Survive

“You sure that’s all you wanna scope?” Noah fired back. Whether or not the guy was interested in other dudes, Noah had no idea, and he didn’t care as much either while he lined up his shot, the dart held loosely in his fingers. Maybe it’d throw him off his game, having some other man teasing him.”All right, dude, just sit back and watch the magic…”

The big talk went really well, until Noah nearly missed the board entirely. The dart sank into the board right near the bottom, and Noah narrowed his eyes. “…pretty sure that’s a fantastic shot, actually.”

JJ shrugged, “I would’ve said my drink orders but that seems a little premature doesn’t it? Sounds like a sure way to end with a tab I don’t wanna pay for myself.” Other than that, he wanted to scope out a win but that also didn’t make sense nor was it that easy.

JJ squinted, it almost looked like the other hadn’t even made the board at all, “kind’ve looks like it’s bordering the 3 and the 17, so, sort’ve? You get two more shots anyway so-”

She gave a laugh at his joke. The truth was that Harper probably wasn’t as good at darts as she liked to think she was. But she also figured that the worst that could happen was she lost and had to buy him a few drinks. As such, she wasn’t worried about losing at all. “Maybe a little bit” she teased. “But when I do, I picture it being a pretty close game, if that helps.” She shook her head. “Not an expert, but someone who has played her fair share of the game” she admitted. Grabbing a dart, she aimed it at the board and threw. She didn’t hit the bullseye, but she did land a double on the number 17. Not too bad a start, then.

JJ put his hand on his heart, feigning a bit of the hurt, “Ouch. I mean we’ll have to see if you’re right but I guess the close game helps. Nice to know you’re picturin’ me in your head though.” Hopefully she really was just being playful and not some fortune teller that was predicting his downfall against her. What if she really was a darts expert. “Ah, sounds like you’re about to scam me, it’s a good thing I didn’t put some actual money on this.” He was even more glad when her first throw as actually a high amount. A miss would’ve made him happier. “Go easy” he joked, handing over the other two darts.

Oh. So he did recognize her. For anyone else, that would have made it less embarrassing, but somehow, Lizzie felt her cheeks heat up, and she nodded her head. “Oh. Yeah. Okay. Of course,” she babbled, fiddling with her hair. “Well. Yeah, sure. Why not?” She replied, picking up a dart, already aiming for the board. Anything to get her to stop talking was fine by her, even if she had no idea how to throw a dart properly. 

It was too easy to make the moment more embarrassing, but it seemed like she was already barely getting by and as great as the opportunity sounded, JJ felt like there was little he’d have to do to make her even more embarrassed. He just hoped she didn’t hit someone with the dart in trying to cover. “Good” he nodded, glancing between her and the board, “take your time though, I won’t rush you.” Plus more time to watch her squirm.

“Alright look, if I eat anymore pizza tonight, I actually think I might begin to sweat pepperoni oil. Please take this shit away from me.” Hurling the remnants of the last slice back into the box, Mars flung himself across the lounge. Teeth fiddling with a toothpick. “I know the answer to this ― I’m single because I choose to be. You’re single because your pickup game is garbage. Not a tough case to crack.” To solidify the fact that he was indeed a dumbass, the man found himself laughing hysterically at his own quip. Fingers engrossing the fragile stick of wood to ensure he didn’t swallow it. From the outside looking in, surely this bro’s night had to look marginally depressing. The two of them pondering over their lack of luck in the department of romance ― eating enough pizza to feed several families. But despite immediate judgment, JJ & Mars together ensured a good time. Guaranteed or money back. “Is this you asking me to be your broentine? Because I accept.” The man retorted; devilish grin playing upon his lifs. “Can’t lie ― I didn’t get you shit, but you have my love and I think that’s enough, yeah?”

Val chuckled. “We can get whatever y’like. Doesn’t have to be fruity cocktails, just an option.” He promised, holding out an arm so the other could lead him. “I just know when I’m done at a coffeeshop an’ ready to get my arse to a bar. I think it sounds like we both need a drink.” He pointed out.

“Too late, I think I’ve mentally convinced myself and fully committed to a fruity cocktail now.” He laughed, taking the others hand. “Feel’s like a quick jump, I think the order is a coffee shop, then water, then a bar, then water.” He teased. “Probably, we probably do.” JJ sighed, maneuvering around the small building.

“What isn’t there to love ‘bout some risk?” Nick rolls his shoulders, and shoots back curiously, “D’you consider yourself one? An easy better?” As he sifts through the box and plucks out the yellows from the reds, he snickers, “Gimme your best serious face and I’ll try to match the two together.” He slides the box towards the other. “Though, careful, now - I’ll be at a disadvantage if you leave me shaking in terror.”

Maya decided not to admit that she knew nothing about darts further than throwing a sharp pointy thing at a board in the distance, where there rules to this game? She refrained from asking only because she didn’t want to come off as not competition worthy, his aim for the nigh was clear as day; free drinks. Maya simply wanted to kill some time, if she could that without spending a penny, that would be a bonus. “Don’t get your hopes up,” she said, “You might be buying me drinks for all we know.” Steeping up once the offer came, Maya picked up a dart and took aim, it didn’t hit the center as she had hoped, but at least she managed to hit the board. “Does this game have a points system? How do we keep track?”

“You might be buying me drinks for all I know,” he clarified, knowing full well both options were a legitimate possibility even if both options weren’t possibilities he necessarily wanted to weigh. Obviously as she actually hit a high point range, it was worth considering he might actually have to later consider dropping some cash. For now, it was early, and apparently she didn’t even truly play darts. “Well, we’re starting at 301, and you have two darts left, take your shots.” He spoke, offering her the other two darts. “And we’ll just keep score off the side, there’s chalk so, we do what we do.” He nodded towards the little chalk for the score.

