🎥

.

As much as Kat loved a scene and a bit of attention, the last thing she wanted was to get them kicked out of the Thanksgiving festivities. Her voice lowered down, a grin pulling at her lips. “You’re right, you’re right. If you’re going to get kicked out, always do it after dessert,” she chuckled, though they were certainly good words to live by. After that mini cheesecake bite, she wasn’t sure there was much else that could top it, but she let her eyes wander back over the other options regardless. “We’ll just have to figure out where they came from and order a dozen more,” Kat decided, hoping that there was an easy way to figure all of that out. “How are you doing, though, Benj?” With Adri back in town, Kat’s life had gotten a lot busier, her house quickly becoming a livelier place to be.

...

“After you’ve had the time to taste a bit of everything and maybe stuff some things in your bag. I once had almost a whole pie stuffed in my dates bag and a bottle of something that I can’t remember before she got into a fight with someone. We high tailed it out and had our own party at home.” It had happened many years ago when he was younger and dumber but he’d always recommend that option. He smiled at her because the question of how he’d been felt like a loaded question. Nothing much had changed for him and he was always doing good, apart from the small shift in his life about working more in town than outside of it. “I’ve been doing okay. Keeping busy and working on new projects. What about you?”

***

“I can believe that. You seem like a nice guy. I can’t think of many guys that I could invite to my place without them expecting something, but you’ve been a gentleman. Minus the ghosting part,” she teased with a bright smile, “I’m kidding. It’s okay to let people down sometimes or to mess up. Trust me, I’ve done my fair share of that.” And probably enough for everyone else in the world too. “Hot girl?” If anyone was capable of committing a crime, it was her, especially on nights where she felt like everything was going wrong. “Are you a fan of the Stones? If you want it, it can temporarily be yours. Given that you brought something worth a good trade,” she challenged as she moved to the edge of her seat and folded her arms atop the table. “I showed you mine, now I want to see yours.”

...

“There’s a lot of horror stories I’ve heard growing up about guys when it comes to my sister and her friends so I’ve always been pretty aware of what not to do.” He just thought of her whenever he was hanging out with girls and was reminded that he needed to act like he would want someone acting around his sister. The male smiled at her and then shrugged as he began to pull out his own record collection. “We’ve got the Queens. Pink floyd, Some Nirvana and then some Dr Dre. Not sure if the latter is your type of music but it’s pretty good.” Hopefully she would find something that she liked in there. He could have brought his fleetwood Mac but he felt that she’d been the one who had given it to him in the first place. 

He nodded “It is and it’s sad like I don’t get how people dont care, like it don’t matter anymore” because it was okay now it be worse later once they were gone sort of thing. He did what he could to help out but really it never be enough. “Nice to meet you too” he smiled at the hand shake.  He was one to eat right, he did eat clean, cooked a lot of his own food. Little things he liked to do that did help he hoped. 

...

“I’m not sure that people don’t care but they don’t see the effect of it in their own personal lives and I think people are just doing the bare minimum which would have been good years ago, if not centuries, but we’re kinda well past that point.” He could have been doing more, but he did the best he could and he supposed that had to be enough and he hoped it would make some type of difference.

Dilan laughed with the thought of her and a weed whacker. It seemed like it would be quite the sight for anyone to see her with one. “Now, that’s a job I can do,” she laughed, nodding her head. “I’d make sure aligns with the vision of the evening,” she wouldn’t have any stray weeds ruining a good photo opportunity. “Just lead the way,” she gestured to him, a smile sitting on top of her lips, “I trust that you wouldn’t let me get too far dressed in this.” While she wasn’t wearing heels, her flats were not exactly hiking material, as he mentioned. “Any cool upcoming projects you are working on,” she paused, “I mean besides this one,” she teased with the mention of the wedding. 

...

