in the midst of chaos.

-

Billie opened the door, taking the stack of boxes from the man’s hand. She moved to place them on the counter. The timing of it all allowed her to evade the question - what ever the question would have been. With the pizza paid for, she pulled out plates for them to use. The hush mumble of a scottish accent filled the silence as the tv still played in the other room. It wasn’t like they were missing the plot. Billie picked up a slice, feeling her stomach grumble in anticipation. She ripped a bite with her teeth, carrying her plate over to the couch.

“Pizza..” She mumbled in delight. Her eyes found her friends with a small smile, thankful for another distraction. “So, how have you been?” Her mouth still somewhat full.

-

Harley plucked a piece of pizza from the box and brought it to her lips, bitting into it. She loved food in general and could often eat like someone who was twice her weight. A quick metabolism was what she had to be thankful for, despite not doing much. Looking over at her friend, she mumbled in agreement. Pizza was delicious and by far her favorite food. 

“I’ve been well. A little bored because I’m working so much and exhausted.” Lonely at times, but good. Not that she’d say that last part to Billie. “Just trying my best to find time for myself.”

❝ Right, and not only is it something they’re proud to show off, but an amazing tattoo job is clearly a great way to get that serotonin boost for both parties. ❞ Light laugh escapes with her words, although there was certainly authenticity to them as well. At least Sanem knew she couldn’t wait for her own to get done and be able to showcase it to – well the world. Even though the location on her body was one that’d be covered up a good chunk of time, once summer comes around, there was already guarantee for plenty of occasions to have it displayed. She also knew at least part of it would be visible through her wedding dress, though didn’t mind one bit. ❝ Oh I agree, I’m sure it’s disheartening not being able to celebrate or be proud of something with those who mean a lot to you. Hopefully if it can’t be immediate family, then they have friends or even found family that can share in it with them. ❞ She’d also been lucky in the aspect of receiving encouragement from pretty much all those important to her. Though wondered — and surely hoped — she was that person for others too. ❝ For sure, actually.. ❞ Trailing off she used a free hand to grab her phone from her back pocket, sorting through pictures till she brought up one by the photographer, showing it to Harley. ❝ This is probably one of my favorite stills he’s done. ❞ At the commendation, for what she only assumed was in reference to the wedding, a bright smile tugged at her lips. ❝ Thank you, busy might be an understatement at this point, but we’ve been making good progress on everything so, I think it’d be safe to free up a weekend soon. ❞ Responding casually but warm nonetheless, nodding once more, before getting onto the table comfortably. ❝ I do not at the moment, so should fine to lay here for the duration – bladder willing. ❞ 

-

Harley nodded her head in agreement. There wasn’t anything more rewarding than having someone who loved their tattoo and seemed to want to show it off to the world. In the same way, it could be jarring if a client hated what was done on them. Luckily, it had only happened a few times in her early career as she began to learn. Now, she made sure that every questioned needed was answered before she began and that she double and triple checked with the customer. “Nothing quite like it. It’s probably why I keep breaking my back and doing it.” She’d started to feel pain in her neck and back but she had no thought about stopping tattooing. It was important for her to have her clients positioned in a way that they’d be comfortable which also made it hard for her to work in ways that she was. Luckily, she’d found some stretches that helped to get her through those long pieces. “We love some supportive friends and family. I always feel bad when I hear it isn’t the came for some people.” It broke her heart actually, but she always tried to be there for those around her. Leaning closer when the brunette pulled out her phone, she looked at the image with fondness. It was absolutely beautiful and she could immediately feel herself be transported into the picture. “That’s gorgeous. I would never know how to do that. “ Photographers were people she envied as she always tried to pick up the camera and learn but she wasn’t as adept to it. “Yeah, I can imagine how nerve wrecking it would be. Kinda why I doubt I’ll ever get married. I’m more of the type that would end up getting married in Vegas or at court.” It was more the relationship than the wedding that counted for her. “Perfect. So let’s lay down and get you ready. I’ll get you cleaned down and we can start. Lay however is most comfortable for you.”

-

Her mind didn’t stop though Harley’s words assured her the other woman was moving on from the topic. Her mind began to circle, always coming back to the passing thought that she was a bad friend, a bad person. Billie kept her eyes on the tv in hopes that Harley wouldn’t notice her mind racing, because she could and she would. Did she just make excuses for other people so that she felt better about herself?

