n.s.

Location: Pie of the Tiger Status: Open @heartsdalestarters​

Out of nowhere, Spruce had been hit with a huge influx of delivery orders and he’d been running around like a crazy person all day, and when his boys finished with school, he’d put them to work as well and by the time 5PM rolled around, everything was finished and the delivery company had come to pick everything up.  “Alright boys, go upstairs, clean up and start your homework.  I’ll order a pizza and bring it up when I’m done here.”  The two flour covered 11 year olds ran out the door and up to their apartment, nearly crashing into someone as they left.  

Spruce sighed, “I’m sorry about them.  Take a seat anywhere, we’re open for another hour yet, the Pie of the Day is “If You were a Fruit, You’d be a Fineapple” which is Cream Cheese, Vanilla and Pineapple, otherwise just let me know how I can help.” 

+

Nari walked into the place and looked around. There were kids so that wasn’t the most welcoming of sights but she was hungry for some pie so she was going to deal with it. “You live here?” She asked curiously while she continued to look around. A family owned business. It was a cute place. “Did you open it or did you buy it out from someone?” Maybe it had like some family history that she didn’t know about. 

Walking towards a booth, she sat down and nodded her head when he gave her the option that she had. “I’m going to go with the pie of the day and then maybe a classic apple pie with some ice cream and a coffee, please.”

location: sonny’s laundromat  status: open / @heartsdalestarters​

“— yes, i figured i could have something to eat while i wait. no, this is not the place, but who says it’s not the time? i haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday and – ugh, forget it.” what’s the point of explaining her situation to the middle-aged lady, who was obviously not going to quit giving her that look? 

+

“Well, the dirty pair of underwear half tucked under that washing machine might give me a bad taste in the back of my mouth but if it’s not phasing you, then who am I to judge.” She was still giving her a grimace while she watched her eat. “You haven’t eaten since yesterday? What do you do? A funeral director or like  medical staff?”

Where : outside Tony’s Restaurant

Who : @heartsdalestarters​

It was a typical pre weekend delivery of alcohol for the bar in Tony’s restaurant. Usually Danny was around to help him, but had called in with toothache which meant Tony sweating out the delivery of heavy beer kegs and multiple crates of wine alone. He had just finished unloading two trucks full of alcohol when he turned and saw someone nearby. Checking his watch he realised it was nearly time for the lunchtime rush.  “Hi.” He said breathlessly. “ Gimmie two sacs and I will be with you.” He dropped the last keg into the cellar and walked around to the person. “ Can I help you?” He asked stretching out his tired muscles. 

-

Nari was starving and this place had come recommended from a few people in town. She wasn’t sure whether or not to go and sit down but decided to wait a little longer. By the way she moved back and forth from her heel to the ball of her feet, she was losing patience about having waited so long. “Take all the time in the world.” Her voice came out a little sarcastic as she signed. “One seat.” She said since she was by herself. “Do I have to wait for you to sit me down or could I have went alone?”

“you named your cat fat bastard?” maya responds, unable to control her laugh. surprisingly, the internet was full of odd names people gave their animals, and after a quick research she had decided to go with whatever name the cat would actually respond to. it seemed easier, for the both of them. “they’s something else, aren’t they? give them a little food and that’s all, you’ve passed the check. though, to be fair i would be the same if someone handed me anything sugary.” she joked, before reaching for a dog toy instead, knowing benji would appreciate it more. “milo is pretty independent. he’ll ask for head scratches when he wants to, but it’s rare. i used to have this small box at the yard for him, while there were renovations at the house, so i guess he feels more comfortable now that things are quiet again.” squeezing the toy in her hand, a small smile appears, the characteristic noise being her pup’s favourite. “yeah.. i should probably get two collars, so my silly girl is not stuck.” maya adds, “they really are. honestly, i don’t know why such a thing is even legal.” or why any vets would be comfortable performing it. “have you managed to take him to the vet yet?” 

— 

“It’s one of his names. I haven’t named him because I refuse to get attached to the fucking thing but I’ve also just spent countless hundred dollars on him at the vet bill so maybe I’ve been the fool all along.” Insulting the cat made her feel better because he was actually an asshole. Maybe that was why she had a soft spot for him. “I know. You’re probably right. I’m still shocked that I made it until adulthood because I’d do some very questionable things for sugar when I’m craving it.” Chances are she would have been the kid trying to get the chocolate in the weird van. Luckily, she was an adult now and knew a little bit better than that. “I think that’s what irritates me. I don’t want to pet fat bastard but then I kind of want that affection because I think I deserve it and he should want it from me.” Maybe she just wanted to be accepted by the ugly cat she’d pseudo-adopted. “I haven’t been able to catch him without gloves and long enough to put him in a cage. I’m thinking he might just stop coming around if I try to bring him to the vet. You know, to punish me for the betrayal.”

