What's Your Poison?

Willa: Screw the couch, I’ve got a spare room, babes. 

Willa: Key is behind the flower pot shaped like a woman’s head, vodka is in the freezer, help yourself to whatever food you can find. 

Willa: I should be home in a little bit, just at a gig with a client. 

“Yeah, I figured it was something different instead of bouquets or just single flowers.” Biting at her lip, Freja chuckled brightly. “I uh, I don’t think I’m adorable, you’re just biased.” She teased. Flagging down the bar tender to place their orders, Freja glanced back at Eden. “Oh, uh I hadn’t really had anything planned for tonight. I was going to just hang out at the booth. Walk around and sell flowers. Maybe stick around for some music.” Tucking her hand under her chin, she smiled at Eden. “What about you?”

Eden hummed and shrugged her shoulders. “Ah you know me, a little drinking, a little smoking. Maybe find something or someone fun to do.” She smirked. “If you’re not too busy then maybe you and I could...” Eden fished. “I know it’s been a few days...since we last hooked up and I know I haven’t really called or text back...but I’ve...just been...so busy ya know?” Fumbling through her words Eden slid her chair closer to Freja, “But I missed you, I’ve missed us.” 

Turning around at the sound of someone behind him, the fringe on Ellery’s chaps swung and made a gently patting sound against his legs. Asking him for a lighter was like asking a bird for a feather, it was inevitable that he had one. Even though he had very little on and it would seem unlikely that he’d be able to carry anything, he always had his goods on hand, stashed away unexpectedly. “Yeah,” he nodded, reaching down and pulling out a little baggie from tucked in the top of his cowboy flip-flop boot. Opening it he pulled out a lighter and handed it to her. “I think there’s a beer garden over there,” he pointed vaguely to the left. “Thought I saw something, but I’ve got my own.” Reaching down again he pulled a flask out of the other boot. 

Eden had to squint in the darkness to fully catch the outfit of the other. It indeed was something. No one doubt he’d be winning the contest tonight. She almost choked on air as she glanced down at the flip-flop boots, noting that whoever had made those needed to be slapped silly. She chuckled softly as she took the lighter, flicking it and lighting the tip of her cig. Eden inhaled deeply, blowing the arm smoke out a few seconds later. “Appreciate it, I’m Eden.” She tossed the lighter back at the man, hoping he’d take notice and catch it. 

“Yeah I heard about the saloon, might check it out later. Can’t seem to find my wallet at the moment.” Eden huffed, hoping she’d run into one or two of her friends tonight so they could buy her some drinks. She took a another drag. “Love that ink, been meaning to find a guy. You know of anyone good around here or is that your work?” 

It was still hard sometimes to be around Eden. Not that she didn’t like them, or enjoy their company. But, because of the status of their relationship. Or lack there of? Quickly messing with her hair, she smiled gently at the other. “I uh, yeah I’ve got some time before I have to be back at my booth.” Biting at her lip, a thought popped up into the back of her mind, would she be required to compensate for this? “Hmm? Yeah it’s been pretty busy, made a lot of flower crowns, which was kind of a surprise.”

“Flower crowns.” Eden mused, “You're just too adorable, you know that?” Bumping shoulders with the other she lead them into the saloon and took a seat at the counter, tapping her fingers along the top of it. “So tell me what are your plans for the night, cutie. And please tell me you’re going to doing something fun.” She smirked and turned her attention to the brunette, eyeing her up and down.

scout: yeah, do you need a ride here?

scout: let me know if you do

Eden: yeah yeaah im seeing double but that just means ill be bale to drive extra extra good right?b?

Eden: jkjk maybe you should come get me

Eden: so my shitty roommate loclked me out. some bs about late retn or whatevre idfk.

Eden: can i cohme crash on yrour couch? i promise ill tbe super quiet. oyu ow'nt eiven know im thzere

When he spoke up, he kind of half expected whichever poor sap he’d chosen to just ignore him and move on with their night. At least, that’s what they should have done. Instead, the woman at the edge of the dance floor decided to engage with his pathetic attempt at saving face.

The offered beer had him visibly tensing up as he sputtered out. “N-no! No. I’m alright, I don’t– d-drink.” God, that sounded lame. He’d suddenly become every nerd in school that he hated. And yet his idiot mouth kept running. “Uh…kinda? I used to like dancing but I don’t know if it’s for me, since…uhm. Yeah. D-do you dance?” He asked, quickly changing the subject.