Would Harley notice one day? Would she suddenly realize how little Billie added to her life and how much she took from Harley? Billie sat her for hours leaning on Harley’s shoulder, looking for comfort in the other. She even made a topic that had nothing to do with her all about her. 

“Right.” Billie nodded before she heard the knock at the door. She stood to go get the pizza.

-

Harley hadn’t felt the way Billie felt in any sort of way. The brunette knew that her own vices were not the best but they were all adults with their own decisions. She’d never force Billie to do something she didn’t want to and in the same way, the other couldn’t force Harley. Neither of them shared the guilt. Which was perhaps why her gaze returned to the movie without noticing the way the other’s thoughts seemed to go wild. 

The brunette looked over the other for a moment before she nudged her with her foot. “Are you looking at the movie because we can pick something else if you’re not into it?” Her brow furrowed for a moment. “Do you ——” 

Words trailed off when the pizza arrived, bringing Harley to her feet as well so she could go help. 

Sam rolled his eyes and gave a nonchalant shrug. “Nah, I only judge those who deserve it and besides, you’d know. Trust me,” he pointed out with a snort. It was true after all, he wore his heart on his sleeve in ways that felt safe, only showing emotions he was comfortable with but when it came to what he thought about someone? He’d make sure they’d know where they were at. He wasn’t a fan of pretending when it came to that and didn’t really see the point in doing so. Coming from money wasn’t something he considered a part of his personality. He was aware of his privileges but also knew the downsides that came with them first hand. There were times when he wished he could’ve been born into a family that was detached from the town – one that had newly moved and didn’t hold such a meaning. A family that wasn’t known for their status and tragedy. And yet, there he was. The one thing that resonated the most with him though, was that people often thought he didn’t have any worries – not with that bank account of his but as cliché as it made him sound, he’d always pressed for the stance that money couldn’t buy happiness. It didn’t bring your loved ones back either. “Awesome!” He chimed as a broad grin spread across his lips, so wide he was squinting when he looked back at Harley. “Shit – that’d make a good reality show, huh?”

-

Harley knew that she was a big of an hypocrite. She had mentioned not judging but she’d done it a few times as of late. Still, she felt that she had good reason to and Sam had been nothing but nice to her. Therefore, she returned that. Plus, she was excited to do something for him and get a chance to put a tattoo on him. It was the giddy feeling she enjoyed most when an idea formed at the back of her head and she could bring it to life for someone. Thankfully, she had been lucky enough to avoid people who were snobbish for most of her career because the people who had money and were a little full of themselves rarely came to the woman covered in tattoos who worked out of a hole in a wall tattoo parlour. They went to the people with big money or worse — brought them to their house. No, she just wanted to surround herself with chill people. Luckily, Sam fit that bill perfectly despite his upbringing and the power he was allowed. “I’d watch it.” she told him with a nod as she let a billow of air fall from her lips. “For your own sanity though, might be good that it isn’t.”

-

“No, we just talked a little at the winter market thing.” Billie shrugged recalling the interaction. Lily was the type of person who reminded her how worthless she felt, someone who had passions and drive. “I was drunk, trying not to seem too drunk.” Her eyes remained forward, not looking at Harley. Something about the conversation sparked her flight instinct.

Billie hadn’t talked to Bash about the situation, but she wondered if Harley had. The nature of Billie and Bash’s relationship towed the line of toxicity in her eyes. From the start in high school, she used their casual hookups to escape her own life. At times she felt their friendship existed merely so that the other one weren’t alone in their self-destruction. She felt as if she enabled him and he enabled her, sharing bad habits. Billie wondered if she should have asked - asked him about the whole situation regarding Lily’s family.

“I just don’t think..I don’t know if she actively participated in that. I don’t..I don’t know if the blame..if she’s to blame.” What did she know anyway? She shrugged again.

-

Harley nodded her head while she listened to the brunette. It sounded familiar to her own interaction apart from the fact that she’d been high and not drunk. Her shoulder shrugged as she looked back at the movie, not caring too much about it. In truth, she was fine not getting along with her as she felt like there wouldn’t be much of an instance where she would need to be in the same room as her. 

