pluto projector

“even if he did try to bite you , it wouldn’t hurt very much - - he’s not as menacing as he things he is in that little head of his” she laughed , letting alex and milo exchange their affections before she scooped the pup up and into her arms. “when the conversation was redirected to her she didn’t even think before letting out a sigh , “I’m…well i’m good i think - - i have a gallery showing again in a few weeks so that’s been freaking  me out a bit. i feel like I haven’t even had a second to feel myself breath , you know ? but alix and i are going to hawai’i in a few days so i’ve been looking forward to that” a faint smile came to her lips as she tried to remind herself of the positives soon coming her way.  “but other than that i’m doing great , i got a new puppy too! did i ever show you  photos?”  she quickly pulled her phone out of her back pocket so she could show him photos of the little golden doodle. “do you have a break soon? we should go for coffee or something , maybe that’ll help you get through the rest of your shift without falling asleep at the desk” to be completely honest , ollie might have just been looking for an excuse to spend some time with alex outside of the office. it wasn’t very often that she met someone who seemed to be exactly like her - - someone with a kind spirit and an aura that radiated an energy that matched hers to a tee , it was refreshing to spend time with him. 

🐶

liam: i haven't thought far, but i'll keep it a surprise ;)

liam: it'll be quiet though...somewhat

liam: i wouldn't be inviting you if i thought you were going to be a bother, alex. i enjoy your company

liam: i like that, it's unique

liam: is he here with you? or is he back home in phoenix?

alex: i'm not sure if i like surprises, but i trust you...

alex: somewhat?

alex: well, that's nice to hear, but still, maybe you need some time alone and i really don't want to bother!

alex: he's with me here... you can visit him anytime, he likes people...

           dante had noticed their  go - to  vet walking by before alix had — he had gone to shush dante but one look up told him why his dog was barking and didn’t bother ( dante wouldn’t have quieted down if alix had shushed him anyways ). he gave a quick smile to the other alex , “ i’m doing pretty good , how’re you? is this place keeping you busy like usual? ” this was something  alix  wasn’t particularly fond of : pleasantries. they always felt so awkward , at least to him , and normally he tried to get straight to the point with things. but alex was a good guy , a  nice  guy , so a little small talk wasn’t going to hurt. “ actually , there’s something up with his paw. he’s been limping for a couple days now and he doesn’t like me trying to get a look at it. i think something got lodged while we were at the park, maybe like a thorn or a splinter , and it’s got infected. the desk lady — ” he pointed over to a woman at the desk , busy talking into the phone , like alex needed to be shown who he was talking about. “ told me it’ll be a bit before they can get him checked out. do you think — think  maybe you could get him in sooner? ”

🐶

alex smiled at the other as he nodded his head slowly as the other told him how he was, glad that it was at least easy to talk with him. it wasn’t awkward at all, he thought to himself and it also didn’t feel forced. especially because alex liked when people were nice back. “i’m good too... just a little bit tired, but nothing that i can’t handle. but yes, it’s keeping me busy.” he said with a nod, as he went back to petting dante on the head as he seemed excited to see alex - this is why alex liked dogs so much, they always seemed so excited to see other people, even if they were vets. as alix told him what was wrong, alex nodded his head as he looked at dante with a smile, carefully picking his paw up and noticing that the dog didn’t like that. looking up at alix as he asked him if he could be checked out sooner, alex nodded his head slowly. he still had a few minutes before his lunch hour was over, but he didn’t mind spending them to help alix and dante. “oh, of course... i can do that. just follow me and i’ll have him checked out and you can be out of here before you know it.” he said, as he stood up from the floor and started making his way to one of the empty rooms. “just follow me.” he said with a smile as he started walking slowly with alix.

liam: well, at least let me take you somewhere else then? maybe next weekend

liam: i was going to go alone, it helps me to clear my head. but you're more than welcomed to join me

liam: i feel like that's different though, but i wanna hear more about this dog of yours. what's their name?

alex: take me somewhere else? like where? as long as if it's somewhere quiet then maybe i'll go :)

alex: oh i don't want to be a bother, you can go alone! it's fine, really...