Benji smiled and nodded his head as he began to lead the way as instructed, making sure that he cleared a path for her as he went and tore off anything that would snag her or trip her over. It would also make his work a lot easier when he came back here to clear it out even more because chances were that he would be taking pictures with the entire wedding party. “Of course I wouldn’t. I would offer to give you a piggyback ride if I wasn’t wearing this big camera bag.” He said with a laugh and then looked back at her. “Yeah, I’m actually heading to europe for a week for a work trip. Gonna do a commercial for a company that my friend owns.”

.

“If you leave a Thanksgiving dinner any other way, did you really even do it right?” she questioned back with a lifted brow, amusement flickering in her eyes. Kat was a notoriously dedicated eater, pretty much always with a snack in hand. Though she may have been tiny, she could pack it away with the best of them. “Totally on point, though. We can curse all we fucking want. If you want to get loud, I can get loud too, what the fuck.” Her voice started to climb in decibels just a bit as a joke. Her family had always been quick to fight around the holidays, so it was definitely something she was used to. This year, luckily, it had all been relatively tame and quiet. Within just a few bites, the cheesecake was devoured, leaving Kat with a small pout that it was done for. “If I cry it’s only because I’m happy to have had it and sad that there’s not more.”

...

“I’ve gotta agree with you that you probably didn’t or someone was a really bad cook and that likely wouldn’t stop me.” He was a eater and that often didn’t matter if it was good or bad because he liked all food, even if it was plain. Certainly not the best trait about him but it was the case, which had gotten him the nickname of garbage disposal from his family for a few years. “I can get louder but maybe we cut it out before we get kicked out of here and I saw that dessert table from afar and it’s not something that you want to miss.” It looked delicious like most of the food smelt as it was being prepared in the back. Smiling when she devoured it, he did the same and nodded his head. “I feel like I’m going to be dreaming about this cheesecake for a few days.”

***

“I’m sure there’s something else in your life that you can feel bad over. Don’t let that be one of them.” After all, he’d more than apologized for his mistake and as long as he didn’t let it happen again, she’d accept it without pushing too much more on the subject. “Good. That’s all that matters then, because if you didn’t, I’d have to kill you and between us, I think I could get away with it too.” She offered a teasing smile, one that fell short the moment she focused on the records she was offering. “Big fan of the The Rolling Stones,” she hummed, her finger tapping against the album cover a few times. “Start Me Up is a personal favorite.”

...

“Shockingly, nothing that comes to mind and I’m not just saying that because I’m a perfect human who never disappoints anyone but it’s been a long time since I have and the latest was you. But I promise to get over it.” He didn’t actually feel that bad but it was an excuse to be extra nice and he’d use it. “I think you could get away with it too. No one suspects the hot girl of being the one to kill someone.” He said with a laugh. Looking at the rolling stones cover, he nodded his head. “A classic. I actually had one like this many years ago but I lost it while moving.”

status: closed - @benji-scott​

location: main squeeze smoothie shop

Thierry glanced over his shoulder after feeling the light tap of someone’s finger against his back. He found himself face-to-face with a younger male, inquiring about what smoothie flavor Thierry recommended. “Well, that depends on what I’m in the mood for. After a good workout, I like grabbing their Green Warrior protein smoothie. I feel like I can take on the world after drinking one of those.” The cop smiled politely at the stranger. “If I’m in the mood for something sweet, I usually get their peanut butter and jelly smoothie, or dark chocolate and banana.”

...

“I’ve heard so much about green smoothies and every single type, I come in here hyped up because I’m prepared to try it and pick something healthy but then I see the chocolate and banana smoothie and I get swayed because it’s delicious and let’s face it, the green smoothie sounds disgusting.” And he didn’t know if that was the case or not but it was green. “So are you telling me that it’s good enough to give it a shot because you look trustworthy and I’ll take your word for it.” He nodded his head, groaning when he said dark chocolate and banana. “My favorite one. But what should we get today?”

He nodded he didn’t mind talking about it since he was rather honest about it all.  He knew it wasn’t a subject everyone was into but he knew what was true and how he felt about all of it.  “Diego” he smiled holding out his hand. “But I feel you on the picking up trash. I was in the Navy for a while at sea a lot I saw a lot of stuff out there. Sadly while working we really cant do much about it, but  I did when I could. 

