A/N: For those who, like me, are furious about the missing PMs, I was forced to make a discord, same username (RahCol) and picture as Wattpad, so if someone wants to talk privately, you're welcome there (you can also pester me about chapters). Sorry, his first flashback is a little (a lot) behind because I'd passed over my notes on what to do with Frank's character and I almost lost the timeframe to do it (the limit is the 20th, so... cutting in close). I have never experienced it in person, just watched some news about it on the TV, so forgive me for any incongruities because I only have internet research to go about it.

Frank's Flashback

FRIDAY, 17th February

Frank kept rereading the texts in the group he was added to, still unsure about the purpose.

Do you think that can be considered flirting?

Not really sure. I mean, it's Sierra; she flirts as she breathes. But I don't think she's serious about it.

I don't think she is serious about it; I just wonder if I should answer somehow?

You mean flirt back?

Of course not! I just want to nip it in the bud.

Because of Hazel?

Also because of her, but Sierra makes me a little uncomfortable.

I can understand your side, but if not even Reyna and Regina together can control her, do you think you could get results?

That's a good point.

I think there's a chance that trying to make her stop would be like dousing fire with gasoline.

Or cutting off the Hydra's heads without knowing how to burn it to stop growth.

Did you ever fight the Hydra?

No, and I'm quite happy about it. So, should I just leave Sierra be?

Well, so many texts arrived since her flirting, I would say just ignore it.

***

He regretted not checking the time before calling his grandmother and interrupting her nap, which put her in a sourer mood than her average setting.

"What do you want?"

"Hey, lǎo lao. I'm sorry to wake you up."

"If you're sorry, then why did you?"

"Because I didn't check the time."

"Fan, for how long will you keep making excuses for your behaviors?"

Ouch, that one hurt.

"Lǎo lao, I just wanted to talk to you since today in the Lunar New Year, that's all."

"Talk to me about what? Are you coming to clean my house?"

"We're not even in the same country."

"Then what, do you need me to teach you how to clean your house? Haven't you learned anything so far?"

"Lǎo lao, I don't need you to teach me that."

"What do you mean? You barely know how to take care of yourself, how would you know how to take care of a house?"

We should've let her sleep.

"Lǎo lao, I apologize for interrupting your nap and accept the blame, but could you please not attack me at every sentence? I don't have ANYONE else to call for the New Year, so can you please just... not? I'm just asking you play nice for five minutes."

Frank, WHAT are you doing? Have you lost your mind?

"... Are you criticizing me, Fan? Did I hear that correctly? Are you saying I can't say what I want!?"

Why, just why?

Sorry, but might as well go for it.

"Yes, you heard that correctly."

"... Fine, maybe you have learned something about taking care of yourself. But don't push it, Fan!"

"Wouldn't dream of it, lǎo lao."

Huh, she didn't hang up on us.

Don't celebrate too soon.

***

Felix?

Yeah?

Is there really NOWHERE in this city to celebrate?

Not that I know of.

But did you search for it?

... Yes?

Did you REALLY search for it?

Enough to know the Chinese community isn't strong in this city. Besides, the new year celebration lost more than half of its sparkle when my mom died. You know how lǎo lao is, and losing her only daughter also took a toll on her, both vitality and happiness wise. Things haven't been that celebratory between us for some years now; even worse when I came here.

I understand what you mean, and I can't say I haven't felt that way. But if there is something I learned after joining the others on quests that could've easily led me to my death, celebrating a new year and the new possibilities it brings is a reason on itself. Besides, we'd be celebrating together, in a way.

Even if I agree with you, it doesn't change the lack of places to go in this city.

Well, will you let me try?

Be my guest.

F: Piper, I need to ask for a favor.

P: Hit me up, big boy

P: What can I do for you?

F: Reyna said you're good with computers.

P: Correction, Trish is good with snooping through any means, computer included.

P: Do you need me to dig dirt on someone?

F: No! I just wanted to know about any New Year celebrations, if there's any around.

P: Frank, you're almost two months late in asking me that.

F: LUNAR New Year.

P: Oooooohhhhh, yeah, that makes more sense.

P: Trish says it's a waste of her talents, you could just google it.

P: But we'll help you anyway, give me five minutes.

Trish is right, you could've googled it, just like I did and found out there is nothing around here.

How long ago was that? Maybe something came up in the meantime.

When his phone started to vibrate with incoming messages, he got his hopes up that it was Piper with good news, but it was only Jordan.

