joe.
"Leave boots, coat. Make coffee." Vars motioned toward the room closest to them which was the kitchen. He hoped Joe could navigate that room without any assistance or making a mess. He'd told the Brit everything he could about where he remembered things. While Joe was in the kitchen, Viktor and Vars would join Aarne's mother to talk. Once his boots were off, Vars patted Joe's bicep to encourage him.
Joe nodded at Vars' words and walked into the kitchen to make some coffee. It shouldn't even be that hard it was more the Brit was so nervous, wanting the whole thing to go well. Aarne's mother had to like him otherwise they couldn't get married, could they?
"Coffee? Ok. Yeah."
The bassist saw Viktor watching him, hoping Joe would do the right thing and not panic or scream or something. The man did scream a lot with Aarne back on the tour. Now wasn't the time for the crazy bassist to lose his head.
"She seems nice. Fuck---I hope I'm doing this ok."
"Do fine. Focus." Vars encouraged and glanced at Viktor. They would be under more pressure than Joe since Viktor would be the one speaking for Joe. Though, if Joe screamed they might not even notice since the Fin was loud as well.
"We go." Vars looked to Viktor and then headed into the dining room where Aarne's mother was waiting. Her questions, Vars wondered what she would ask them. While he knew the customs he had never seen them happen, nor been involved in them. Násti was waiting for Vars and Viktor to join her at the table. There were some traditional clove candies and some small pastries on the table. These were also traditional for this kind of meeting. Vars took a seat and waited for Viktor to sit beside him. The questions would come soon enough.
"It's ok, mate. I've got your back and I'm sure Aarne's mum will love you. Get your crazy screaming ass in there and be strong."
Viktor clapping Joe on the shoulder, hoping his talk would help the nervous bassist chill out a little. He was stiffer than a board right now and had to relax, knowing he couldn't just chug booze.
"We go? Ok."
Joe nodded as Viktor sat down next to Vars. The punk wasn't usually good at these sorts of things but he'd do his best for his buddy Joe.
Once they were all sitting Vars was focused on listening to the kitchen. He hoped that Joe would relax enough to do well. Násti took a moment to look over the two men across from her. She had seen Vars reach over for Viktor's hand even if it was partially under the table. To her, that made a difference. She trusted Vars and if this man was important to him that made him more likable to Aarne's mother as well.
"Tell me about the man you've brought here." Násti was looking to Viktor to address this question. He was the one who had come along with this man even if Vars knew him as well.
Fuck. Viktor adjusted himself on his chair because he was nervous too with Aarne's mother now asking him questions about Joe. Could he answer them? He'd have to. This is why he'd come all the way to Finland to assist Joe in becoming Aarne's fiance. The punk thought for a moment before answering.
"He's a decent bloke. Loud, crazy--uh well, energetic I'd call it more but he's a good man. One of my best mates I've ever had and the best fucking bassist I know. He'd get your back in a tight spot and fuck anyone over who tried to insult us or Aarne."
Viktor hoped he wasn't sounding like a complete cockhead right now.
Vars listened and gave Viktor's hand a tight squeeze for those swears but he was also looking out toward the kitchen and hoping Joe was managing out there too.
Aarne's mother was watching them both, critical but still warm. For her, this was a very important duty and an important part of culture. "What does he think of our culture?"
Vars knew that question was coming. How could it not when they were from a people others actively tried to change or oppress? He glanced at Viktor and knew that he, like the others, were aware of Joe's interest in Aarne's culture if not actively learning part of it, including the language.
Viktor knew he'd have to tone down the swears so nodded slightly at the hand squeeze and tried to focus. He felt like a complete fucking wanker right now! Was he even making a decent impression?
"He values it. Loves that Aarne is a Saami and has a different view on the world. That you care for animals and for people and don't judge like others would."
The punk looked back to Vars and wondered if he wasn't making a complete idiot of himself. He wanted Joe to succeed so was trying his best to make a good impression.
"He loves Aarne and he loves feeling alive. He screams along with Aarne and says it's to ward off the evil spirits or contact the good ones."
The squeeze caused the singer to stare at Vars for a few seconds, not knowing what to say but wanting to not fuck it all up. Joe's future was on the line here and marrying Aarne was something he wanted to do.
"They're like twins. We call them the Trash Twins on the tour because---well, they do pranks and get bawdy sometimes. Sort of like any couple in love would do."
Viktor guessed this was the cleanest of answers in front of Aarne's mother. No need to mention the nudity, language and sexual parts. Glancing back to the kitchen, Viktor wondered how his bassist was doing.