...

“I know, it gets worse every single year and I thought that maybe the conversations about the environment and how bad the earth has gotten would have helped but it seems like the subject has passed and people just move on with their lives.” And they still get rid of their trash in places where they shouldn’t. “I’m Benji. It’s nice to meet you, Diego.”

—

The sound of his laughter made her heart swell within her chest and a comforting warmth spread throughout her body. Benji had become a sort of home away from home during their time spent traveling together, building the relationship they shared today. One that, she was happily finding out, could withstand her tumultuous indecisiveness and fear. Her world simply wasn’t her world without him in it and their breakup, a heartache she’d forced upon both of them, had her questioning whether or not she’d have to once again find a new world order. She was, however, overjoyed to realize she didn’t have enough faith in what they’d built, in him. It’d take a lot more than her flighty nature to severe the bonds that tied them together and she was more grateful than she’d ever be able to say for their friendship. For him. “Always will be, too.” She smirked, shooting him a playful wink before she began to laugh.

Though she could see the stress in his tensed muscles, she did her best not to overthink it. Despite their promise to stay friends and the way they’d been keeping in touch as they lived their separate lives, things hadn’t gone back to the way they were before they’d entered an official relationship. There was a cloud of uncertainty around her when it came to him now that she didn’t like, and while she’d grown a lot in the last three months she still wasn’t sure she was ready to have the inevitable conversation they’d eventually have to have. After all, you can’t simply admit you’re in love with a man while breaking up with him because you found out you’re still married and not have a conversation about it. But she was happy to put it off for as long as he’d like. The implications of that one chat could alter everything, destroy the façade they’d built up the last three months, and she wasn’t ready to let that happen. Not yet.

His words had her smile growing and her head shaking, gaze dropping to the floor for a moment as she felt the heat of a blush overtaking her cheeks. Damn it. “Oh you caught me, my plan was to show up unannounced, get you drunk and then have my way with you.” She mused with a teasing roll of her eyes as she opened the bottle of vodka and poured them each a healthy amount into the cups he’d brought. “Can’t a girl surprise one of her favorite people without suspicion, hm?” Nudging him with her elbow gently, the blonde handed him one of the cups and took a drink from her own. “Thanks. I had a shower before I came over, it’s a wonder what a bar of soap and some shampoo will do, right?” She joked, though all traces of humor left her features at his words and she had to force herself to lighten her expression. “Moving?” It was the word she was hung up on after all and she had to clear her throat and take another drink of vodka before she was able to continue. “Sorry, wait. Weddings? That sounds fun, you make any brides fall in love with you yet?” She hoped her tone was light as she skirted around a question she’d wanted to ask him since before her return. “Where are you headed? Why would it be cancelled?” And then finally, as she grabbed a container of chicken lo mein and began to make her way over to the couch with it, “Moving like out of this apartment or out of this zip code?” 

...

He wasn’t entirely sure what to do with her presence right now and how he should feel about it. Certainly there was a mixture of emotions and confusions that came with seeing her after so long, partly because he wasn’t sure what was going on in her life as well as he once had. They had been pretty intertwined for a long time but now he wasn’t entirely sure. He didn’t know if she’d gotten divorced or chosen to stay married with the man that she had once chosen to do that with. Hell, they could have been together right now and he would have been any the wiser about it. He didn’t know how he was meant to feel about it. Part of him was happy for her because she looked happy and that was all he wanted for her. As long as she was happy, he’d be happy. 

Sitting down with her felt good, regardless of the conversation they were both avoiding. Part of him wasn’t sure what he would say or even ask so maybe it was good that they just processed and took in one another after so long of being apart. Today wasn’t the day to open that worm of cans, especially since she had left after dropping a rather large bomb and not leaving him the chance to say much of anything in return. So he was happy to drink and bask in just being the two of them for a little while without any expectation. Lifting the drink to his lips, he smiled and placed his ankle on his knee while he got comfortable. No ulterior motive, he doubted that. Somehow, she always had something hidden up her sleeve. 