Pushing a strand of hair from her face, she put her feet on the coffee table and regarded the movie. While she knew that both Billie and Bash had their own problems, she wasn’t going to dwell on them because they weren’t hurting anyone else. And she wasn’t one to judge given the amount of weed and alcohol she consumed. Bash sold pot, she smoked it, and neither were better than the other. But they certainly weren’t bad people for it either. 

“She didn’t stop it when she could have. I’m not saying Bash isn’t stupid in this. He thinks with his small head more than his big one. I just.. — anyways, It’s not important nor is it any of my business.”

Nodding her head along lightly as she spoke. ❝ I definitely understand, not only because I’m about to become one of those people, but, that indescribable feeling to see and know how happy they are with something you created for them. Makes doing what you love that much more worth it. ❞ Sanem certainly held a similar sentiment within her own career, and the excitement and awe that came from her students, or whomever really for the routines she choreographed. Especially the clientele of musicians requesting her often as they did. ❝ Yeah, but I mean there’s still always a chance for someone to find that creative freedom in life even without their parents encouragement. ❞ She reasoned a bit. ❝ Don’t really have quite the same eye as she did, but never let that stop me from capturing places I’ve been. Have you seen some of Chris Burkard’s work ? It’s insane honestly. ❞ Though she’d been fortunate enough to venture to different places she’d still loved getting to view the world from other perspectives, and the beauty others were able to capture. Humming gently in agreement as Harley continued on then. ❝ True, and it’s not as though giving them the full real explanation will keep that wonder sparked — or maybe it would, who’s to say. But when you finally get a glimpse of the truth in reality and the world it’s better just to let them stay curious as long as possible. ❞ She could only truly speak as someone who held a mix of optimistic and realist tendencies. ❝ Great, when I decide to go check it out I’ll let you know. ❞ Beaming a smile back at the woman, she once again observed her reflection, and newest placement of the tattoo for a moment, moving around again to see how it’d look. ❝ Yes ! It looks perfect right there, so I guess that means we’re ready to start ? ❞

-

“Exactly. Especially when they can feel happy about showing it off and it means something to them.” She tacked on as she looked over the other. She knew Sanem was getting married soon because gossip was like wildfire around these parts so that alone added a little bit of stress upon the brunette. Luckily, she was good with working under pressure. Plus, the woman seemed kind enough that she would work with her if something was off which was always nice to have in a client. “That’s very true. It just makes it a little more enjoyable with their approval. You want to share it and to have the most important people in your life not accept that must be completely heart breaking.” She wouldn’t know as she had been quite lucky but she could only imagine that sort of pain. At the name of the photographer, she nodded her head. “His name sounds familiar but I don’t believe I’ve seen it. You should send me a picture or two because I’m always looking to follow more people.” Without much money of her own, looking at pictures of beautiful places was all she could look forward to. As she eyed the other while she spoke, Harley nodded her head and smiled wide. “Exactly.” It was always nice to hear people with different opinions and points of view, especially when they aligned with your own. “Perfect. I mean, I know you’re going to be busy so take all the time that you need. Congratulations, by the way.” She said with a shrug of her shoulder. While she hadn’t known who Sanem was, she herd her name through the grapevines as they had friends in common. “We are. Lay down and get yourself comfortable. If you need to go to the bathroom first, let’s do that.”

Billie turned her head when Harley asked the question out of the blue. She tried to recall in all of the time the three of them had been friends if they ever discussed Bash’s love life. Though, this was different. Billie knew this was different. Her shoulder’s lifted and fell as she sat up a bit. “Lily, yeah. A couple times, only once when Bash wasn’t there.” Lily Whittaker existed in another world. In the few conversations they had Billie wondered if a commonalty between them existed at all. Billie knew Harley’s passion came from a place of wanting to protect Bash. “Cause of the almost jail stuff?” She quirked a brow.

Billie always felt that she was a bit more of a bad influence of Bash, having participate in this mutually destructive friendship with him for years. Harley always had their backs, always had their best interest at heart.  “I think they really care about each other, Harls. I’ve just..I’ve never seen Bash so.. I don’t know wanting to be better?” She shook her head slightly.

