Get your hands dirty

-

“Look who it is,” Elaine said with a smirk. “My car’s doctor. I can’t even remember the last time I saw you, darling.” By Kamryn, she knew that he had been at the beach party and mostly looked unharmed, but still, looks could decieve. “Well, if you must know, I always start with dessert first and who can resist something like this?” she pointed to her pie. “It’s my favorite and the one they make here is too delicious.”

She then took a good look at him and stared. “What did you do to your hair?” she asked. “Has it always been this long?” 

♱

Laughing, he nodded his head as he shrugged his shoulders. “Fair enough.” He simply said just because her argument is valid. Who in their right mind would deny a good looking pie. Though he laughed when her attention went to his hair. “No, just in a major need of some cutting.” He answered he’s been nose deep in a bunch of shenanigans that he forgot to book he appoint to get his hair cut. 

“How have you been? I have missed seeing you around the shop.” Even though he is the owner, he’s also the manager of Brown’s Corner and liked to work on a few cars himself, Elaine’s car being one of them. 

-

The corner of her lips tugged upwards as even after some hard nights and definitely heavy events the two of them had the energy to joke around gently. She was glad he was the one to sit at the bar randomly, obviously one of many people she needed to check up on sporadically and was more than relieved Jaxon wasn’t on the list of injured party goers from the beach.

“The doctors said it’s going to be fine.” She assured the male as she caught his glance down to her shoulder. With anyone else she would dismiss the injury right away but Jaxon wasn’t one of those who knew she lived through even worse. So automatically her expression turned into that of a worried victim of a shoot out. “Though they said I was lucky. Two centimeters to the left and it would get my artery. But I’m fine, got my pills and all, it’ll just be harder to do some work on cars I’m afraid.” That was what annoyed her the most, the lessened ability to do hard work and move properly around.

“What about you, though - are you okay? You look rough.”

♱

Between Kamryn and Clara, Jaxon would have gladly taken two bullets if it meant that both of them would go unharmed. He doesn’t like seeing his friends injured and experienced a near-death experience. Knowing she’s okay now, and the bullet missed a major artery by only 2 centimeters - it seemed like a near-death experience is an over-exaggeration, but that bullet could have easily ended Clara, as well as Kamryn.

Overall, he is just glad that no one did die from their injuries.

“Shit, Clara - I’m so sorry I didn’t come to see you.” He looked her over to make sure she didn’t get hit anywhere else. Though, he shook his head when she asked him if he was okay. “Yeah, I’m good. I’ve been going back and forth between the shop and taking care of Kamryn. Slightly burnt out, but I’m good.” He stated, offering her a gentle smile. 

“You hungry? I can get you something to eat?”

.

Making a face, his nose curled a bit on one side “Oh. Yeah.” He glanced around tiredly. Inhaling deeply then “Seventy. OH oh. You know what. I haven’t seen Dumbo in a while.” He frowned a bit then getting an old memory of the last time he had watched it. Then he looked toward Jaxon “Oooo, Jaxon, that hurts. I’m going to be stuck in bed, don’t remind me.” At least for the most part. He would be free to do whatever he wanted though, once he got out of the hospital. He grinned when the other further told him about his being superior to his classmates for having saved a life “Mmmhm.”

At the question from Jaxon he had realized what he had said. Blinking he grinned “Oh. An accident when I was a kid, is all. I got really bad stomach problems from an incident.” He told the other. Then deciding mostly to go with the same story he had told Clara weeks ago when discussing scars to each other. He inhaled sharply again, taking in a deep breath “It kept me from doing those kinds of activities a lot growing up. My brother felt pretty bad about it.” He hinted. Then looked over toward the other “Accidentally ruptured my insides a bit when he hit me with a baseball bad when I was five or so when we were playing a game outside.” He bites on his bottom lip and gives a shrug.

With the question of when he got to come home Kamryn turned his head away, thinking quietly for a moment then said “A couple of weeks from now.” They needed to make sure he was good to at least take care of himself without so much risk in reopening his wounds again once he left.

