the techie

“I don’t wanna talk about it.” But of course, in Eden-land, that just meant she was gonna talk about it.

“I know the snow can be a pain and all, but you have to admit it’s really nice out right now. I think this is what I like the most about Lanford— that it’s not far from the city, but that there’s still so much nature around here.”

“I completely agree. I love being outside in the snow, and in the parks around here. It’s simply beautiful looking at all the snow cake the trees, and seeing all the birds in the trees. I think the nature around here is some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.”

“This game is stupid. I understand that scissors can beat paper. And I get how rock can beat scissors. But there’s no fucking way paper can beat rock. Paper is supposed to magically wrap around rock leaving it immobile? Why the hell can’t paper do this to scissors? Screw scissors, why can’t paper do this to people? Why isn’t notebook paper constantly suffocating students while they take notes in class? I’ll tell you why: because paper can’t beat anybody; a rock would tear that shit up in 2 seconds. When I play rock/paper/scissors, I always choose rock. Then when somebody claims to beat me with their paper, I can punch them in the face with my already clenched fist and say, ‘Oh shit, I’m sorry. I thought paper would protect you. Idiot!'”

“I mean,” Ollie hesitated. “I work in the North End Bridge Cafe, and I have a night job as well. You might find out about it if you stick around.” they walked inside and went to sit at a table by the window and gestured to him to sit down as well. “What is it that you do, pretty boy?”

August smiled. “I guess I should be sticking around then.” He followed them to the window, and sat down across from them. He shrugged. “I guess you’ll have to stick around and find out. I like to keep myself mysterious till after the first date.” He winked and then turned down toward the menu. “So what’s good here?”

“But it’s true. Anyone can dance. Some better than others but it takes time.”

“Alright, fair, so are you going to teach me to dance?”

“The odds aren’t in her favor..”

“And why is that?”

Izzy smiled, holding her own cup of cider, and shook her head. “Nope, I just moved here from Switzerland a few weeks ago. I’m still getting used to all this. I mean, we had something kind of like this where I grew up but it’s not the same.” She explained, offering her hand out. “I’m Izzy.”

“August,” He replied, taking her hand and shaking it gently with a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, but it seems like we need to go on a couple adventures around Lanford.” He chuckled softly. “I’ve only been here for a couple months but I’m from here in the States, so it’s a bit different. Do you like being here or do you miss home?”

Arian grinned widely at his compliment. He used to not be able to process them before without feeling weird, but people saying they liked his music was different. He was proud of anything musical that he did, so hearing someone appreciate it made him happy. “Hey, thanks man. I really appreciate that. Got any requests?” He asked casually, feeling up to messing around now that he knew his other song sounded good.

Music was never one of August’s fortes, nor something that he particularly enjoyed. Sure he knew the whole beat pattern, and how to distinguish notes, but when it came to singing, dancing, or playing any instrument, it definitely was something that he excelled at. He was sure if he put his mind to it, he could do it, but sitting there learning an instrument didn’t sound that appealing especially when he had coding to do. However, he always did appreciate the people who took the time to play and learn music. It was a skill he wished he had the time to possess. “Not really, let me hear something original,” he replied, motioning with a nod to his guitar.

Gabe shrugged. “Not for that song,” he said as he stepped aside. He didn’t really have any quarrel with the man, and he wasn’t that interested in the cider, either. He was just looking around, trying to see if there was anything worthwhile at this market. “Pop songs that play on the radio over, and over, and over again are nothing but annoying to my ears.”

“Cold,” August teased with a small chuckle. “I agree. They are annoying to the ears, but you seriously don’t think some are a little catchy? Uptown Funk was pretty alright.” He wasn’t a big music person in general. He liked the silence, and appreciated it when he was working. However, if he needed to get into an ambitious mood, he’d turn on some movie sound tracks and he’d get there almost immediately. He wasn’t even a big movie buff, but the rhythm and beat of it was enough to get his blood racing and get himself focused. 

Taeler cocked an eyebrow at him, then looked from the fifty to the vendor. The vendor did the same, then snatched the fifty and set about preparing the order. Taeler leaned against the table, his back to the vendor, arms crossed, watching August with those wild, unsettling eyes. “Well aren’t you special. La~di~da,” he sang. “You know, you didn’t have to buy the whole stand to get my attention.”

August sighed as the vendor took the fifty, and stepped to the side as he watched the other prepare the order. He turned toward the other when he spoke and smirked, placing his hands into his pocket. “Don’t flatter yourself. You wish this was an attempt at a flirt.” He took one of the cider cups from the vendor as he set it down and took a sip. 

The compliments seemed to come easily from this one, which was Ollie’s life blood. They thrived off of compliments. “Me of all people? Well,” Ollie put a hand to their chest, pretending to act as though they were swooning. “Aren’t you a charmer?” they stopped in front of a well known pizza joint in North End called Uncle Louis’. It was not what Ollie demanded from their usual dates, but August wanted something simple so they could comply. “This is a good place to eat. I hear teenagers take their dates here.” they smirked. “And I live here, in North End.”

August couldn’t help but laugh at their imitation of swooning. “What can I say? I try my hardest,” He replied with a quick wink in their direction. He followed the other till they stopped in front of the pizza joint and nodded slowly. It looked decent and something he could definitely pay for. “Really? Well this place is even more special then.” He motioned them inside, holding open the door for them. “Ah, North End, so you’re close to where you work. What exactly do you do?”

Jess turned around, tucking hair behind their ear. “Great. Thanks, dick, now that song is going to be stuck in my head all day.” 

“I’m glad. It’s a wonderful song. I don’t know why you wouldn’t want it stuck in your head,” August said with a small smirk.

“I’m in front of the hot cider stand because they haven’t filled my order yet. They’ve run out of cups, apparently,” Emil responded. “I’m not hogging it up, I’m waiting.” Patiently, unlike some people. “I’m sorry if that inconveniences you, but there’s really nothing I can do. I promise I’ll be out of your way as soon as they actually give me some cider.”

“Maybe,” she singsongs, pocketing the flask for later. “Lots of things. Starting with word domination and a harem of attractive people. So better hard cider stand or..?”

“You’re from California? What part? I just moved here from LA- I, yeah, I used to live here. I kinda jump back and forth from coast to coast for work. My parents are in Philly and I’ve got family here so Christmas is usually on this side.”

“No way really? I wasn’t born in California, but I lived in Palo Alto for a couple years. I worked in Silicon Valley.” He shrugged slightly. “I get the jumping back and forth thing. I come from New Jersey, and went to college in Boston, so it was a bit of a change to head to California.”