J: Felix, my man. I need help with Chemistry.

J: I could ask Jodi, but I don't want to burden her.

J: I could ask Barbara, but she already explained it to me twice.

J: I could ask Annie, but I prefer to keep my head attached to my body.

F: I'm not good enough at Chemistry to tutor you.

F: In case you forgot, Annie is helping me.

J: I don't need you to explain it from the top.

J: I thought we could get together tomorrow to work through homework.

J: I can promise you milkshake in the end.

F: I would, but I'm kinda busy tomorrow.

J: Ok. I'm free now? I can go to your house or you can come here?

Before he could answer, the text from Piper he'd been waiting came, but not with the great news he'd been hoping for.

P: Big boys, good and bad news.

P: I found a big celebration happening tonight.

P: Stalls, fireworks, dances, the whole she-bang.

P: Bad news, it's in one of our neighboring cities. In fact, the only thing I found here is in a mall, but it doesn't look very, you know, with the she-bang.

F: Thanks anyway, it's better than nothing.

I told you so.

Still, better than nothing. Do you oppose us going?

No, it still beats staying home with nothing to do.

Then we should warn Jordan we can't study tonight.

F: Sorry, Jordan, but I don't think I can do tonight as well.

J: Sure, whatever. I'm sure you must be a super busy guy. I know the drill.

F: I'm not avoiding you.

J: Yeah, you can do your things.

F: It's just that today is the Chinese New Year, and I wanted to celebrate it.

J: Oh, is it today? Sorry, I didn't know.

J: What do you do to celebrate, anyway?

F: Well, there is some kind of event in a mall.

J: In a mall? That sounds... bland.

F: Well, it's what I have close by.

J: Wait, what about Sunday? Can we study then?

F: Sure, Sunday works for me.

J: Then I'll cut you a deal.

J: You help me out on Sunday and I help you out today.

J: I'll borrow my dad's car and give you a ride to the mall.

J: What do you say?

J: Do you mind if I stick around for a little bit?

J: I never saw anything about the Chinese New Year, could be interesting.

F: Jordan? Would you be willing to drive a little farther?

J: Why?

F: There is a more traditional celebration in another city.

F: If you want to experience the CNY, that might be a better option.

J: Hey, I'm game if you are.

J: When should we leave?

See?

I can't believe you found a nice celebration and even got us a ride.

And company. Things are looking up already.

***

Frank had to dig deep into Felix's wardrobe to find his silk red shirt, only to find he'd overgrown it. Settling for a sweater with a deep shade of red, he joined Jordan in his father's car. Used to seeing the redhead in comfortable clothes that boarded on sloppiness, seeing him in form-fitting red jacket with an elegant cut was a shock. Likely seeing the confusion in his face, Jordan shrugged.

"You said to use red and I found out tonight I don't have anything red. Some say redheads shouldn't wear red, but I never cared about it. Still, I'm shocked to find the complete lack of red in my wardrobe. Not even underwear! I had to borrow this one from my mom."

"Your... mom?"

"Right, you haven't met my dad yet. He's a big guy, even you would be swimming in one of his jackets. Anyway, do you have the address so I can put it on GPS?"

It took them no time to reach the highway, but Frank's heart was still lodged in his throat. He didn't consider Percy the most cautious driver and survived Jason's learning to drive, but neither had prepared him to Jordan's almost careless driving.

Do you think Peter warned Percy and that's why it was always Percy driving, even with Jordan's car?

If he did, why didn't Percy warn me about it before?

Maybe because he never thought we'd have a reason to enter a car with only Jordan. Huh. To be honest, I'm surprised we're alone with Jordan.

Are you? We do talk with only Jordan at school.

That's not the problem. I was friendly with some classmates last year, but we never met outside school. It's one thing when Percy invites us, but Jordan wanting to spend time with us was a surprise.

Maybe he just wants help with Chemistry.

Something tells me he would've joined even if there wasn't homework on the line.

I agree with you, I was just saying.

***

Despite the festival not being hard to find, they had to circle it a couple of times to find a parking spot, since Jordan declared to be incapable of parallel parking. As someone who didn't even know how to drive, Frank didn't feel he was in a place to criticize, despite Felix reminding him both Percy and Jason made it look not as hard as Jordan claimed it to be.