===TIME SKIP!===

Kamryn walked into his apartment after finally getting out and inhaled deeply. It was nice to smell something that was not a hospital. Moving toward his couch he let go of his crutches and leaned back “That’s better. I am already tired of moving for the day.” He spoke, then looked over toward Jaxon, watching as they were walking in with his stuff “ Just put that wherever. I’ll deal with it later.” He told Jaxon, looking around his apartment. It was a lot more comfortable than the hospital, by far. Leaning forward he dropped his apartment keys onto the coffee table. Jaxon had had them the last couple of weeks to get him things from his apartment. He wondered briefly if the other got a bit nosy.

Soon enough his phone was ringing however. Pulling it from his pocket he answered it, lifting it to the side of his head “Yup…Just got in…you stalking me or something–Oh you’re worried are you?” Kamryn commented with an amused smirk. His brother did not sound at all amused, not that his words could be heard “Caelan I am not going to leave and go party tonight. I’m not that stupid. Don’t worry.” He further replied. Though he felt like having a drink was something he was needing. He couldn’t do that yet. Or he shouldn’t. Bringing his right hand to his side he held his stomach “ I’ll see you in a few days, then. Bye.” He hung up and looked toward Jaxon.

“My family has been very worried. They visited so much so I’d forgot I was living on my own now.” He had been living on his own for years. But his eldest sister had even come by and she had lived several states away. He got to visit with his niece and nephews.

♱

Jaxon has been helping Kamryn transition from the hospital back to his apartment. He didn’t think it would be exhausting, but as he carried up the last of Kamryn’s things - he couldn’t help but lean against the counter and gulp at his water bottle as Kamryn spoke to his brother on the phone. It reminded him to get in contact with his siblings; thus, he took out his phone and sent a group text between himself, his brother, and his sister - just wanting to check in with them. Fuck he misses them. 

Crossing his arms lightly against his chest after he placed the water bottle back on the counter, his attention went back to his friend as he hung up the phone with his brother. “Yeah, well, they aren’t the only ones - so, I can’t blame them.” He stated as he walked closer to Kamryn. “It’s not like you were shot or anything.” Jaxon sat in a chair close to Kamryn. 

“So, what should we order in?”

.

It didn’t take much, Noah had known, to irritate Jaxon. He had learned exactly that when dealing with the others being annoying back at The Chromed some weeks ago. He seemed just a little bit more annoying. At the ‘jesus christ’ Noah smirked, already having won against Jaxon. They weren’t that fun of a game, when it came to wits. But damn were they absolutely fun to piss off. It gave Noah a bit of an adrenaline rush, Jaxon’s easily angered disposition.

At the question if he ever shut up Noah stared down at the smaller male before giving a shrug “Yes. But seeing as you’re very easy to rile up. No. Not at the moment.” Noah informed bluntly. He then tilt his head “I can’t help that your a bit of a bitch, Jaxon. But I might as well have fun with the fact that you’re a bit of a bitch while I am here.” He further informed the other, lifting his drink and gulping from it, then swallowing and looking away  “I was already doing that you ugly troll.” Noah then told the other when they snippily told him to walk away.

However, he could see the others tone as a threat. He took a step forward, narrowing his eyes on the other male “Maybe if you were a little more bite and a little less bark. I’d be a little more respectful to you. But you’re nothing more than a yappy little mongrel drowning some of his pathetic sorrows at a bar. I am sure it’s solving whatever issues you have, fuckhead.” Which Noah could see were a lot, especially the emotional imbalance.

♱

He was the last thing Jaxon needed today - truly, all he wanted was to enjoy a drink by himself. Though, of course, a wanker like him just had to ruin it. Laughing at Noah’s words, he leaned back against the counter, not caring about being close to the other or letting the other use his height as an advantage/intimidation tactic. He’s beaten up people a lot bigger than Noah. “If name-calling is your only combat, perhaps witty trash talk isn’t your best trait.” He taunted. Jaxon wasn’t going to back down, but he wasn’t going to start anything first - he always refused to throw the first punch, and there was nothing the other could say to change that. 

“Well, it’s not getting rid of you. So, it’s not doing its job.” He simply shrugged, picking up his glass and taking a longer sip, looking directly at Noah. Not saying another word. The ball is in the other’s court. Whatever move he made, Jaxon was sure to replicate it. Whether it would be to continue their talk, walking away, or perhaps throwing a punch. No matter what it was, the Australian mechanic is fully prepared for it.

.