“You’re not being serious?” Lizzie turned to ogle at the guy, before narrowing her eyes at him with a curious expression. “Wait — JJ?” She asked, a hint of incredulity coating her words. Though the island was small, she was always surprised to see a familiar face from high school around Catalina, especially ones that she had a crush on. Red crawled up to her cheeks, as she entertained the possibility that perhaps he didn’t know who she was. “It’s Lizzie. Lizzie Kennedy. You probably knew my brothers — that’s how I know you. Um, yeah,” she added quickly, biting her lip. “So… that bet.” 

Sure, it had started as a blind offer, but now that he recognized, and obviously she recognized him, it made it even better. A grin crossed his face, fighting the urge to pretend he didn’t know who she was even after she so awkwardly introduced herself like he would’ve forgotten her already. “I know, I know who you are Liz.” He ran a tongue over his teeth, “you willing to take that bet, little Liz? I mean, you’re obviously not so little now.”

“Maybe in the past. People gotta get with the times.” He teased, listening to the other as he commented about the drinks he wanted to go get. Val could only smirk, and leaned against his hand with a secretive little grin. “Oh? Y’wanna be taken down with me?” He teased, before feeling for his computer and phone to put things away. “Then we’re goin’ to the beach bar, right away. Get a couple fruity cocktails, talk an’ see what the fuck happens.” He stated as it was fact, tucking away his devices into his bag, throwing it over his shoulder, standing up and holding out an arm expectantly.

“The times just keep changing,” he mock groaned, “how’s an old man supposed to continue. The other was working faster than he had even thought. Again, he really just wanted an excuse to day drink, while throwing under the bus someone else. “fruity cocktails? is that all you think I can handle?” he had no issue with fruity cocktails but it didn’t hurt to tease. “You move fast,” he mused, taking a stand. “Lead the way.”

Harper already had one drink in her when she heard someone challenge her to a game of darts. A grin formed her lips. “Now that’s a bet I’ll take” she said quickly. Harper liked to think she was pretty good at darts, owing to all the time she’d spent in bars. With a dry laugh, she said “The only one who will be cashing in is me.” Her voice was full of confidence as she walked in the direction of the dart board. “You’re on.”

Too quick, the girl responded too quick, which meant it was either going to suck for him or she was just too confident. He was thinking it was more the former than the later but it seemed like they’d find out, and he’d possibly regret speaking. “Ah, you’ve already pictured me losing in your head, huh? Kinda hurt about that, not gonna lie.” He joked, following her. “What are you, a darts expert?” Pulling a seat he pulled one closer for her also. “You first.”

“You sure you wanna offer that bet?” Noah teased as he studied the darts board. He hadn’t played in ages, but, hell, Joshua didn’t need to know that. Noah was damn sure that if he feigned enough confidence, he might actually be able to pull the wool over his eyes, maybe summon some hustling god to smile down on him. “Shit. All right. If you’re sure you’re feeling brave enough…” He bumped shoulders against him playfully. “You wanna throw first or me, dude?”

“I think it’s too late to withdraw, you’ve already heard me say it so.” It was essentially what it was. Whether he lost or not, though he was hoping he wouldn’t, it was all in good fun. Why had he made the stakes so high. JJ wasn’t even great at darts but he was good enough that he knew he had a chance, hopefully. “You go first, seems right, plus I can scope out your skills,” he joked.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR…… MEME

1…Are you taken or single?

Single af.

12…Which is worse — a physical affair or an emotional affair?

Physical is so much worse than emotional, like really.

16…Diamonds, chocolate, or flowers?

LOVE IS IN THE AIR…… MEME

6…What makes you fall out of love?

Lack of respect is something that just...

23…What is a deal-breaker for you?

LOVE IS IN THE AIR…… MEME

2…Do you believe in love at first sight? 

Lust at first sight, yeah. Love? No.

24…Have you ever changed yourself for love? 

“We’re two attractive dudes, you’re hot, I’m decent enough, so how are we single on the so called ‘most romantic’ day of the year.” Making air quotes. Honestly, JJ didn’t have a problem with it, it gave them another chance to have a sleepover, bro’s night in if they really wanted to be extra. “You know what, I might not have a date but you’re my broentine - you know I’ve said that multiple times in my head and it still doesn’t flow as well as galentine” JJ shook his head, bringing his backpack up to his lap. “Feels like a long way to say I gotchu chocolates and no we don’t have to watch sappy romance movies.” He joked, actually pulling out a container of chocolates. “You’re lucky I didn’t open it and steal some.”

Maya was supposed to be meeting a friend here, but it was well past the scheduled time and they hadn’t turned up. Maybe they’re running late her brain tried to reason, but Maya paid no attention to that, they were a no-show and that was the end of that. She must have zoned out while staring at the darts board because a voice snapped her out with a proposal she took a moment to consider. She had no intention of staying more than 10 minutes over the decided time, which had passed 20 minutes ago, and given that she had no other plans, free drinks would end this night well, that’s if she won. “Yeah, sure alright,” she said, “You got a deal. I got nothing better to do anyway.” 

Too far into his suggestion, he realized she wasn’t hearing him or she was actively choosing to ignore him in which he could take the memo and just move on. Still he gave her a minute to take her chance and to his luck, she finally caved. He grinned, tilting his head slightly. “I’m glad I can entertain you for a bit, and maybe earn a couple free drinks from you,” he joked, though he really was hoping he beat her. He tilted his head towards the board, “you first”