walking carpet

atin'la: again? really?

atin'la: where do you last remember having them?

jay: haha very funny

jay: i know i misplace things a lot

jay: i definitely had them at the gym

Jay’s warmth and presence was all that Lila needed to instantly feel calm. He always seemed to have that effect on her. She wouldn’t know what she’d do without her best friend. Feeling space build between them, she looked to him when he placed a finger under her chin, letting out a shaky breath. “Well, I’m still standing, so there’s that,” she gave a half smile, looking away after a moment and turning away from him. She moved towards the couch, crawling back into her previous spot. Bringing her knees up to her chest once more, she nodded to the seat next to her. “When does it get easier? When does any of this get easier?”

Jay smirked a little. Lila was the only person he knew that could still make a joke even when she was feeling like she was at rock bottom. He sat down next to her, close enough that she could lean on his shoulder if she needed, but still far enough away to be considered a “friendly” amount of space between them. Her questions caught him by surprise, and since he’s never really experienced a relationship like she had, Jay didn’t know how to respond. “I don’t know. I’m not sure it ever does, but I do think it helps that he was a jerk. And, it definitely helps knowing that you did what was best for you. But, as for getting easier, I don’t think it ever gets any easier, losing something that you love.” 

jay: have you seen any keys lying around?

jay: i can't find mine

It seemed as though everything was a mess. Her classes were getting harder, her job as a TA was about to start soon, and she was mending a broken heart in the process. It might not seem like that much, but everything branched off into smaller problematic things. It was too much. But she would never admit that. She was too prideful. She didn’t like asking for help or venting about her feelings. That’s just not how this worked.

She sat on the couch of her apartment, clad in shorts and a tank top, her legs were hidden under a blanket as she stared at the tv. She wasn’t watching anything, just staring into space as her fingers gently traced over the scar on her right shoulder. She was practically in another world that she jumped when she heard a knock. Jumping a bit, she quickly got up and looked through the peephole.

Unlocking the door, she swung it open, “Thank god it’s you,” she said before grabbing Jay’s arm and pulling him in, shutting the door behind them and locking it up once more. She turned back to him, throwing her arms around him and releasing a deep breath. “Hey.”

Jay was taken by surprise when he pulled in the room so quickly, and then again when she threw herself into his arms. “Hey.” He replied kindly, setting his things down before wrapping his arms around her, completing the embrace. He buried his face in her neck and squeezed her close to him, offering comfort. If he was being honest with himself, he took advantage of this moment, hoping that one day she might be hugging him for a different reason, but he shook that thought from his mind. Right now, all Lila needed was a friend, and that’s exactly what he would be. She had been there for him countless times over the years, so Jay would be whatever she needed, whenever she needed it. Finally pulling away from the hug, Jay put a finger under her chin. “How are you holding up?” 

“Jik- Jikkata?” The name felt funny rolling off his tongue, but he liked it. His smile widened a little. “Wookiee name, huh? I don’t think I’ve ever met a Wookiee before.” He heard someone groan a little, loudly complaining that he wasn’t at work to flirt. Ben’s cheeks flushed and he bit his lip. “I’m sorry. I should probably get back to work…”

For the first time, the other pronounced it well, making Jay smile. “Pretty good, and unfortunately I’m not really a Wookiee, just adopted by one, but I wish I was one. Wookiees are awesome.” Jay looked over at the person who made that statement, and just rolled his eyes, but seeing the blush on Ben’s cheeks made Jay smile even wider. “Tell you what...” Jay said writing his number on the receipt before sliding towards Ben. “Call me sometime. I think you and I have some interesting conversations in our future.” Jay winked at him, and then walked away leaving Ben to get back to work.