GONE, GONE

“ i don’t know, any advice you’d given me earlier i would probably ignore it anyway. but like assuming i would listen to it, maybe something like, don’t spend your entire first check on shit you don’t need. ”

“ fuck no, i’ve only been here for twenty-three years and i’m already tired. ”

“ of course, don’t be ridiculous we’ll get two whole meals. i’m afraid if i split one it just won’t be enough for me. you don’t have to pay me back but those peanut butter patties do sound really tempting.”

“ i mean, yeah maybe. but they wouldn’t know what you look like, and trust me there’s so many people with your name on facebook. i tried it the other day and surprisingly found about fifteen accounts with my same name, which i think is crazy because i didn’t think my name would be that common. oh, well that’s nice at least. i would’ve been way too upset if it was one of those super fancy notebooks. ”

she gave a single, confident nod to his question, “ yes, of course. i don’t see why not. and it’s perfect if you don’t want anything too flashy.” what he said next made perfect sense, it was something she’d heard a lot of times before, too. it was the wise way to approach this, after all. but she wasn’t very wise in that aspect anyway. “ yeah, though i honestly have a fun time when people come in wanting to cover up a previous tattoo that they regret. i mean, i feel bad for them of course but it’s still funny. ” she watched as he leaned towards her, chuckling at his question. there was one that did have a meaning unlike the others. “ you have a lot of faith in me, but i do have a special one. it’s a dragon on my ankle. i got it because it looks badass. but mostly in memory of my grandfather, he practiced buddhism and i just know it was very special to him, personally i don’t believe in any of it but it’s nice.”  if it weren’t for the boots she was wearing that covered it she would’ve gladly shown him. “ but that’s the only one, really. the other ones aren’t as meaningful. ” a small smirk played along her lips at his words, followed by a shy shrug. “ i don’t know, depends. is it working? ” kaz wasn’t one to play into gender roles and would’ve asked for his already but this was more fun than being so straightforward. “ don’t worry, i can do high expectations. ”

“ it is quite enjoyable, isn’t it? and you’re in luck, i happen to be a hoarder of facemasks if you ever want one. ” she offered him, perhaps in an attempt to show him she liked him so far. kaz leans over to get a better look at the image on his phone, it was pretty simple and definitely in her skills range. she also liked the idea, though her opinion on it didn’t matter nearly as much as his, obviously. “ oh, that’s a pretty sweet idea. i think it’d look great. ” her words are genuine as a soft smile tugs at her lips. “ i think it’s nice how you give it a meaning. you’d be surprised at how many people that stop by the shop get tattoos just because. myself included. ” she admits with a small laugh. his last remark catches her a bit off guard, but she regains her composure rather quickly. “ well, they so happen to be. i’m a libra, although when looking at compatibility i consider moon signs to be more important-- ” she takes a small pause before continuing, “ but i can make exemptions. ”

“ i guess it depends on who finds it. like if it’s a complete stranger, then there would be nothing to be embarrassed about because they don’t know it’s you. but if it’s someone who knows that notebook belonged to you then yeah it might be a little embarrassing. was it one of those nice notebooks? ” 

“ and what conclusion have you come to? personally, i think i’d go for everything except red wine. ”

“ yeah...doesn’t mean it’s okay. you don’t need a kid to know you’re not supposed to give them cat food, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out it’s meant for cats.  just having a kid doesn’t guarantee you know how to take care of him, evidently. ”

“ so do they really force you if you find them soothing? ” she asks in a teasing tone. not that there was anything wrong with that, obviously. she was a big fan herself. “ really? yes of course i’d be able to do that. did you have anything in mind? ” her head tilts a little to the side, curiously. “ wait, next month. that’s so soon. are you a leo? ” kaz wasn’t big into astrology, just enough to know a thing or two about sun and moon signs, but it was still fun to be nosy about it. whether she was skeptical of it or not, it often could say a lot about a person’s behavior. he makes her laugh, though he’s definitely got a point. her sight darts down to his extended arm, then brings up her own hand to shake his. so proper, she thought. “ i’m kaz, nice to meet you too. ”

“ what the fuck? yes, it most definitely makes you a bad mother. although...not the worst, i guess. why would you do that? do you dislike your child? ”

“ oh, no i’m not. but stuff like that relaxes me. especially face masks, don’t get me started on those. ” skincare was her way of treating herself, it never failed to boost up her confidence. “ i’m actually a tattoo artist, if you ever wanna stop by. ” kaz suggested, not sure if that was even the kind of thing he’d be into but it didn’t hurt to bring it up. “ yes, definitely. but we’re not exempt from washing our face at the very least, so you better not stop doing that. ” she says, pointing her finger at him. his words make her smile, as she shakes her head lightly. “ god, never. just thinking about it makes my face feel like cardboard. ”