She listened with a smile because this did sound like the kind of person her child needed.
"and do the two of you get up to pranks and bawdy activity?" She asked it with a bit of a grin. Vars glanced at Viktor because that question was more directed at him than the Norwegian.
Viktor didn't expect Aarne's mother to ask about his behaviour and looked to Vars, who was looking back at him. Oh shit---what should he say? The punk swallowed and nodded. Being truthful meant she'd believe him.
"Yeah, me and Vars get up to shi---to stuff. We make fire together."
She smiled as she watched the two exchanged glances. She has known Vars for many years and she's curious about the person in his life, as much as the one in her son's. Part of that is that Viktor will be in Aarne's life as well in the future.
"Why do you refrain from swearing?" Aarne's mother is genuinely curious. The fire comment has her raising a brow at Vars.
The Norwegian smirks and glances at Viktor. "Hän on katupunk kuten minä."
Viktor glanced at Vars and then back at Aarne's mother when she asked about his swearing. Oh fuck---what was he supposed to say?
"It's disrespectful in front of someone else's parents. Swearing and stuff."
Usually, Viktor would never refrain from swearing or doing anything so this was something new for him. He was doing it because Joe was the whole reason they were there and the punk didn't want to ruin it for him. Viktor had no idea what Vars just said but Aarne's mother seemed to be ok with it.
Násti was critical but not harshly so. It was rather sweet that these British men were trying to honor their culture and people. It won her over far more than anything Viktor might say.
"You are acquainted with my child. Do you think I find swearing offensive?" It was an honest question and one that she was using to probe at how well Viktor might know Aarne. Vars though was staring toward the kitchen and worrying for Joe. He knew the other bassist was so stressed over this whole process. He wished he could go check on Joe but that was outside of etiquette.
"I suppose it's how I was brought up. My mum used to hit me over the head if I swore in front of her or my old man. Just something British I suppose."
Viktor shrugged and knew he often got yelled at by his parents for his "delinquent" behaviour. They were going to send him to some sort of correctional place for bad behaved kids. Fuck that. The punk looked behind and wondered how Joe was.
She smiled at the Brit and nodded. "We have customs to refrain in some places but not in the home."
Viktor, and by extension Joe, had a lot less work to do in order to win over Násti since she trusted Vars. If this man was good enough for Vars and Joe was his friend then there was a cultural sort of acceptance already.
"Yes, he is loud and has been since he was born." Slowly Násti was opening up and relaxing.
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momijizukamori
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Date: 2022-11-06 06:01 pm (UTC)In the Norwegian's mind the things that might normally put people off of Joe were probably things that Aarne's family was used to. Everything from looks to the loudness and the chaos. How could they not like someone that acted like the child they loved so much.
He tried to change the subject a little. "Meet Aarne sister. She like too." Vars couldn't remember but he thought she was 4 or 5 years old now.
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Date: 2022-11-08 08:47 pm (UTC)Joe rarely admitted being scared or nervous about anything, so this was a new feeling for the bassist who was feeling far more sober than he'd been in months. He wasn't going to let his addictions get the best of him and drink himself into a stupor or take too much coke and get high. Vars wanted him sober so he could make a good impression on Aarne's family.
"Aarne's sister? She sounds like a cutie. It'll be ok---I know it will be. Fuck."
The Brit really wanted to gulp down a whole bottle of Jack right now but resisted.
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Date: 2022-11-09 01:01 am (UTC)"Ávrá." Vars had to pause and think hard about the translation into English. "Aurora is English."
Joe could have a drink or even two when they got to the hotel. He needed to calm down but that would take time. He was hoping that Viktor could help his bassist as well.
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Date: 2022-11-16 07:48 pm (UTC)Joe wanted to see Aarne's little sister because he guessed she'd have the same dark-coloured hair and cute smile. His nerves were settling a little but he needed a drink. Fuck, did he.
"Let's go to the hotel, honey. I need that fucking drink."
Viktor patted Joe's back and would help his bassist because how could he not? The man was about to propose marriage to Aarne's parents and fly all the way to Finland to do it.
"You've got fucking balls, mate. You can do this."
Joe nodded at Viktor's words.
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Date: 2022-11-20 06:29 pm (UTC)Vars hoped that Joe would relax as the trip went on. It wouldn't be long before they were at the hotel and Joe could have his drink. Vars smiled at Viktor and nodded in agreement before they pulled up to go into hotel.
"Make good husband."