liam: alex...i think this is one thing i might not be able to take no as an answer for

liam: whaaat no it's such a nice day. i was actually thinking about going out for a hike, wanna join?

liam: classes are classes. i was never the best at school, but my grades are decent so i can't complain too much, especially to the grad student

alex: well... i'll really think about it, i promise. i just don't like small public places

alex: i prefer being inside... but i can join you on that hike... unless you're already going with someone else

“you make a very valid point. it’s very easy to get caught up in the bad and evil in the world because if you think about it, that’s all that’s really highlighted . in the news, on social media, the bad is more glorified than the good.” liam added on. who knew that the man could actually have an actual conversation that didn’t revolve around joking around, drugs, or girls? he shrugged his shoulders as he took another hit from the blunt in hand, breathing out another puff of grey smoke before going on. “i guess what i’m trying to say is that…i’ve seen and been around a lot of bad, but you’re not apart of that. you’re good…like, genuinely good. you’re kind, and forgiving, and shit. you see the good in people, and you even give people like me the benefit of the doubt.” he shrugged. “it’s a trait and type of mentality that not everyone has. it’s inspiring…admirable, even. it’s unfortunate that there aren’t more people like you..or joey. joey’s also really fucking positive, all the time.” his words were trailed off with a laugh as he shook his head, looking back over at the other male for a moment before looking away once more. this was nice, talking with him that is.

liam pulled out his phone as he placed the key into the ignition, turning on the car as he simultaneously scrolled through his spotify. he didn’t think too much about the music, simply picking a random playlist of his and allowing the music to play softly in the background. “i think there’s an all night diner somewhere around here. we can go looking for that, if you’re up for it…” his words trailed off before the other spoke, causing liam to look over and give alex a small smile. “we can go back to your place, but you also gotta eat, man.” his smile remained as he reached over for his seatbelt, pulling it over his torso and hearing the familiar click as it engaged. it wasn’t long before he put the car in drive and slowly took off. “so, you mentioned something about a clinic? are you working in a vet clinic now, or somethin’?”

🐶

“exactly...” alex said quietly, nodding his head slowly as he gathered his thoughts about this situation. “it seems like it’s the only thing we see everywhere, but it’s also good enough reason to not pay that much attention to your phone, if you think about it. but i try to think about other things.” alex finished off, he was positive that was the most he had said in a whole sentence, but he kept quiet as he let liam keep talking. he liked hearing the other talk, he felt like he could do it for hours and he knew that he would never turn off his hearing aid as long as liam was talking. yes, it was lame to think that, but alex really did think that. as he kept receiving compliments from the other, alex couldn’t help but to turn completely red - he wasn’t used to this, especially coming from liam. was he just saying all of this because he was high or did he actually mean what he was saying? he would never know, alex thought to himself, as he nodded his head slowly. “that’s really nice of you to say, liam... thank you.” he said, clearing his throat before he spoke again. “but i think you’re a good person. and i think the people who don’t think that don’t really know you.” he said, nodding his head, before he let out a small chuckle. “yeah, i like joey... he’s pretty funny.” he said with a smile.

at the other’s suggestion, alex just nodded his head in agreement. “yes, we can do that... i don’t mind.” he said with a small smile - he really didn’t care where the two would go, as long as they were together. “but i also have food at home, but we can drive around for a bit. it’s cozy in the car.” he said with a nod, as he looked out of the window for a couple of moments and then back at liam, his eyes glued on the other as he started driving. it was nice to be alone with liam, he thought that they didn’t do it as often as they should but he liked it - especially when he had missed him that much. “oh yes... well, i’m just an intern in there, but i’ve been working there for a few weeks. it’s a good place to work in, it really is what i’ve wanted to do... all these years.” he said with a smile, before he went quiet for a couple of moments, as he decided what to say next. “so... um... are you... seeing someone?” he asked, not sure why.

liam: lol no worries, but you should definitely stop by one night. the vibes are much different than those frat parties

liam: dude enjoy your day off then

liam: how are classes going for you?