The festival itself was much smaller than the one he was used to frequent in Vancouver, but after so long since his last time, the soft glow of dozens of lanterns created a mesmerizing sight. Turning to ask Jordan what he thought, Frank found the redhead looking everywhere in wonder. Deciding against saying anything, he took a deep breath, unconsciously smiling when he could smell the food from the street vendors along the road. The aroma of sizzling skewers, steaming dumplings, and sweet treats wafting through the air took him to the past, walking hand in hand with his mother on one side and grandmother on the other.

As a child, Lunar New Year felt like a vacation on a magical wonderland. Cleaning their whole house to adorn it with bright red decorations, to bring luck and prosperity. While he had no problems being only them three in the later years, when he was much younger, they would join another three families; all with their closest relatives dead or back in China, making it almost impossible to gather. He always felt especially proud when the other adults would give a compliment about his new clothes, carefully chosen by his mother for the occasion. Being so young and even knowing two of the other five kids from school, made it feel like playing around with cousins.

As much as he enjoyed to run around with the other kids, watching the elders play Xiangqi or dice games held its own glamour. He was almost sure his grandmother cheated at the dice games. It's true that the others always accused her of it, but they also never proved it. Considering how good she was at ripping people's off, it wouldn't be surprising they got angry enough to falsely accuse her of cheating. His mother, on the other hand, would calmly play Mahjong, even sitting him on her lap and handing him the correct pieces so he'd feel like he was playing with the adults.

The table overflowing with plates of fish, noodles, dumplings, rice cakes and other dishes would overwhelm his senses, receiving the red envelops filled with lucky money filled all the kids with joy and excitement. Those years, he was used to watch the lion dances on TV, playfully trying to reproduce with the other kids and a towel covering them. The adults would say the dance needed some work, but the boisterous ruckus they did while dancing was more than enough to drive away bad luck and evil spirits.

When he grew up and his mother first took him to the lantern festival in Vancouver, he finally understood just how big it was. As a small child, he loved the sense of togetherness and festive energy mixing with the feeling of belonging. The dragon and lion dances, traditional music, dance performances, and martial arts demonstrations to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community.

In the first two years he joined the other kids in lantern-making workshops, face painting, and storytelling sessions. It was not only a celebration but also an opportunity for the Chinese community in Vancouver to come together and strengthen bonds. His mother would remind him it was a chance for people of all backgrounds to join in the festivities and experience the warmth and hospitality of the community.

Older, he started to appreciate the connection he felt with his cultural heritage. He had never been to China, would cheer for Canada during the Olympics, but being part of the Lunar New year was a weird sensation. There was some sense of comfort of joining hundreds of families an ocean across from their origin to celebrate thousands of years of history, going back more generations that anyone could keep track. While it wasn't something that had an influence in his ordinary life, joining thousands to celebrate the new year along with their cultural richness touched something in his soul that was usually dormant. It almost like a memory he felt he was supposed to remember, while being certain it wasn't him who experienced it.

"I had no idea."

Jordan's words were almost whispered, but Frank still heard them.

"About what?"

"Everything, I think? About how big it is, how colorful and diversified it is. I can see why you didn't want to skip this party for some physics homework."

"Wasn't it chemistry?"

"Right. I'm almost bombing both subjects, so I switch them sometimes. Anyway, we shouldn't talk about school right now. So, you always did this? Came to this festival for New Year?"

"To this festival in this city, it's my first time. As a child, I used to go to the big one in Vancouver."

"Is it bigger than this?"

"Oh, yeah, so much bigger. This one almost feels like something someone organized in their backyard when compared to the Vancouver one."

"You've never been to China, right?"

"No. Most of my relatives on my grandmother's side are either dead or refusing to speak to her, so it was not our priority to visit them."

"Why aren't they speaking to her?"

"You only ask that because you haven't met my grandmother. I swear she must have a promise to herself to offend at least one person every time she opens her mouth to talk."

"I have a feeling I would love meeting her."

"Well, she's still living in Canada, so that may be hard."

"We can facetime as well."

"I'll see if I can arrange that, but you've been warned."

"Can I offend her back? Wait, that's a weird question to ask about someone's grandmother."

"I guess you could try to, but she'll likely flip it back to you."

"Even better. What about your grandfather's side? You don't keep in contact with them?"

"He died even before my mom was a teenager, so I never met him. Besides, I'm pretty sure lǎo lao have offended them as well, since they didn't like her from the start."

"Why didn't they like her?"

"Because his family wanted him to go back to China and marry a girl they had chosen for him. You can guess how my grandfather eloping with another immigrant went well with them. It didn't help those letters took weeks to arrive, sometimes months. As far as I was told, by the time the family's letter arrived demanding my grandfather to annul the marriage and return home, my grandmother was already halfway through her pregnancy."

