you are your home.

“It was very rude, and yes, I get that you apologized but it’s still offensive to me as a mother.” Lila said with a huff. “Well, maybe you should babysit and see how it is.”

“Oh, I can imagine. I mean, every city has its problems but what should could is what’s best that they have to offer, not what’s worst.” She had learned that after visiting the world and finding the best food in the most exquisite places. “I see.” Greta could understand about keeping to herself in her own bubble, that’s what she had done for the past two years. “I got approved into the Cordon Bleu, it was the chance of a lifetime and after college a traveled a lot afterward. Mainly Europe, but also Africa and Asia.” The comeback was the though part and to that Greta just smiled. “I came back cause, life happened.” She shortened to that, with a shrug. “It’s alright. What brought you to Westwick?”

Jinah realized she was a little bit of everywhere, and that was the point. It made it harder to narrow things down, rattling on. And thankfully, the brunette chose the latter. “Apparently, someone in the office was outed about their sexuality. And like the group of adult men they all are, made it known that they were ‘uncomfortable’ with that while this person wasn’t present.” She took a sip of her drink. “Like it’s going to change worth ethic, or like he’s going to come onto anyone there. I guess I should have rephrased it. Close-minded, straight white men are exhausting.” Resting an elbow on the bar, she propped her head on her hand and turned her attention to the woman beside her. “Ouch? That does sound dull. Painfully dull. I never understood the hype behind the Kardashian family. Or any family that sells their privacy.”

Listening to the woman’s explanation all that Fallon could do was roll her eyes. The entire situation made her overly annoyed as though she’d encountered it firsthand. “It’s always the straight ones, isn’t it,” Fall laughed and shook her head. “Seems like they always want to be attracted to, but only when it’s coming from another woman that they’ve harassed.” She had met her fair share of annoying men and catcallers, so she definitely had harsh feelings about the topic.  A groan left her lips as she complained, “God, me either. Everyone comes into my job wanting to be the next Kardashian-Jenner and I can’t help but laugh every single time. That’s such a bad goal to have.” Shaking her head she apologized, “I didn’t even introduce myself, I’m sorry. I’m Fallon.”

It wouldn’t actually take much for her to see that he was a nice guy, but Tae reserved that side mostly to the ones he cared about. It was easier to keep people at arms length because most tended to get too involved and he ended up being painted as a jerk. Which he wasn’t… truly. “Why don’t you finish off your drink–” He started, glancing over to the glass on the bar top. If her glass was full, chances were, this could not work. “–and come over to my apartment? We can test that theory of me making you scream and remembering your name the morning after.”

Fallon looked over at him as he suggested her coming over to his place with a look of surprise in her eyes. “You really keep surprising me, Tae. What if we test both theories so that I don’t waste my time, hm? ‘Cause if you turn out to not be a nice guy I’m probably gonna bolt before you can take any of your clothes off.” She wasn’t sure what his actual intentions were, but whether or not he was joking or if he would follow through didn’t really matter. Taking the last swig, Fal faced him again, leaning her chin in her palm and gave him a smile, “You should take me for ice cream or cookies on our way to your apartment.” She was a bit worried that she’d come across as bossy, but then again, Tae was a stranger and she was tipsy, and the chances of them running into each other again could be pretty slim.

Long day to say the least, the restaurant manager got on Tony’s case again for being late.  It was an ongoing occurrence that was getting on Tony’s last nerve.  He tried to make it on time, doesn’t trying count?  Plus, he did not do so well in the tip game, which meant he would either have to call his mother to bail him out for the umpteenth time or start taking off his clothes again to make rent.  Not great choices in his book, but at least there were options.

With the sun down, the night sky was lit up by the city lights by the time Tony made it to his place.  Usually, he would text someone to hang out or go to the club, but tonight he just wanted to crack open a few cold ones and relax.  The moment he entered his apartment, he stripped down to his boxers and headed to the fridge to grab a beer.  He then walked over towards the balcony and opened the door to find a surprise at his feet.  Apparently there is a higher being and he drops off surprises at your door.  Tony said to himself before he recognized it was his neighbor.  Squatting down, he gently shook her.  “Hey you,” he smiled.  “Time to wake up,” he whispered.

As she started to wake, he stood back up and took a drink from his bottle.  “Not that I am not thrilled to come home to see a beautiful girl outside my door it is customary to come over through the front door.  Unless this is going to be a new tradition of ours.”

“Well, you kind of did offend me by saying my daughter is a doorstop.” Lila said, narrowing her eyes a little. “While I realize you didn’t mean it, it still upset me.”

“Hey, that’s valid, ‘cause it was rude. Then again, I immediately apologized, and I was genuine... I don’t want you to think that I was being sarcastic or anything.” Unsure of what more she could say to the mom, Fallon attempted to just agree with her even if she didn’t completely. “I don’t have kids or a filter for that matter, so things like this kind of slip out.” 