alex: i'll think about it. maybe one day when you have less people i can stop by, okay? :)

alex: i will, i'm going home right after class and just staying there ahah

“yeah, well, there’s more bad than good in this world. just don’t ever change, okay?” liam simply spoke, his jaded persona being tainted by his nonchalant tone. he had experienced more of the bad than the good that the world had to offer. but despite that, alex had been part of the good that he did experience. a chuckled left his lips. “it’s not really my thing either, but i’m convinced this shit is basically an american holiday. crazy, isn’t it?” he mindlessly spoke. it was easy to talk to alex; liam knew he was a man of very few words, and while that would’ve typically made things harder, liam found it comforting. there wasn’t pressure to make small talk, or to talk in general. he was the type of person liam could imagine himself just sitting there in pure silence, and still have as much of a good time as he would during a raging party…minus the alcohol and drugs. he looked at the brunette male once more, his lips now curling up into a warm smile. “i missed you too, man. it’s been too long!” he exclaimed excitedly, hand landing on the others shoulder and shaking him gently before pulling away. 

liam began counting his blessings as the other agreed to leave. having the shit weekend that he had, liam couldn’t bare to be in a house with screaming football fans for much longer. however, he still could use the company. leaving the beer bottle on the table next to the couch, liam stood up, smiling at the other before leading the way towards the door. his body exhaled what seemed to be a trapped breathe as he felt the cool night air hit his skin; it was amazing how just that alone made him feel all that much better. fishing out his car keys from the pockets of his jeans, he looked back at alex. “want the aux?” he asked, now approaching the car, unlocking it and climbing into the drivers seat. “so, where should we go? you don’t have class in the morning, do you?”

🐶

“i think it really depends... if you only focus on the bad things, then you can’t really see all the good things there are... and there’s a lot.” alex quietly said, as he pursed his lips and looked at liam, nodding his head slowly. letting out a soft chuckle, alex shrugged his shoulders, as in a way of agreeing with what liam said about super bowl being an american holiday. “it is... sort of crazy.” he said quietly again, as he watched liam. he would usually let do all of the talking whenever they were together - and at first, alex thought that liam would find that annoying. after all, there had been people who had thought about that about alex, but most of the times he didn’t even know what to say, so he didn’t say much. but it was easier to talk with liam, that was for sure - even if it wasn’t a lot, alex managed to have a conversation with him. when he felt liam’s hand on his shoulder, alex felt himself turning even more red, but he looked away so the other couldn’t see it. he hoped - it would be embarrassing. and alex thought he was over this, but reuniting with liam just sparked everything he felt about him again. “it has... you should... come over more often.” alex forced himself to say that, nodding his head slowly - and then the two started making their way outside.

as he walked outside, alex made sure to close off his jacket, in a way to protect him from the cold as he started making his way towards liam’s car. hopefully it would be warmer inside than it was outside. “that’s fine, you can choose the music.” he said with a nod, as he finally made his way inside of the car, looking at liam as he got in too, giving the other a smile once they were settled. “um, wherever you want. and no, i only have work during the afternoon, but it’s fine.” he said, before looking around the car for a couple of moments and then back at liam. “we can go get some food... i’m kind of hungry, if i’m honest.” alex suggested, as he put his seatbelt on and waited for liam to start driving. he didn’t know where this night was going to end up, but he knew that he would be fine if he was with liam. “or back to my place, really.” he said, looking down at his legs now as he let out a sigh.

liam: well, it's very much appreciated

liam: you always seem to manage to do so

liam: not really! working at the bar for most of the day

liam: what about you? is it classes or the clinic taking up your day today?

alex: that's good to hear

alex: i would stop over by the bar to see you, but i don't really think it's my cup of tea :)

alex: i have classes and then i have the day off... so that's pretty good :)

liam: you definitely know how to put a smile on a grown mans face

liam: it's nice to hear from you, alex

liam: i hope you have an ever better day, seriously

alex: i'm just doing the nice thing! you know, it's what i do :)

alex: i'm glad i got a smile on your face though

alex: i hope too!