Hearing the others comment on stepping in dog shit he tilt his head wondering what made the man think such a thing to begin with. Perhaps the staring was a little like Children of The Damned to this male. Looking away he as the male continued making another comment he went on to enjoy a sucker he had in his mouth. As they looked to him he glanced up from his slip of paper and listened to the question. Considering it a moment, Dia replied “About thirty minutes, I think.” He answered softly.

Dia then leaned over a bit, continuing to whisper “I don’t believe you stepped in dog shit. I think these people just drink too much of the local water.” He muttered with a grin, proud of his comment. Though he frowned a little and asked “Why would you call them vultures?” He was honestly curious. Not that he didn’t get the statement. He just didn’t understand why the other would use it here. What exactly were these people staring for, waiting on some to die?

♱

Sighing and laughing a little at the other’s answer, he knew he should expect to wait a while at the DMV. Taking out his iPhone, he went to his playlist. Though before he was able to take out his Bluetooth headphones, the other asked a question that stopped Jaxon in his tracks. 

Simply shrugging, he leaned back in his chair. “People will do and try to make nothing into something. People who can be so easily offended by something so little. Like how Vultures prey on carrions, they fly around hoping carrion will come into sight so they can feed on it.” It was a poor analogy, but he’s always called people who can pull drama right out of their ass vultures. “Though maybe they just had too much of the local water - like you said.” He lightly joked. 

                 2021 Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt

                                     —  Event Information —  

Location: The Ocean Side Restaurant, Zikher Haven Gallery, Root Blend, and South Beach Date: @alicelapaglia​​

                                         —  The Outfits —  

Day One:  

Grey Long Sleeve Shirt

Blue Jeans

Brown boots, belt, and watch

Day Two:  

Grey long sleeve Shirt

Blue Jeans 

White Vans & watch

Day Three:  

White T-Shirt w/ tan over shirt

Black Jeans

Brown boots & watch

Day Four:  

Black Tank Top w/ a dark jean jacket

Black Jeans 

Dark Brown boots & watch

Day Five:  

Dark Grey T-Shirt, w/a light brown Leather Jacket 

Dark Grey Jeans

Brown Boots and watch

Day Six:  

Navy Long-Sleeve Shirt 

Light Jeans 

Dark Brown boots and watch

Day Seven:  

Light Blue over shirt 

Black & White Swimtrucks

The woman barley registered the person who sat down next to her as she scrolled her phone trying to cut out the noise. Ever since she got the police file on what happened to her father, Mel had been out of sorts and in her line of work, that was dangerous. Hearing the man order his drink was when she looked up. 

“I thought I recognized that voice. You did some work on my car for me a month ago.” She said with a soft smile. Normally she wouldn’t of said anything, but what was her therapist always going on about…oh right. Being nicer to people. 

♱

Jaxon straightened up at the sound of a voice approaching. Between owning the auto shop and checking in on Kamryn -- Jaxon grew physically and mentally exhausted, but that still didn’t excuse him being nice towards others. Thus, he smiled as the other seemed to be familiar with him. “Oh, I hope it was a good experience for you?” He stated. 

Turning in his chair a little, he rested his forearm on the bar counter and focused his attention on her. “I’m sorry, I can’t remember, what’s your name?” He asked, knowing it would backfire if he pretended to know exactly who she is. Though he knows now, he’ll remember her the next he sees her. 

Elaine thanked the waitress who brought her what she asked for. A delicious slice of strawberry pie that she was ready to enjoy. Taking the fork, she cut a piece and opened her mouth to taste it, smiling at the extraordinary flavor. She continued eating, occasionally wiping her mouth with her napkin and looking around the place. It was a beautiful day and she wasn’t going to let anyone ruin it, even when after this, she was going to be in a private meeting with Aleja to discuss what happened at the beach, when she fucked up terribly. Checking her phone, she noticed that someone decided to join her and she was not in the mood for company right now, enjoying her time to herself. “I hope you have a good excuse for interrupting my lunch,” she said with a smile to the person who had taken a seat in the empty chair in front of her.  

@oathofmiami-starters​

♱

Jaxon was off, and instead of going over to Kamryn’s or the bar, he decided to get some food. Though when he arrived, he saw a familiar face he didn’t realize he missed seeing when he saw her. Elaine Martell. Tucking his hands in his pant pockets, he made his way over to where she sat, not bothering in asking if the seat across from her is available for him to take, at least temporarily. 