“I’m good, I’m good…” Joon nodded. “How are you?” He couldn’t help but chew on his lip, trying to watch for her reaction since expressions could say so much more than words themselves, yet trying not to actually stare. But hearing her laugh brought a smile to his lips. “Not usually, no. I usually go for a walk. And chocolate chip cookies are about the only thing I can bake.” Joon grabbed one for himself and broke a piece off with a hum. “I think that’s a pretty normal habit, though.” Popping some of the cookie in his mouth, he nodded and started to lead the way, making sure he didn’t drop any crumbs in the process. A kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It didn’t take long for Joon to walk her around, ending the tour with the bedroom that would be hers. “It isn’t much, but it’s… cozy. Are you new in town? Or just moving around?”

“I’m doing alright,” Fallon gave him a shrug. Realizing it sounded negative, she spoke up again, “I just work a lot, so it’s always kind of, you know... just alright.” Seeing his smile made her feel a bit less anxious about everything, hopefully it meant that he wasn’t upset that she was the person hoping to move in with him. “Ah, yeah that’s a more common reaction I think,” Fallon responded giggling, “But I will say that I’m happy to have been here for one of your baking episodes.” Following Joon around, she finished off the rest of her cookie. The apartment was just like any other, there were rooms and bathrooms, and that was really all that Fall needed. “Just moving around... I’ve lived in the same studio for years and I just needed to stop being alone I guess?” Her answer seemed vague, but in all honesty, she didn’t really know the answer for herself. “It’s a nice place, it seems cozy. Why are you looking for a roommate? Did you just move in, or?” 

The worst part of moving into a new apartment wasn’t living with someone after being essentially alone for four years, it was living with someone and forgetting your house key and having to climb up the fire escape to break into your own bedroom. The thought of possible confrontation with her new roommate and the chance that she could be laughed at had created a pit of anxiety in Fallon’s stomach. ‘Being the most forgetful person on Earth is bound to be your downfall Marx... You just had to move into the apartment on the very top floor didn’t you? Idiot,’ she cursed herself as she stared up at the fire escape. She hadn’t really thought the plan through as she pulled down the ladder to start her journey up the side of the building. All she knew was that she missed her bed and really wanted to get out of her boots and into her pajamas. 

“Yeah, for the next three or four months, I expect,” AJ said, chuckling. He gave a soft laugh as she spoke. “Of course, forgive me,” he said. He put his hand over his heart as if she had gravely injured him. “Newspapers are changing,” he corrected. “Just because they’ve moved online now doesn’t mean they are dying. The New York Times subscription revenue passed $1 billion this year. Like any other industry, it has to change with the times, but it’s doing so.” He chuckled a little, slightly nervous. “I’m sorry for rambling. I used to be a journalist, so this is a soft spot for me.”

Fallon groaned, her posture turning into a slump in her chair, “I hate the heat, I just want some snow for Christ’s sake.” Though she knew she wouldn’t be seeing any snow for a while, she still missed the feeling of the cold seasons she had back home. Her head turned to him and she nodded in understanding, “Changing is a good word for it, I suppose.” Listening to him speak about the New York Times made Fallon smile, not many people in California had a genuine hobby - that wasn’t acting - to get excited about. It was refreshing to see someone actually care about something. “No, no! Don’t be sorry! You seem to love it? Why did you stop?” She inquired, picking up her soda to take a sip. 

“Oh that’s a fascinating place from what I heard. For food especially.” Greta nodded promptly as the girl told her about the hometown. “I did hear a lot about their seafood but I have never been. I can absolutely understand the desperation. But you know Hermosa has killer local seafood?” Greta was a regular at the restaurant, so she definitely knew all about it. “I’m from here, actually. Lived here until end of high school and then moved to Europe to study culinary. I moved back about five years ago.”

“Oh it’s gorgeous. I mean once you get past all of the drugs and crime obviously... But it’s really beautiful and the seafood is probably the best I’ve ever tasted.” Fallon gushed excitedly. She missed home often, so when she found an excuse to talk about it, she tended to ramble. Catching herself, she responded to the woman’s question with a shake of her head. “No, I haven’t actually. I’ve lived here for a few years now but I tend t keep in my bubble,” she admitted with a nervous chuckle. She was shocked as they mentioned studying culinary, “That’s so interesting... Why Europe though for school? And why come back I think is a good follow up question?” Fallon asked curiously. Fall had moved around a bit when it came to college herself, but for personal reasons that she’d probably hate for a stranger to pry on, catching her words, she spoke up again, “If it’s not too personal, obviously... I don’t want to be all in your business.”

“I can balance it all. I’ve been a single mother for a little over a year now, I’ve been able to handle worse regarding my children.” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. “My children come first before unpacking my things from the move.”

Even apologizing had a negative effect on the blonde, who seemed to be annoyingly stubborn. “I’m sure that you’re a very capable mother, I’m not trying to offend you or anything,” She stated honestly. In the nicest possible way, Fallon spoke again, despite the “Masshole” in her peeping out the more annoyed she became, “You seem wicked fired up for something that isn’t that big of a deal, I misspoke, no need to bite my head of, hm?”