“if it hadn’t been apparent before, alex really was the nicest person liam had ever come across. so much so that it had felt like some sort of crime for someone like liam to be talking to someone like him. “you’re too good for this world, fitzgerald.” he said with a smile. he brought the joint back up to his lips, sucking in heavily and holding his breath for a moment, feeling his lungs fill up with the smoke, automatically feeling more relaxed. leaning his head back against the back of the couch, he finally exhaled - watching as the grey cloud of smoke went up into the air. he turned his head slightly, looking back over towards the other male, his lips pressed into a sheepish smile. “so, safe to say you’re not much of a football fan?” liam asked teasingly, his smile growing as he went to look back up towards the ceiling. he wasn’t much of a football fan himself, if he was being honest. his niche of sports was lacrosse, but those days were long behind him. shrugging his shoulders once more, he brought the joint back up to his lips once more. he wasn’t going to pressure the other; if anything, he found it actually quite admirable that he was able to get through a hectic scene like this without any use of substances. “yeah, i could say the same about you.” nodding, he turned his head to look back over at alex once more and smiled. “hey, wanna go for a drive? i could use the fresh air.” he sat up straight once more, leaning forward towards the nearest ashtray as he spoke to put out the joint.

🐶

“i wouldn’t say i’m too good for this world... i was just doing the nice thing. it’s what i do.” alex simply said, nodding his head as he watched liam smoke. he knew that if he ever tried that, that he would end up choking and embarrassing himself, not only in front of liam, but also everyone who was at that party. he didn’t need that right now, especially since he was just enjoying the other’s company. at the question, alex smiled as he felt his cheeks warm up for no apparent reason, shaking his head slowly. “um, not really... football isn’t really my thing. i didn’t even know the superbowl was today until asher invited me.” he let out a small chuckle, as he looked over at liam - alex didn’t know what it was, but something had always brought him closer to liam and he didn’t want that friendship ever to end. alex had thought many times what would be like to be more than friends with liam, but he wouldn’t say this to anyone, especially not to the man sitting next to him. “do you like football? and i’ve just been busy, you know... with the clinic and my masters, it’s hard to have some free time. not that i mind, but i did miss... you.” he said, before clearing his throat, realizing what he had just said. at the question, alex didn’t even think twice and just nodded his head slowly. “oh, uh... sure, that sounds like a good idea. we can go.” he said, standing up from the couch and smiling at liam. the thought of spending alone time with liam made alex happy, but he could only show it by giving the other smiles. he wasn’t a man of many words. he looked around for a while, seeing as the place started to crowd and then looked at liam, waiting patiently for him.

          it’s not that dalton didn’t like alex, or that he didn’t want to be friends, or anything like that… it was just weird. wasn’t it ?  well, dalton feels like maybe it should be, but alex seems to be acting relatively normal. the other man had always been a little bit on the awkward side  ( dalton found it endearing ). he shifts his weight between his feet when alex says he can stay, considering his options. stay here and deal with whatever this is or go back out there and have the music rattle his brain again ?  … dalton decides to stay in the bathroom, moving to close the door to muffle as much noise from the outside as possible.  “ i’m just fuckin’ exhausted, to be honest. i thought i could get a buzz and be fine, but there’s too many people out there. ”   he lets out a small laugh  —  dalton’s not used to feeling this way. he brings a hand up to push his hair back, leaning up against the door as he looked towards alex.  “ v ?  oh … she’s good. really good, actually. we just went to monaco together. it was dope. ”  he smiles  —  that same proud grin that always takes over his features when he talks about her  —   “ um … how are you ? ”

🐶

𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 : no worries man, thanks

𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 : hope ur doing well too

𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 : i didn't know u landed a job at the vet's office? congrats dude

alex: i am! :)

alex: and yes, i'm just an intern, but i saw your name and i thought i would remind you

alex: plus i don't know anyone else with a dog named kobe, ahah :)

alex: good morning! sorry to text you

alex: just wanted to remind you that kobe has an appointment in the vet later today :)

alex: hope you're doing well!