-

Harley thought about the interaction some more and whether or not she was being harsh. Then her thought drifted off to the night she’d slept with Bash and how stupid that had been. “You have things in common with her?” When she’d met the other, she could barely see them hanging out and smoking or playing music. She felt like she was one of those rich people who would look her nose down at that. Plus, she knew for a fact that the girlfriend had no idea that her boyfriend was supplying drugs to the majority of the town. “Yeah. Kind of wild that she’d put him in jail and then never make an effort to meet the people around him.” Not that bash had pushed it either. 

Harley knew that Bash wasn’t perfect but she hadn’t seen anything wrong. He’d stayed out of jail and never faced years before. “Bash has never been a bad guy.” Her head shook as she sat up. “If you ask me, she makes him do the dumbest shit. Her family put him in jail and then he went back to her.” It felt stupid to her. Regardless, she didn’t see it lasting too long so maybe there was no reason even thinking much about it or talking about it. 

“Hell yeah!” Sam cheered, though he kept his voice down a little, chuckling as he nodded. “I appreciate it, Harley,” he told her and after all, he trusted her as an artist so it was a given that he’d come back to get more of her art on his skin. Money wasn’t a problem and while he did have some rather questionable tattoos from his first round of teenage rebellion, they’d been small stick and poke pieces that he was sure he could ask Harley to cover up if anything. Waving Harley off, Sam grinned and shook his head. “Nah, I’m in no place to judge. You do what you gotta do to feel good about life,” he told her with a shrug. Sam could be judgy out of spite, he knew that but when it came to other people’s life choices? He didn’t see a reason to be mean about it. “It is,” Sam huffed. “Makes me fucking tired most of the time but I try not to be too much of a dick about it,” he explained, letting out a breath. He hated talking about this – about his family, the dynamic within it. He wasn’t sure whether he truly hated his father or was just eager to find an outlet for his frustration and trauma most of the time but when Harley said those words, you love your family, they resonated for a moment. A small grin spread across his lips and he looked down at his shoes for a moment, nodding. “Makes us even, huh? You don’t judge me, I don’t judge you,” he joked, accepting the joint with a small laugh before bringing it back up to his lips. “A great deal,” Sam concluded, his grin never fading when he held out the smoke for her.

-

Harley was happy that she’d secured a client and that someone she considered a friend or acquaintance would be wearing her art on her. She’d tattooed a lot of people she knew and it always pleased her to see them on their body. Plus, get her high and drunk and she was extra cheap. Mainly because she loved doing it and didn’t want to have people pay who maybe couldn’t. Half the time, it was her friends agreeing to providing her a canvas when she got a stupid idea and she did it for free on their body. When too desperate, she reserved her thighs for her wild thoughts at three am. “I mean, you could judge me. Nothing much I can do about that.” She snorted before folding her arms over her chest. Still she appreciated that it wouldn’t. Many of the rich people she had met had been dicks. Evidence by the fact that her friend had gone to jail for just fucking a rich girl. A fucking joke. Nevertheless, maybe Sam would help her think otherwise. She’d never understood how people could feel better than those who didn’t have money. They were all the same and a fall from the top would hurt a lot more.”Sounds like a plan to me.” She nodded her head as she looked him over. “Just two people who like to escape and rebel for a little bit. You get secret tattoos and I’ll smoke weed and ink people who shouldn’t be getting inked.” A match made in heaven.

-

Billie sunk deeper into the couch kicking her legs up on the coffee table in front of her. Her eyes danced across the screen as she listened to her friend. She wasn’t someone who had seen all the classics or all the common movies. When it came to movies, she found herself often re watching ones she had already seen. “I don’t think I’ve seen that one, but I feel like I get the gist.” Billie felt like everyone knew the story.

“Donkey is a good one. I think I like the pigs. They are kind of annoying, but they are funny.” She giggled slightly. “Maybe I just like their accents.” Billie had never seen this movie when she wasn’t high.

-

“I wouldn’t recommend it.” Harley said as she sunk deeper into the couch and lifted her legs up on the table. “It’s fucking horrible.” The priest and esmerelda. Shivers coursed down her spine which made her reach for a nearby blanket that she put over herself and Billie. “This is random but have you met Bash’s girlfriend? I ran into her at the store and I almost called her a bitch but.. she knew that I wanted to.”  Which honestly, Harley felt little shame about. “I’m just not sure if I should tell Bash or not.”

“The pigs are good.” She nodded her head with a small smirk. “They’re not there for too long.” At least not the entire movie like the main characters were. “You like all different voices.” Something they shared when they were high.