“Of course not. We can drink and have fun but I’m not so sure that you’re not thinking of ways in which we can cause trouble.” He said with a laugh before he was bombarded with a bunch of questions that were all valid. He slowly nodded his head. “I haven’t made anyone fall in love with me at any weddings. Just been working hard at them and making some pretty good money and I’ve been looking to move.” Not cities or towns away. “I’m thinking of finding a place in bighorn. Maybe a small house or something. You know with some land that I can do some fires when I’m back in town after my trips. I’m tired of being in a small apartment and crammed inside.” This long stay at home had made him realize that he wanted to be here more and be outside as well. “So that’s pretty much where I’m at.”

.

“It’s all good” he said nodding his head. “Marcus usually followed a strict routine weekly. He usually would be doing leg day at this moment in time but he did enjoy working out with people from time to time, so switching it up wasn’t going to hurt anyone. “Alright, then lets continue doing this” he said nodding his head, smiling at the guy. 

...

“Okay. Let’s do it then.” He said as she got up from the machine and then allowed the other man to take over. “Are these weights good or do you want me to add or take some off?” He asked, peering down at the weight set. “Let me know if you need help.” He stated, wanting to make sure he didn’t pull anything or it wasn’t too hard.

***

“How many times do I have to say that I’m not mad about being ditched? It happens. I promise that you’d know if I was hung up on it, but lucky for you, I have a hundred other things to overthink, which means you’re off the hook. If you do it again though, then we’ll have a problem.” Life got busy and with the amount of things that had consumed her time, she could only imagine what had taken up so much of his. “I’m never going to pass up sweets. It’s a problem.” One would think that all the time in the bakery would have made her crave something more savory, but instead, it only made her sweet tooth double in size. When he gave her the go ahead, the brunette pulled out four records, each with a slightly worn cover. The Police, Def Leppard, REM, and The Rolling Stones. “Thoughts?”

...

“A lot but it doesn’t change that I feel bad about it.” He was the type to keep his word and he didn’t want her to think that she was easily forgotten because that was far from the case but he wouldn’t do that twice. He’d learnt that lesson. “You may as well murder me if I do it again because I’m likely dead. I wouldn’t ever dare leave you hanging dry.” He said with a wink towards her before he looked over at the records that she laid out in front of him. Picking them up one by one, he flipped them over and looked over at the songs. Some he recognized more than others. “Those are pretty good. Some I don’t know as much.” He said as she flipped them back over and then looked up at her. “Which ones are your favorite?”

.

By that point in the day Kat had probably eaten her weight in food and desserts. She’d told herself that she was done, but when Benji came over with the cheesecake there was no way that she was going to be able to say no. Groaning loudly as she reached to accept it, Kat let one hand rest against her stomach. “I’m absolutely going to regret this and honestly I’m just shocked I’m not in a food coma yet,” she admitted with a laugh, her stomach growling excitedly despite how stuffed it was. “I can’t say no to cheesecake ever, though, it’s a problem.” Against her better judgement, Kat was already digging into the little dessert, taking a bite with a hum of approval. “Yeah, these are worth every minute I will spend tonight crying on the bathroom floor.”

...

“I know I’m going to regret it too. I’m gonna have to be rolled out of here tonight, not because I’m drunk but because I’m so fucking full that I won’t be able to walk out of here properly.” The food was so good and it was free which made it even better if someone were to ask him. “And you can’t say no to this one because it’s so fucking good. Sorry, I probably shouldn’t be swearing but it’s not technically a wedding and thanksgiving tends to always end in cursing and screaming in most families so I suppose that’s okay.” Watching her eat it, he took a bite of his own and almost chocked when she mentioned that she’d be crying on the floor. “I hope dessert isn’t going to make you cry. It should make you happy.”

