smoking was a habit jade was trying hard to kick. at the beginning of the week, she decided that maybe it could be her new year’s resolution— but it’s saturday now, and doesn’t everyone crave a cigarette as soon as they’ve had a couple drinks ?? she squeezes her way around keith’s, through the sea of other pub-goers and toward the door, fresh stick of malboro already slipped out of the packet and secured between her fingers. she heads for the little picnic bench outside as soon as the cold evening air hits her, only to be met with a familiar face already sitting there. “ andie !! ” she smiles. “ haven’t seen your face in a while. happy new year !! can i join you ?? ” she asks, clearly comfortable enough to not have to wait for an answer as she slides onto the bench facing the other and pulls her jacket around her shoulders.
it's technically her break , twenty minutes of alone time before tending back to the organised chaos of a saturday night , and she's chose to sit it outside on a bench ; headphones tightly nestled in her ears , leg jumping up & down from the dropping temperature . andie wishes she wore tights , mentally taking a note to also next time bring a jacket . it's fucking january . the goosebumps evident on skin as her fingers hold onto the third cigarette of the night , exhaling a cloud that surrounds her as the presence of the other momentarily startles her , ripping the bud from her ear as initial greeting is lost in the mixture of chords . “ shit , jade – are you trying to give me a heart attack ? ” there's breathy laughter in the air , gaze following the female as she takes the seat across from her . andie manages a smile – not the one that's meant for customers or drunken assholes , but a genuine one that's reserved for people she actually likes – before barely clothed shoulders shrug upwards . “ i've been here , or at home ... not that hard to find me , if y'wanted to , anyway . ” another inhale of smoke , flicking ash in the tray provided , serving as a centre piece between the pair . “ but enough about me , how about you ? how's life ? ”