-

Billie waved Harley off, not needing to be told. She knew what Harley wanted with her pizza, clearly before Harley did. They had done this more times than she could count. She let out a giggle as the woman finally walked off to set up the movie. Once the pizza was ordered and set, Billie returned to her seat in the living room.

Billie let out a chuckle, picking up the remote to hit play. “You are the musician here. You are the one that should be picking up on the brilliance of the soundtrack.” She elbowed her friend playfully settling into the couch. “Who’s your favorite character?” She inquired.

-

Harley snapped her mouth shut when the other called the pizza and already told the guy everything Harley called out. She stuck her tongue out before flashing her a smile and moving to fix the movie. Leaning down, she began toyed with everything before it idled on the first scene. 

“I’m a lot of things. I don’t obsess over shrek like you do.” She teased and leaned back, folding her legs at the ankle. “But yes, it is a great soundtrack. I rewatched the hunchback of notre dame and was traumatized. That’s one fucked up movie.” Was it even disney? She didn’t know. “The donkey. Yours?”

.

❝ I’m guessing that was a big help to becoming a tattoo artist down the line ? ❞ Question falls with a genuine curiosity, as it seemed art was something important to the other woman, and of course what made up a majority portion to the career field. ❝ I do definitely get what you mean, my parents were the same, especially my mother. She always encouraged us to be creative and follow what we were passionate about. Granted she was a travel photographer so, easy to already have that mindset but, in any case. ❞ Even though her father is a business man, he hadn’t been any less supportive about it either. ❝ That’s kind of sad to think about honestly, like on the one hand I understand wanting to instill realism at a certain point, but there’s also absolutely nothing wrong with letting kids keep a sense of wonder. ❞ Concurring with Harley’s statement, nodding along lightly as she spoke. Knowing that, one day if and when she and Alli decided to have children, they’d be raised in an environment that was nothing short of nurturing. ❝ Will for sure do, I mean you’re welcomed to come along whenever I do decide to go if you want, too. ❞ Sanem paused the for a few beats of silence, eyes peering at her reflection in the mirror as she moved around a bit, while regarding specific details in the exact placement and such. ❝ Size wise I think it’s good — wasn’t looking for anything too big you know, but it covers a decent portion of the area. Maybe have just a little bit higher though like about here.. ❞ With one hand still keeping the shirt raised, she motioned with the other for the top of the tattoo to start just beneath the part of skin her bra was currently covering. 

-

“Yeah. I’ve done other mediums but I got my first tattoo when I was fifteen years old. My guardian came with me and I was hooked. The thought of bringing something to life for someone and having them wear it proudly.” She shrugged her shoulder since it could be stupid to people who didn’t understand the pride that came with a piece of art. People came to her and picked her work to wear. It was an honor. “Not all parents are like that and it’s tragic. Photography is amazing too. I’ve never been too good at it but I’ve followed some famous photographers who travel to see beautiful sights.” As someone who’d never been really out of the country, she lived vicariously through those photos. Anything that inspired and made people happy was often spoke to her soul. Her head nodded as she listened to the other. “I think we get tired and overwhelmed with reality that we forget what it’s life for children to see a world of possibilities. At a certain time, what can you say to someone when they ask you why the sky is blue or why a light is called a light? We shut them down. Things are like that because they’re like that.” Maybe she was going too far into her own head, but she’d read an article and it had made her thing. “I do love a good fucking road trip.” She grinned, knowing she not only enjoyed them but also was quite good at them. The snack selection and music had been perfected. Nodding her head when the brunette guided her, she walked over with a wet paper told and began to wipe the stencil off. “Okay, let’s try this.” Slowly placing another a little higher, she stepped back to let her look. “Better?”

-

“Pizza it is.” A chuckle left her lips. Billie moved back over to the living room to grab her phone which she left on the coffee table. She headed back to the kitchen to read the phone number she had scratched onto a piece of paper and placed on her fridge. Sure, she could have put the number in her phone by now - would of been easier and more efficient. It was just one of those things that she did how she did. A short phone call later the pizza was ordered.

Her mind still light, felt brighter now that her thoughts were pulled toward pizza and away from her existential crisis. Billie plopped back onto the couch. “I think the music in Shrek is kind of brilliant. The soundtrack isn’t just like thrown in there, but well thought out.” She said very matter of factly.