Her brows furrowed as the man next to her rambled, yeah he was most definitely feeling uncomfortable but she had yet to figure out exactly why. She shrugged and took a long sip from the bottle before responding, “Not unless I’m absolutely wasted...which...come to think of it is quite often. She laughed at a memory. “So yeah. I dance.” Another gulp. “But to this.” She vaguely motioned toward the dance floor and band. “Hell no. I’ve got nothing better to do. So. Here I am.” Eden eyed the man again, “I thought I knew just about everyone in this town, you new or have we just never crossed paths before?” She smacked her forehead, “Shit. Don’t tell me we have and I’ve forgotten. Fuck I’m sorry if we have, my brain sometimes doesn’t...” She trailed off, gesturing vaguely at her head. 

Freja had left her booth in the capable hands of her employees. Wanting to explore the fair a little more before she went back to work. Sliding a few flowers behind her ear as she walked, her attention was pulled off to her side when she heard a familiar voice. Cheeks burning red, she cleared her throat. “Uh, sorry I don’t have a light. You know I don’t smoke.” She said looking at her. “As for the drinking booth, I’m pretty sure there is one across the aisle from me. 

Eden most definitely caught the flush on Freja’s face. She’d seen it numerous times before on various different woman and it never ceased to satisfy that craving of the twisted, desperate reassurance she’d been chasing her whole life. “My bad cutie, I didn’t realize that was you.” She sighed popping the cig back behind her ear, “You uh...wanna buy me a drink?”, Eden toed, “I’m sure there is something in it for you.” The subtle innuendo not so subtle. No secret that Freja was one of her favorites.

open starter !

The sun had long been replaced by the moon and still, the festivities continued to rage on; young children, teens, and adults alike making the most of their time. Maggie would have also been part of the crowd, indulging in all the fair had to offer, but with her brother and niece having head home, leaving her with no company, she found herself gravitating towards the bar. It seemed the only appropriate way to end the night; a drink or two before she turned in, herself.  

Feet aching from all the walking around (not to mention the ridiculous boots she had chosen to wear), Maggie had slumped herself down by the bar, flagging down the bartender before she even had the chance to get comfortable in her seat. “An Old Fashioned, please,” She requested, “And…” Eyes flickered over to the person closest to her, “Whatever they’re having.” 

She had tried leaving earlier. This scene wasn't really her thing, the music was iffy, she'd run out of money about an hour ago for any of the rides or booths to play in, and honestly, the drinks they were serving were the weakest things she'd ever tasted. But her car wouldn't start.

Her old beat-up car was a piece of crap anyway and it was just a matter of time before the darn thing completely gave out on her. So unfortunately she had been stuck here without a ride and no money for another drink. But like a dog with a treat, her head immediately popped up at the familiar voice and more importantly the ordering of another drink for her. "Rum and coke!" She called after the bartender who only rolled their eyes at the young woman. There weren't many bartenders Eden didn't know around here, no matter how large Indigo Springs was. Eden only smirked in response before turning her attention to her fairly newish friend.

EVENT 001 OUTFIT:

This was going to be his first annual Western fair without a drink. Anxiety pooled in the pit of his stomach as he thought about doing his usual activities without the loosening affects of alcohol to help him overcome his natural rigidity–square dancing, eating contests, karaoke? Just the thought nearly sent him into a panic attack.

He took a deep breath, sliding his hands into his pockets as he teetered on the edge of the dance floor. No, he could do this. He could still have fun, somehow. This was one of the best events of the year and he wasn’t about to fuck it up by being himself.

He took one step onto the dance floor. Then another. And another until he was speed walking across the dance floor to the other side. He flipped on his cowboy hat, attempting to play it off. “Music’s kind of loud in here huh? Wish they brought the band back from last year, they were really good. So uh, enjoying the fair so far?”

Eden tapped her finger against the bottle of beer she was nursing, which honestly didn’t make much sense as it was already her third one but she was bored and honestly could go for something stronger. However, she didn’t have much else to do nor did she have much money for a stronger drink so the beer would have to do for now. 

She eyed the man coming closer to her, she’d been scanning and people watching the crowd all night looking for possible work or some cute girl to take home tonight so when she saw that the man was now approaching her she was a little skeptical and even a little guarded. But noticing his obviously uncomfortable demeanor she gave him the benefit of the doubt.  

“It’s alright so far. Not really my kind of scene but I could use the outing I guess.” Eden shrugged before offering the bottle to the man, “You want some of this?” She offered genuinely, “You seem kinda...hmm...stressed. Worried someone gonna ask you to line dance?” She chuckled softly.  

“Hey!” Eden called out, pointing to the nearest person in front of her, “Hey, you got a light? I uh...I can’t seem to find mine. Or shit...maybe I dropped it...” She mumbled mostly to herself as she stepped closer her eyes mostly searching the ground for the possibly dropped lighter. “Also think you could point me to the nearest drinking booth or bar around here?” 

TW: Toxic relationships, sex work talk, mentions of alcohol use: