Before We Tapped In | Suburb Talks

0.2 Clumsy

Setting: 2022 Podcast Era

Tap In 

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the bustling house. Agnes had come down to her dearest friends Sean, and Nick's early in the morning to help the boys clean up after a long night partying. Something that she often did, out of nature. Though she was the youngest of the group she had always been the one with the most maternal instincts. She would always help them clean, set up for the podcasts, and even bake or cook for the boys who were hopeless with their tasteless precooked meals, or takeout. 

She had waited for the others to arrive as they had agreed to pre-film a podcast episode. Sean was occupied in the garage, and Nick was finishing editing a previous video, and she was left alone. She was okay by busing herself with random chores that the boys probably left knowing she would take over. She was always picking up after anyone for funsies. It was like she enjoyed cleaning up after everyone, which is something none of the group could ever understand.

The early morning cast a warm glow over the rows of shelves that Agnes had asked the boys to install to install the podcasting equipment. As well as putting some random books that she had gifted them, and random nicknacks that they had collected over the last two years. Engrossed in a particularly intriguing novel, that she had never seen before, Agnes didn't notice the stack of books precariously balanced on the table's edge. She was one to move about as she couldn't seem to stay still.

She hummed reminding herself to ask the boys to borrow said book. As she reached up to grab another book from the top shelf, her foot caught on the edge of the rug, sending her stumbling forward. The stack of books toppled over, and Agnes gasped as she tried to regain her balance. Before she could hit the ground, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist, steadying her. She looked up to see Devin, his face inches from hers, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

"Whoa there, Nes," he said, his voice a mix of amusement and concern. "Trying to take down the whole shelf before a podcast? Nick would be horrified."

Agnes blushed furiously, her heart racing. "I-I didn't see the books there. I was going to put them back on the shelf," Her breath hitched a bit before saying, "Thanks for catching me."

Devin chuckled, his grip on her waist firm but gentle. "Anytime. Though I have to admit, I kind of enjoy rescuing you."

Agnes rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile. "You're impossible, you know that?"

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "So I've been told. But you seem to like it."

Agnes playfully swatted his arm. "Don't get too full of yourself."

Devin released her, but not before brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Too late for that," he teased. "But seriously, are you okay?"

She nodded, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little embarrassed."

"Don't be," Devin said softly. "I think it's cute."

Agnes's blush deepened, and she glanced away, trying to hide her smile. "You're just saying that."

"Nope," he replied, his tone sincere. "I mean it. You're adorable when you're flustered."

She looked back at him, her eyes meeting his. "Thanks, Devin. You're sweet."

He winked at her. "Only for you, Agnes."

As they continued to chat and pick up the fallen books together, Agnes couldn't help but feel a warm flutter in her chest. Devin's playful banter and genuine kindness made her heart race before their quiet, peaceful conversation was replaced with cooing.

"Look at the two lovebirds," Nick said as he leaned against the hallway entrance, Sean following behind him.

"Fixing things together makes you stronger," Sean teased as he also laughed at the two's situation.

Agnes stood up after putting the last book on the shelf and crossed her arms over her chest, pouting a bit as she stared at the two, "This is the thanks I get for helping you two clean up?"

"You know we appreciate all your help," Nick singsonged as he walked closer and put an arm on the short girl, smiling over at the taller male, "But every chance to mess with you two is one that we have to take."

"I don't mind," Devin chuckled as he dusted his hands off, "Maybe manifesting it will help the podcast go stronger."

"How so?" Sean asked with an eyebrow raised.

"The views would skyrocket if they found out their dear DaGnes, or is it AgVin, was real?" He chuckled as Agnes could only push Nick off and punch Devin's arm before walking near the kitchen.

"You guys are dumb! Where's my girls when I need them?" She exclaimed as she eats a handful of crackers, still pouting at the three who were now laughing their butts off at their friend.