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Date: 2022-12-09 08:57 pm (UTC)Now all three men were in Finland and Joe was currently walking up towards Aarne's family home. Fuck. It was happening.
"Fuck! What if I piss this up and---"
Viktor frowned and shoved Joe in the back for being so nervous. It would be fine. The man just needed to show Aarne's family who he really was and act natural.
"You'll be fine, mate. Take a few breaths. You'll fucking nail this."
Joe swallowed hard, exhaling slowly, feeling his breath come out in soft wisps of air. It was fucking cold in Finland this time of year, not that it bothered Joe, since it was winter. More the temperature shock compared to back in LA.
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Date: 2022-12-13 05:24 am (UTC)Vars joined them once they pulled up and smiled. "Remember, greet then go kitchen make coffee. We talk." Vars shoved Viktor because he would be the one the family would pay attention to even more so than Joe. He would be speaking for Joe. Vars offered Joe a small bag too that smelled off coffee. "Make gift. Traditional visit gift."
Vars went up and knocked on the door. It would be better, at least in Vars' opinion, if Joe did the traditional pleasantries. It would make him look like a better person, more interested in their culture. Not that Vars thought Joe wasn't interested. He simply didn't have all the time to learn the details of customs. He also reminded them to take off their shoes once they stepped inside the house, even in the cold of the foyer.
The woman that came to the door was average height but there are some facial features that clearly show that she is related to Aarne.
"Hei, Násti Järvinen. Toin Joen, poltan ne kaikki ja Viktorin, paholaisen, puhumaan hänen puolestaan." Vars introduced them and took her hand, shaking it and supporting her hand with his on her forearm.
"Tule sisään ja liity joukkoomme." She responds and steps in to allow them to join her in the small foyer that had a single wooden seat, for taking off shoes, and a place to hang up coats. Násti turned to English once they were inside.
"Nilas was called away and sends his apologies." Her husband was an on call veterinarian which, especially in the winter often called him away randomly. "Ávrá will join us later."
She's met Vars but her eyes are on the other two, especially Joe, however she's being polite.
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Date: 2022-12-24 06:50 pm (UTC)"Oh fuck."
The bassist swallowed his nerves as Vars knocked. This was it. A woman came to the door and Joe assumed this was Aarne's mother. She looked like her son. The coffee. Should he give it to her now? Wasn't that what he was supposed to do?
"Hey uh---I'm Joe, bassist for the Hell's Angels and Aarne's fiance or---uh---in waiting. I've got some coffee for us to share."
His mouth was running off slightly and he felt himself become all flustered not wanting to fuck it all up. He was doing ok so far, wasn't he? They were going into the house removing their shoes. Ok then.
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Date: 2022-12-26 02:52 am (UTC)Vars glanced up at Joe and wondered if that was a faux pas. He knew Finnish culture but not the nuances to the degree of someone who lived it. When Násti didn't speak and walked away toward the dining room Vars smiled at Joe.
"Leave boots, coat. Make coffee." Vars motioned toward the room closest to them which was the kitchen. He hoped Joe could navigate that room without any assistance or making a mess. He'd told the Brit everything he could about where he remembered things. While Joe was in the kitchen, Viktor and Vars would join Aarne's mother to talk. Once his boots were off, Vars patted Joe's bicep to encourage him.
"Mother nice. You do fine."
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Date: 2022-12-26 12:09 pm (UTC)"Coffee? Ok. Yeah."
The bassist saw Viktor watching him, hoping Joe would do the right thing and not panic or scream or something. The man did scream a lot with Aarne back on the tour. Now wasn't the time for the crazy bassist to lose his head.
"She seems nice. Fuck---I hope I'm doing this ok."
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Date: 2023-02-07 06:56 pm (UTC)"We go." Vars looked to Viktor and then headed into the dining room where Aarne's mother was waiting. Her questions, Vars wondered what she would ask them. While he knew the customs he had never seen them happen, nor been involved in them. Násti was waiting for Vars and Viktor to join her at the table. There were some traditional clove candies and some small pastries on the table. These were also traditional for this kind of meeting. Vars took a seat and waited for Viktor to sit beside him. The questions would come soon enough.
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Date: 2023-02-15 02:08 pm (UTC)Viktor clapping Joe on the shoulder, hoping his talk would help the nervous bassist chill out a little. He was stiffer than a board right now and had to relax, knowing he couldn't just chug booze.
"We go? Ok."
Joe nodded as Viktor sat down next to Vars. The punk wasn't usually good at these sorts of things but he'd do his best for his buddy Joe.