“I can’t say I’d be any good with a weed whacker,” yard care was not exactly on the list of the brunette’s talents, “but if you need help, I’m a quick study.” She offered her assistance if he were to need it. “They definitely can turn into different people on their wedding day, but the best of couples don’t. They are far too excited about the day, spending it together and the rest of their lives, really.” She smiled at Benji, “And with a wedding planner that makes it seamless for them,” she shrugged her shoulders with a small laugh. It was rare for the woman to brag, though she was still modest at best. “Okay, yeah,” she nodded her head, “it’ll be an adventure if we do, right?” She raised a curious brow, following Benji as he picked up his gear.

...

“I wouldn’t have you out here with a weed whacker.” He said with a laugh because he would take over that job for anyone, much less someone like Dilan who already had her hands full. “I’m just going to need you to stand back and tell me the spots that I’ve missed because you’ve got a good eye and you know how good things should look.” He knew that the trail wouldn’t be a big deal but he wasn’t someone who was always the best with details. It was why he liked photography and videography because he could spend more time editing it out in the future. “It’ll be some type of adventure but we’re not going to go too far out because you’re not dressed to be hiking. If it gets too far out, I’ll come back on my own and then clear it out.”

He nodded “I try and do the same I’ll pick up stuff when I can too” he smiled since it did matter, every little thing did help in the end.  He could not always stop while he was working but when he wasn’t he was one to clean up things he saw too.  He chuckled “Things do change and people make up stuff even more for the people that tend to not like police officers” he sighed.  “We do what we have too I am not one to ticket for every thing I see too”  he would if he had too, if not he gave warnings since he knew how hard a ticket or something else could be on a person.

...

Benji looked around and then back at him. “Maybe we shouldn’t be talking about what the police do and what they don’t do. It’s kind of a hot debate and I don’t want to get into it.” He had heard enough on the news and from his friends that it was better to just avoid altogether because he was sure that they didn’t have the same opinion about everything. Clearing his throat, he extended his hand. “I’m Benji, by the way.”

***

“You set aside an entire day for this? Wow. I guess I really should be feeling special right about now.” she hummed, her voice all too airy and light. She adored Benji and his kindness, but it was the sharing of music that excited her the most. “I thought you were all about living life to the fullest. If you haven’t had a milkshake, then you’re missing out. Happy to help you indulge in something sweet.” It was one of the many things she could offer and the best part of it all was that she didn’t have to lift a finger. “What can I say? I like to keep the bar high. It just makes setting it even higher that much better.” Carefully, she shifted in her side of the booth, her fingers pausing over the clasp to her bag. “Okay, so do you want them all at once, or record by record?”

...

“You should feel special and that doesn’t mean that you have to stick around all day with me. I’ll find other things to do but I know that I kind of ditched you, intentionally, the first time around so this is a way to make it up to you.” He told her with a small smile and a shrug. “I’m not going to say no to a milkshake. I’ve never had a reason to order it but since you’re insisting then by all means, let’s have something sweet.” He gave her a cheeky smile and then he stopped the baristas and ordered the milkshakes with the promise that he would pay them when he went to get them. “You may as well do them all and then I’ll show you mine. Not sure if my selection is better than last but let’s hope so.”

where: friends giving dinner

Benji stood nearby the back of the room as he looked around at everyone who was getting along and laughing. It seemed to good to be true at this point. Despite every single thanksgiving going well at his home in terms of no fighting, there was always something that went wrong and made it memorable. “Seems like something is going to go wrong, don’t you think? All these people and then alcohol and food? I always hear all kind of stories about thanksgiving and it being insane but this seems relatively quiet.”

where: friends giving dinner

“There’s only two of these left.” He pointed towards the mini cheese cakes that someone had cooked and he’d been devouring since he finished his dinner. “I’m going to regret eating all of these but I also cannot bare the thought of leaving them here so you have one and I’ll have the other. We can’t let them go to waste and they’re so good.” He assured her, grabbing them and handing her one. “I’m doing this out of curtesy because I wouldn’t have thought twice to eating them both myself but it would be a sin for you to continue on tonight without having one.”