-

“Ask for some cheese bread sticks.” She called out after her friend, gasping when she remembered something else and waving at her. “I want that red sauce and some garlic sauce too. Did you hear me?” She whispered to the brunette who was ordering the pizza. It was always this way as more food came to mind. “Wings? Do we want wings?” Finally she waved her off and sat back down on the couch. 

“It’s pretty good. I’ve always liked Shrek.” She hadn’t dissected it like her friend had evidently but it had cheered her up on one too many occasions when she was in the slumps and it seemed to have the same effect on her friend.

.

❝ Wholeheartedly agree on all fronts, obviously it’d vary between people but, I do think finding an outlet in something more in the creative realm is the best thing for an escape, or healing. Cheaper and sometimes easier, in my own opinion I’d say effectiveness ranks high. ❞ Dance was not only her passion, but had always been her top choice in a distraction among moments of harsh reality. Minus one span of time, but nevertheless. In terms of therapy, it’d taken a lot for her to finally decide on the plunge, and fortunate enough that a close friend held her career in such a field. Nodding along with a fairly riveted smile over her features. ❝ All I’m hearing are more incentives to make the trip and soon. ❞ A light laugh bubbled up then, though she would certainly plan on heading over to this gallery in the near future for sure. Moment of consideration passes on the callout made for these women to be the art, sounds like quite an experience to be part of something beautiful, though Sanem wasn’t positive where she’d teeter on ever the hypothetical possibility. ❝ Will definitely do, I think there’s a couple at least in mind that’d have a similar appreciation for it. ❞ As Harley darted off to get the stencil done, and assumingly everything else ready to tattoo her, the dancer idly went tapped away at a few messages, though remained hush about current whereabouts, since this was meant to be a surprise. When the other woman came back, dark hues looked over the drawing as everything was shown to her, bright grin pulling more at her lips. ❝ It all looks perfect, and I’ve got myself mentally prepared for the process, so let’s do it. ❞ Joking partly, as she stood up, slipping the device in her back pocket, before removing her hoodie and lifting up her shirt for it to be placed, and started.

-

“I’d have to agree with you. Thankfully, I was raised in a household where expression through creation was embraced rather than shunned. It’s a shame that people tell their kids to stop getting messy or put paint in a ziplock for them to draw with rather than feel it.” She shook her head as she looked back at the other. “I read an article once about children asking all kinds of question and coming up with fictional stories but by the time they enter the third grade. They stop asking if the thunder is some giant in the sky. It’s kind of unfortunate.” Maybe she was going so far into this whole but she’d been thinking about that a lot as she got older. What she would do if she had kids and what other people did. “I think you should and come back immediately after to tell me how you found it. I’m making myself tempted to go again.” She’d seen it before and stalked the artist on instagram but it had been a while since she’d last seen the place. Upon her return, she placed the stencil on the brunette and pointed to the mirror behind her. “Twist and turn a little bit because you won’t always be standing this straight. We can lower it or bring it higher if you’d prefer. I can hand draw a bit more if you find it small.” She wanted to cover all the basis since it would be permanent and in a place that could become visible to others during the summer. Least of all did she want a client to walk around with something that made them insecure in any way.

-

Billie heard the words Harley said. She even digested them in the moment enough to know they were true - to know running from place to place wouldn’t bring her happiness. Though, Billie didn’t speak on this, letting the topic of conversation to roll to the next. Thinking of somewhere else, thinking of escaping while probably not helpful, brought her a little hope. This was something she was not ready to let go of.

“Snacks and Shrek. Sounds like a plan.” Billie popped up from her couch, moving to her kitchen, which was completely visible from the living room (small apartment). “I’ve got pretzels, Oreos, chips? I can make a grilled cheese?” She turned over her shoulder. “We can order pizza?”

-

Harley was glad that they seemed to get over the majority of their lull. She knew that it wasn’t a fix per say but maybe it would make her friend think some more. In the end, when Billie did make a decision, Harley would be here to face it with her even if it wasn’t what she hoped for. 

“I’ll get the movie set up.” The brunette said as she began to fiddle with the TV. Pausing for a moment, she bit her lower lip. “Chips, Oreo and grilled cheese works for me.” She said with a shrug, only peering back at the mention of pizza. “Yeah, let’s order and it’s my treat. Do you want to call? I’ll take whatever you’re having.”