“How is offering you my presence a good reason for disturbing your lunch?” He joked before looking down at her pie. “Besides, you call that lunch?”

~

~

~ 

“No, you ass - it’s not.” He narrowed his eyes on Kamryn, knowing he was simply just trying to get rid of him. 

~

Jaxon was elbows deep in a hood of a ‘95 Mercury Cougar. The engine kept on stalling, but he wasn’t going to give up on it - he knew he could restore it as if it was brand new, it just took time and patience.  Hearing his best friend’s voice, he looked up and grinned at Kamryn. “Such little faith my dear friend.” He said as he cleared his throat, walked around to the driver’s side of the car and started up the engine. It took a few tries, but eventually the beauty was roaring smoothly. 

~

                                                    send ☏ for a vague text

                                                                      _______

~

The days were long and boring when she had nothing much to do. If she could she would simply start back into her normal life, not really caring about her injured shoulder but when the doctors let you out of the hospital sooner only if you promise to ‘rest and heal properly’ she had no choice but to nod. Of course they had no way of knowing, but she quickly realized the pain medications were making her rather drowsy and tired, so in such a rare occasion she actually did listen to the doctors and took her deserved days off.

Sitting at the bar with a glass of beer in her hand, her mind was swarmed with too many thoughts she didn’t even realize someone sat close to her until she heard a familiar voice. She broke off from her daze and saw Jaxon. “Well you certainly look like shit.” She spoke up giving him a lazy smirk. The mood in which they met after last time being together - drunk and happy at the beach - was certainly contrasting from now. “Do you mind if I join you?”

♱

Several people got hurt that night, many of which are Jaxon’s friends - he was busy being by Kamryn’s side to check in on the others, but he did worry about them. Did know that he should have at least texted them and checked in, but Kamryn was his date, one that he left and got shot - nearly losing his life. Maybe they should have just stayed in, ordered pizzas, and watch the countdown from home.  Nevertheless, they didn’t, and his best friend/date ended up being one of the numbers getting listed as injured. Suppose he should be more grateful he wasn’t one of them deceased numbers. 

Hearing a familiar voice, his ears raised, and he glanced over at an injured Clara, fuck. “Clara.” He simply murmured before clearing his throat and forcing a small smile on his features. “You’re one to talk, Leone.” He lightly jabbed. “Not at all, no.” Though instead of making her move over a stool, he stood and sat next to her. Looking at her shoulder before bringing his eyes up to her. “I’m sorry, Clara… How bad is it?”

.

Noah entered the bar. To say he hated the name of the place would be an understatement. But a drink was a drink. So he had to put up with it. Seeing the back of someone vaguely familiars head he made his way over, waving a hand at the bartender “Usual.” Resting a hand on the bar counter, Noah looked over to the younger male “Well if it isn’t…you.”

Glancing the young man over Noah smirked then looked away shaking his head “Looking a little hung out to dry there, aren’t you kid. That shit in your nails?” Noah asked, making a mock disgusted face at them briefly. He smiled when his drink was set down after Jaxon’s.

Turning he scoped the area before looking back to Jaxon “Did a girl dump you or something? You look like you’re puppy was stolen.” He commented before starting to walk away from the bar, lifting his drink up and taking a sip. Though he paused “No. Wait. I know what it is…” He continued tauntingly “You were rejected, huh? That’s why you were with that guy from the bookstore.”

♱

As the beer got placed in front of him, he nodded towards the other. “Thanks, mate.” He took a long extended drink before hearing a dreadful familiar voice. “Fuckin’ Christ.” He muttered under his breath. Ignore him, and he’ll leave… Or so he thought and hoped. Shaking his head, he continued to take long sips of his drink as the other continued to taunt. Not that he couldn’t take it. It wasn’t what he said that got to him, it was the sound of his irritating voice that filled his ears that he is annoyed with. 

When the blond man walked away, he put his beer down and sighed with relief. Then he heard that nails on the chalkboard voice again. “Jesus, do you ever shut up?” He narrowed his eyes on the other, shaking his head. “No matter what is wrong with me is none of your fuckin’ business. Leave me alone and walk the fuck away.”