A chuckle escaped him immediately upon hearing the other’s greeting, raising his hands in an over-dramatically manner as he was met with an accusatory greeting. “Damn, who pissed on your cereal this morning?” he inquired with a serious tone, although the way his lips curled up into a teasing smile, eyes rapidly falling to the bandage on her arm for a brief second, worry taking over his features for a fleeting second before looking up at her with a raised brow. It was a part of his nature, to care about people. When it came to Nari however, Sebastian had learn to keep his worrying in silence, to himself. “Well, glad to have you back safe and sound. Already dreading the monotony of Heartsdale now that you’re back?” he inquired. One of the most difficult things after he decided to resign from the FBI and come back to the town he spent most of his childhood in was learning to adapt to a new environment, learning to slow down and get acclimated to the laid back energy the town exuded. Nari had to deal with stuff alike whenever work made her leave town. 

The former FBI agent raised a brow at the other’s next statement, amusement written all over his features. “I would question what makes you think I’d let you use their resources but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of infiltrating one of the many enemies the Bureau believes it has, but it would make me question if you hang out with me because of my resources or my awesome and dazzling personality instead and I’m too fragile for that" he jested, taking a quick look at the menu before turning to look back at her companion. “Plus, as a teacher, I may not have the FBI backup but I do have free cupcakes I am willing to share so really, which option do you prefer?”

—

“Do you want a list?” There wasn’t anyone or anything in particular but she was just a little antsy since it had been a while since she had some money come in. The jobs came but the money was slower to be deposited in her account. Despite having quite a cushion in terms of savings, she didn’t want to have to dip into it more than she felt she needed to. “Just the stresses of work.” She sat down opposite him and folded a leg over the other. She laughed at his question because the male knew her more than she liked to admit. She felt that maybe that was more due to their similar background. She’d been in the army and he had his own experience with similar ventures. “You know it. It’s like I’m willingly walking back into my little cage.” Heartsdale was a quaint little town where people came to settle down and Nari wasn’t what people normally saw walking down the street. Covered in tattoos, often on a motorcycle, she was just rougher around the edges. “What about you? Ready to ditch the students and do something a little more fun?” 

She leaned back and folded her arms over her chest while he spoke. Nari decided to give nothing away because it was funner to have him think on that and make up his own conclusions about what she thought and why she hung out with him. If she was honest, a combination of the true was probably more accurate. “I don’t think that you are ready for that answer so it’s best that we keep you in the dark for a little bit longer.” She sent him a wink, peering down at her own menu. “I’ll take the cupcakes if that’s all you have. They better be chocolate though because if you’re trying to give me some vanilla cupcakes, I might have to leave and question our entire friendship.”

.

“what’s in it for you?” she nearly rolled her eyes, but realized that may come off rude and she was a bit desperate for a save in that moment. she, instead, shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, “spending time with some great company. i’ve heard i’m quite the conversationalist, but i could leave that up to you.” she heard the other’s request and nodded her head as if she was taking her time considering it, “i’ll do you one better. you keep me from having anymore old ladies staring at me, i’ll buy you a whole meal and a muffin. a coffee too if you’d like.” she knew that might be overkill, perhaps even borderline pushing it, but at this point she didn’t really care. “i think that’s plenty. so, deal?”

—

“People who are great company don’t normally need to say it aloud. It just comes off naturally.” Nari said with a slight hint of a grin. She shrugged her shoulders as if to take away any blame that might be put on her for any bluntness. It was a known saying. Now they were getting into the things that she felt would benefit her. Such as the food and the muffin. “I’m basically an overweight man. Food will always be the way to my heart.” It had been that way since she was a kid and had only become truer as she got older. “That’s more than enough. We’ve got a deal. Should I put in my order first or after?”