"Are you saying that, except for your grandmother and mother, you have no contact with your Chinese family? Is that why you like to celebrate the Lunar New Year?"

"First, it was something like 'this is where my ancestors came from, this is what they did', but then it became a little more personal, like 'this is also where I came from, this is also what I do'."

"Well, I'm totally ignorant on this matter so, by all means, lead the way and show me the world you came from."

"I don't think I'll be the best tour guide."

"I don't need one, I just need you to be my friend and teach me something new about you."

Frank couldn't explain why, but those words made his answer lodge in his throat; and Jordan seemed to notice it.

"I mean it; there is no pressure, because I came here with zero expectations or preconceived notions. Where do you want to start?"

While silently looking around for inspiration, Frank heard the distant sound of drums echoing from somewhere.

"Why don't we start with something classic?"

***

At the heart of the festival grounds stood a grand stage adorned with elaborate decorations, where performers were showcasing a lion dance, the rhythmic beat of drums filling the air as the dancers twirled gracefully, their costumes shimmering in the lantern light.

"Is that supposed to be a dragon?"

"Where do you see a dragon?"

"Is it not? Then what creature is it?"

"That's a lion dance."

"A lion? Where do you see a lion in there?"

"You never saw a Chinese statue of a lion?"

Jordan quickly pulled his phone to research it, nodding in understanding.

"Ok, now I see the resemblance, although not so much to an actual lion."

"The lions in our culture are supposed to be an artistic representation of its essence, not lifelike resemblance."

"Can the dancers even see where they are stepping?"

"The front dancer can see through the mouth, but it's a very narrow field of vision."

"So, they are mostly relaying on muscle memory? Impressive."

"These ones are even on the ground. Maybe later we can see a dance on high stakes."

"A dance on what?"

"You'll see."

***

Jordan's chewing slowed down, while he stared at the rest of their dumplings with suspicion.

"Something wrong?"

"I was expecting something more... similar to the dumplings I eat when my family orders Chinese food. These taste... odd. What is the filling?"

"I believe this one is ginger."

"But it's sweet."

"Ginger with honey."

"Hm."

"Too weird for you?"

"This might be more of an acquired tase."

"You can say you didn't like it; I won't get offended."

"Can we find something else to eat? Maybe a dumpling with meat inside?"

***

Colorful lanterns of all shapes, sizes and colors lined the pathways, casting a kaleidoscope of hues against the night sky. Some were shaped like delicate animals, while others depicted scenes from folklore and mythology. Jordan pointed to a particular complex one.

"Do you know how to do those?"

"That level of craftmanship, no. You really need to know what you're doing to make a lantern that intricate; those materials are more delicate than you might think. But I learned how to do a basic one when I was little."

"Really!?"

"Why do you look surprised? You just asked if I knew how to do it."

"I don't know, maybe I didn't expect you to know it for real."

"I learned in the workshops for kids they hold during festivals."

"They do workshops!?"

"We passed by two, didn't you notice? Although these ones were about painting, instead of making it from scratch."

"Can we do it?"

"They are mostly for children."

"Then the five-years old mentality Jodi always accuse me of having will come in hand. Let's go paint some lanterns!"

***

Frank knew the sight of two teenagers among the kids from elementary school age had to be comical, especially with the redhead crouching in a kid-sized stool and Frank sitting on the floor, but both him and the woman guiding the workshop could not refuse Jordan when he was that excited to be painting a lantern. Truth be told, it had been so long since Frank or Felix had truly immersed themselves in this side of their culture, particularly after their mothers' death, that having Jordan excitedly dragging them to do it was a welcome excuse. When their friend leaned in their direction for the third time, Frank suppressed a laugh.

"You're still beefing with your bench mate?"

"She wants to put blue paint in my lantern and ruin the whole aesthetic I'm going for. Wouldn't you have a problem with it if you were me?"

"She's like, five years old."

"Correction, six and a half; she should already know better."

"We could've gone to a calligraphy demonstration, there were no children there for you to have problems with."

"Like I told you before, I can barely write legible penmanship with letters I've been practicing since I was little, it would pointless to learn a new alphabet."

***

The more the evening progressed, the more Frank understood how his mother must have felt. Jordan became even more excited about experience everything the festival had to offer and was constantly going from one stall to another, with Frank following behind holding on to both lanterns.