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Date: 2023-02-19 02:39 pm (UTC)"Tell me about the man you've brought here." Násti was looking to Viktor to address this question. He was the one who had come along with this man even if Vars knew him as well.
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Date: 2023-02-20 08:02 pm (UTC)"He's a decent bloke. Loud, crazy--uh well, energetic I'd call it more but he's a good man. One of my best mates I've ever had and the best fucking bassist I know. He'd get your back in a tight spot and fuck anyone over who tried to insult us or Aarne."
Viktor hoped he wasn't sounding like a complete cockhead right now.
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Date: 2023-02-22 03:01 am (UTC)Aarne's mother was watching them both, critical but still warm. For her, this was a very important duty and an important part of culture. "What does he think of our culture?"
Vars knew that question was coming. How could it not when they were from a people others actively tried to change or oppress? He glanced at Viktor and knew that he, like the others, were aware of Joe's interest in Aarne's culture if not actively learning part of it, including the language.
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Date: 2023-03-22 04:02 pm (UTC)"He values it. Loves that Aarne is a Saami and has a different view on the world. That you care for animals and for people and don't judge like others would."
The punk looked back to Vars and wondered if he wasn't making a complete idiot of himself. He wanted Joe to succeed so was trying his best to make a good impression.
"He loves Aarne and he loves feeling alive. He screams along with Aarne and says it's to ward off the evil spirits or contact the good ones."
This was right, wasn't it?
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Date: 2023-04-06 03:02 pm (UTC)Aarne's mother chuckled quietly at that last comment. Her child definitely needed someone who could be loud with him.
"Then, they are a lot alike?" She asked curiously.
Vars waited for Viktor to answer and wondered how Joe was doing in the kitchen with the coffee. He knew the poor Brit was stressed out of his mind.
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Date: 2023-04-16 08:13 pm (UTC)"They're like twins. We call them the Trash Twins on the tour because---well, they do pranks and get bawdy sometimes. Sort of like any couple in love would do."
Viktor guessed this was the cleanest of answers in front of Aarne's mother. No need to mention the nudity, language and sexual parts. Glancing back to the kitchen, Viktor wondered how his bassist was doing.
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Date: 2023-04-22 12:36 am (UTC)"and do the two of you get up to pranks and bawdy activity?" She asked it with a bit of a grin. Vars glanced at Viktor because that question was more directed at him than the Norwegian.
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Date: 2023-04-25 01:07 pm (UTC)Viktor didn't expect Aarne's mother to ask about his behaviour and looked to Vars, who was looking back at him. Oh shit---what should he say? The punk swallowed and nodded. Being truthful meant she'd believe him.
"Yeah, me and Vars get up to shi---to stuff. We make fire together."
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Date: 2023-05-01 01:58 am (UTC)She smiled as she watched the two exchanged glances. She has known Vars for many years and she's curious about the person in his life, as much as the one in her son's. Part of that is that Viktor will be in Aarne's life as well in the future.
"Why do you refrain from swearing?" Aarne's mother is genuinely curious. The fire comment has her raising a brow at Vars.
The Norwegian smirks and glances at Viktor. "Hän on katupunk kuten minä."
She nodded. "I expect nothing less."
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Date: 2023-06-13 01:59 pm (UTC)"It's disrespectful in front of someone else's parents. Swearing and stuff."
Usually, Viktor would never refrain from swearing or doing anything so this was something new for him. He was doing it because Joe was the whole reason they were there and the punk didn't want to ruin it for him. Viktor had no idea what Vars just said but Aarne's mother seemed to be ok with it.
no subject
Date: 2023-06-13 02:42 pm (UTC)"You are acquainted with my child. Do you think I find swearing offensive?" It was an honest question and one that she was using to probe at how well Viktor might know Aarne. Vars though was staring toward the kitchen and worrying for Joe. He knew the other bassist was so stressed over this whole process. He wished he could go check on Joe but that was outside of etiquette.
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Date: 2023-06-13 02:50 pm (UTC)Viktor shrugged and knew he often got yelled at by his parents for his "delinquent" behaviour. They were going to send him to some sort of correctional place for bad behaved kids. Fuck that. The punk looked behind and wondered how Joe was.
"Aarne is loud and a decent bloke."
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Date: 2023-06-13 02:55 pm (UTC)Viktor, and by extension Joe, had a lot less work to do in order to win over Násti since she trusted Vars. If this man was good enough for Vars and Joe was his friend then there was a cultural sort of acceptance already.
"Yes, he is loud and has been since he was born." Slowly Násti was opening up and relaxing.
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