“Nah, you know I’m gonna pay and I know I’m gonna owe you, don’t worry,” Sam assured with a grin of his own, shaking his head. He didn’t expect any kind of friend bonus or anything like that, he was merely joking around. “I don’t smoke a lot,” he said with a shrug. “But I’m not gonna judge because hell, if I don’t know all about that,” he added with a snort. “It’s fucking exhausting.” With that Sam, shook his head, huffing. “I’m barely there anyways. I shouldn’t have responsibilities and shit, it doesn’t work out well. I mean, I got that job at the shop which is great but you know,” he trailed off, giving a shrug. “It’s more complicated than that,” Sam commented. “Being born into a family like that, you don’t get a free pass and you best believe that I’m already pushing it all the goddamn time. My old man’s out of town more often than not so – again, he doesn’t really give a fuck, he just likes to play the good guy with the other rich people around. It doesn’t matter. Moving out was a good fucking move, so was getting a job. I just gotta figure out where to go from there.”

-

“I’ll still give you a discount.” She said with a smile. She wanted her loyal customers to come back and she knew that there was competition with a lot of artist. Even some who weren’t that good charged prices that people couldn’t deny so it was hard to keep people. “I’m hoping you won’t judge because at this point, it’s almost the only thing that makes me feel sane.” It was an exaggeration but she definitely used it as a crutch more often than not. She nodded her head, unsure if she could even deal with that. Family was an important thing but the way he spoke made her sense that it could be a second job for him to act in a way that put pride on his family. “It sounds fucking exhausting.” She agreed on a nod as she looked him over. “I couldn’t imagine doing it but I get why you do. You love your family. Just do what you’re doing and keep finding ways to keep yourself sane amidst it all. Worse comes to worse, just drop by the shop when it comes too much and I’ll always have a joint and ear ready for you. There’s no judgement here.” She told him, handing him back the joint with a small smile. 

Smirking as the woman popped yet another donut in her mouth, Lily stifled a giggle. Why did it feel like they were kids taking cookies from a cookie jar, while Lily stood on the lookout to see if the adults were approaching? Listening and nodding along with the woman’s suggestion, Lily noted them. While she was more of a fruit fan, a banana/chocolate/peanut butter combo did sound appealing. “I’ll probably try that one, then the piña colada for myself…” she mused, about to thank the stranger for her advice when a question was posed. 

Do you know Bash? The question was asked pointedly, as though the woman knew him and then that he had a girlfriend named Lily. It wasn’t too far out of left field, given that they were publicly dating now. The fact that she put two and two together wasn’t what set Lily on edge, it was the change in demeanor once she mentioned her name. “I actually do know Bash,” the brunette responded gracefully and calmly, although her posture straightened at the tone the other woman was using. “He’s my boyfriend.” It was a fact, and wasn’t mentioned in an effort to mark her territory; a sentiment that Lily hoped was evident given her cautious tone. “I take it you also know him?”

-

Harley could feel her heart pound in her chest for the mere fact that she had numerous speeches in mind when she’d seen this girlfriend of Bash’s. Not that he knew any of this because she tended to only roll her eyes when he mentioned his girlfriend. Bash wasn’t always the smartest in his decision and she had to admit that this felt like the stupidest one of all. Dating the girl that had gotten him thrown in jail. She’d tried to warm him but her words had fallen on deaf ears countless of times. 

“Great.” She said with a sigh when the brunette admitted what she feared was the truth. Harley didn’t save face for anyone and if she didn’t like someone, they knew it. A sigh parted her lips as she wiped her hands together. “So you’re the bit——— girl who got him thrown in jail.” The fact she hadn’t called her the other thing was because they were in public. Sure, she’d helped him out of jail but he wouldn’t have been there in the first place if it wasn’t for her. Dark hues flicked over the other as she nodded her head. Truthfully, she didn’t understand it. The bandmate and drug dealer with someone who looked like princess poly. “One of my good friends. We’re.... doesn’t really matter.” It wasn’t like she’d be friends with the girl in front of her. Clearly, they came from different worlds. It wasn’t like she’d be beside her smoking a blunt anytime soon. “I actually have to go. I’d say it’s nice to meet you but.....”