The good thing about Jordan is that we can't lose him.

What do you mean?

That mop of red hair is easy to see among the black sea. I know he's not the only non-Asian descent, but he still stands out.

That's true.

Hearing the drums, Frank guided his friend back to stage to watch the lion dance on high stakes. Although it had been a while since he watched in person, his attention was constantly divided to watch Jordan's reaction, which were almost comical.

If he keeps letting his chin drop at any step, his jaw will ache so bad tomorrow.

I don't think he will complain either way.

***

As the night deepened, the highlight of the festival was upon them, the lantern release. While it amused him seeing Jordan clutch their lanterns tightly, giddy as a toddler about joining the tradition, he let his roam over the other attendees. While at the start of the festival he could mostly see small nuclear families, now he could also see larger families, that had likely come only for the lantern rite. Frank could see a lot of people had brought their own lanterns made at home, some even more elaborated than the ones decorating the streets, each one a symbol of their hopes and dreams for the coming year. With a collective countdown, to which Jordan whispered that really felt like New Year, the lanterns were released into the night sky, their gentle glow rising with the cold wind towards the heavens, carrying wishes for prosperity and happiness. As the last of the lanterns drifts out of sight, the festival was drawing to a close.

"What about now?"

Frank looked over at Jordan and could see the same reluctance to leave the enchanting atmosphere that he always felt when his mother would take him to the Vancouver festival.

"Now we go home."

"That's it?"

"What more were you expecting?"

"I don't know, it just feels so... un-magical."

"Like waking up from a dream and having to get back to reality?"

"Exactly!"

"Well, the good news is that it's an annual event."

"Still, it feels so far away. Anyway, next time we can come with the others, right?"

Which others he means? Jay and Jodi? Maybe Percy as well?

I just hope I won't be here to find out.

... Sorry, I wish I knew how to help you.

"Noooo, I forgot to take a picture of my lantern!"

Happy to take the distraction Jordan was offering, Frank forced a smile.

"Well, we took a group picture with the kids when everyone had finished painting, do you want to go back to the workshop and see if they can send us the picture?"

"Great idea, let's go before they leave!"

TUESDAY, 21st February

Although Frank had agreed to meet up with Jordan right after class to borrow Barbara's notebook they were using to study, Percy was the one to text him just after the last class that he had the notebook and where to meet him.

"How come you have it? Isn't Annabeth helping you study?"

"She is. Jordan just skipped class and left me the notebook to give to you."

"He skipped?"

"It was for a good cause. Something happened with Jodi's mom and she had to be driven to the hospital. Jodi excused herself from class to go stay with her mom and Jordan skipped class to drive her there. I know he doesn't really need an excuse to skip class most days, but this time he was only being a good friend."

I'm not saying he isn't a good friend, but didn't Jodi nagged him the other day that if he keeps skipping class, he might be forced to redo the Junior year?

Percy interrupted before he could answer Felix.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you something."

"What?"

"We found Rachel Dare. Sorta."

The words made so little sense out of context that it took him a while to fully absorb the meaning.

"What!?"

"But don't tell anyone because it's complicated as she's not really Rachel."

"What do you mean!?"

Isn't she the prophet?

YES.

"We found Rebecca, which would be like Felix or Peter, except she's just Rebecca; not Rebecca and Rachel. Anyway, just don't tell anyone."

"Why would you tell me something so important and tell me to keep it a secret?"

"Because I know you can keep a secret and you're a good voice of reason to keep around. Not sure Annabeth or I are capable of not trying to rush things."

"Can I at least ask for more details?"

"Sure."

Percy answered all his questions with patience and a nonchalance that might've convinced Frank if he hadn't noticed the son of Poseidon nervously tweaking with his backpack's string.

"Let me see if I get everything right. Rebecca is still herself, but she also had weirdly prophetic dreams the night before she and Annabeth met at the airport?"

"She didn't dream anything; at least nothing that she could remember. She was just stress-drawing and Annabeth came out. Maybe she'd dreamed of her, but just couldn't remember."

"And after you two distributed a list describing her, she contacted you guys and then during that videocall, you told her... everything?"

"As much as we could in a couple of hours of videocall."

"And she... believed you?"

"Her words were that she didn't sense any lies, so we must've been telling the truth."

"And then..."

"And then nothing. Ok, she knows who Annabeth is and about our situation, but we're not sure how that could help us."

"What about now?"

"We have no idea. Still, it's more progress than we've made in the last four months, so..."

"And you decided not to tell anyone else?"

"We want to avoid creating false hope or putting pressure on Rebecca. So, for now, pretend you don't know anything."

Easier said than done!

THURSDAY, 23rd February

Bending down to pick his fallen notebook from the ground, Frank recognized Jodi's favorite pair of shoes coming to stop directly in front of him. Raising his eyes to salute her, it surprised him to see her barely holding back her fury.

"How DARE you?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You took JORDAN with you to the Lunar festival and didn't think to invite ME? And how I've only learned about it now, almost a week later!?"

Only then did he notice the redhead behind Jodi, shaking his head at them.

"It was a last-minute kind of thing."

"Excuses! We almost never plan anything, it's always last-minute, you know that!"

Frank opened his mouth, still not sure what to say to calm her down. Luckily, Jordan intervened.

"Actually, Jodi, he doesn't. He just started hanging out with us, remember? Johnson would know, Felix wouldn't."

Jodi seemed to angry that he wouldn't be surprised if they both got an upside slap, but she only huffed.

"... Fine, you get to use that as a 'jail free' card this time. But you better remember to not let me behind next time!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"And besides that! My family is Japanese, in case my eyes didn't clue you enough on this. I would've loved to celebrate Lunar New Year with friends."

She's right.

But still, we couldn't believe Jordan was hanging out with us outside school, so thinking of Jodi first would be overreaching.

"I thought Lunar New Year was Chinese, not Japanese?"

He thought Jordan's question would fuel Jodi's anger, but she answered patiently, setting her things in the chair Frank had saved for her.

"It is, but you would be surprised how many other Asian descendants love to celebrate an eastern festival, especially for us that have lived most or all our lives in the western world."

Frank nodded, accepting the mint Jordan was offering.

"It's true. You likely didn't notice, but there were several Japanese and Korean families in the festival."

"How did you know?"

"Their clothes. Although mostly on shades of red, I could easily identify the traditional models. Besides, the overall face structure is different from each nation."

"And the language."

"Most of them were talking in English?"

Frank and Jodi shared a look and he could see her rolling her eyes, but he still answered his friend question seriously.

"But if you had paid attention, you would notice some foreigner words inserted in their sentences."

"And you can identify their nationality by one random word?"

"Jordan, if you heard a full sentence in English but with a 'mon amour' in the end, wouldn't that clue you in their possible nationality?"

"Yes, but everyone knows 'mon amour' is French."

Apparently, that was the limit to Jodi's patience and she answered before Frank could.

"And we know a lot of common words in a lot of Asian languages. Just because you're culturally stunted, that doesn't mean we all are."

"You just love to diss me, don't you?"

"Obviously, you still have to ask?"

Flashback over, back to present

A/N: I will admit to my crime: I used the help of chatgpt to have the description of the festival, because the internet explanation was too soulless, but I obviously rewrote it a bit to feel more like my style. Frank's feelings of "this is where my ancestors come from" going to "this is where I also come from" were a bit inspired by my own feelings while living in Italy for years. And I was feeling a bit bad creating all these friendships with my OCs and thinking "but later they will lose contact, what a shame".

But I just got back from seven months in Brazil where I texted my cheer squad from uni "I'm back after seven years, let's meet up" (and had two Sunday brunchs), my friend from HS "I'm vising Rio and I'm inviting myself to stay at your house" (to which she answered "cool, then you'll also meet my husband for the first time"), to another friend from HS "Im in brazil, do you think we can meet up?" ("absolutely! Im also saving your seat to my mini wedding of 30 people. If I had known before, my bride would've invited you as a bridesmaid" – because he stayed in my house 13y ago to meet his internet gf-now-wife for the first time, so im kind of their cupid), a friend I met before we were 2yo "it has been almost a decade since our last talk, but we're both vacationing in brazil at the same time, should we meet?" (we talked for 7h as if we'd stayed BFF for all those years and I also scored an open invitation to visit her at the Netherlands whenever), and a friend from uni "do I still have a seat at your wedding which I said last year I wouldn't be able to attend?" ("you do, and the only reason you aren't officially a bridesmaid is because you are only rsvp-ing two months before the wedding!" "it's cool, I'll consider myself an unofficial bridesmaid and help plan your bachelorette!"); and all that with my ADHD (now officially diagnosed, which explains SO MUCH) which means I suck at checking up with people I don't meet up often. So hell yeah, my characters will keep being friends well beyond HS, and this makes me soooooo happy.