“well… he was an outdoor cat, that decided to adopt me. i don’t know if it makes any sense.” maya exclaimed, trying to remember if it was her sister who said cats usually chose their owner. she wasn’t sure if that as the case with milo, but he did look comfortable around the house, and the vet couldn’t detect any microchips on him, which meant only one thing; he was a stray. “yeah, he does. sometimes he will be too loud to ignore, and you just know you have to open the door for him. i think i’ll be getting one of those pet doors.” the ones that could be unlocked with the pet collar, as maya doesn’t need a wild animal sneaking into the house. “i can’t clip his nails.. i had the vet do it. i’m not going to declaw him though, that’s inhumane.” no furniture was worth the torture of her pet, now or ever. “i hope it goes away, i don’t think cats are very patient with eyedrops. at least, i imagine they’re not.” 

+

“That’s basically what’s happening with me and fat bastard.” Nari said as she looked at the toys and then winced, turning back to the woman at her side. “It’s his... given name. I don’t actually know what his name is. He started coming around and I gave him food and now he’s always around. He doesn’t like to be touched which is why I have scratches and then started to use some oven mitts.” Especially since she had to put eye drops in his eyes prescribed by the vet. “He likes to eat and then leave so I don’t think him coming into my house is a good idea.” Maybe she’d get to a place where she could let him come and go like she would. “The pet door is smart. They have some activated with collars.” At least she’d heard. “Thank you. Someone mentioned declawing their cat and I didn’t know what it meant until I googled it. People are disgusting.” She shook her head. Despite not liking fat bastard that much, she wouldn’t do that to him, ever. “They’re not. Especially out door cats.”

the words cause a small laugh to escape from the back of may’s throat. “you’re probably right.” she exclaimed, though that doesn’t change her mind when it comes to getting her pets a christmas present. “he does? i suppose i’m lucky then. i need to install a pet door so milo can go outside any time he wants. he’s more interested in food, warmth and saying ciao to me.” maya adds, thinking about the cozy spot he had chosen to spend long hours of the day. “i’m sorry to hear that. is he getting any better? and oven mitts? that’s genius.” 

+

“He’s an outdoor and indoor cat?” It sounded weird to her and she hadn’t known if that was something she could do with her own little shit. The fear was that she’d bring him into her home and return to piss on every surface of her home. He was feral but also greedy so being an outside cat seemed to be right up his alley. “Does he go outside a lot? I’ve always wondered how that works out because I know people cut off their nails.” It felt barbaric to her. Hopefully she wasn’t one of those. “I think so but it’ll be a matter of months before it starts up again.”

location: pet store  status: open / @heartsdalestarters​

“what do cats usually like?” she can’t help but wonder out loud, reaching for a dangle hamster like toy. it was bold of her to assume shopping for a cat was going to be easy when her only experience came from caring for dogs. the goal of the day was to get milosome useful stuff and she was determined to stick around for as long as it was needed; so the newest addition would enjoy the same perks as her other pet. shopping for babies, or animals was never an easy task, was it? “god, this is so hard.”

+

-

“You know what they say about assuming,” Colt quipped back. He didn’t take a big stock in other people, or their opinions. Colt tried to hold back judgement of them. He didn’t really know what they were going through or their life. It felt only fair. “My dad always said you can go through life treating everyone like a friend or treating everyone like a foe - doesn’t end up mattering much in the end anyway.” He wasn’t really into it and if he was honest, she was beginning to remind him of the people who thought they were special and cool for being a prick to others. That they were inherently a badass and their attitude was a scorecard for just how badass they projected themselves to be. Colt met a lot of people in the world like this - but the real badasses, they didn’t need to project that. They owned it. It was something that exuded out of them. He used to know the good fighters from the wannabes just from that. In fact, their need to project didn’t make them edgy, badass, it didn’t scare anyone, it just made them assholes. And while everyone had one, it wasn’t a place they wanted to spend much time around. “Thanks, I appreciate it. You’re free of any responsibility of me or her,” Colt said and jerked a thumb to the mare and began to walk back to where he suspected the mare came from. 

+

She assumed all the time. Always assumed that she wouldn’t like people and never got to know them. There were a select few individuals that she enjoyed being around and other individuals were disappointment. The friend she’d made while in the military hadn’t backed her up and those meant to protect her had done her wrong. Otherwise, she was always around criminals who were trying to run from their problems so that didn’t give her much faith. “Sounds pretty dim. I think I’d like him.” The brunette teased but then shrugged. There was a point there. They’d all end up in the same space. Whatever afterworld waited for them and friends or not, they’d all die alone. Nari didn’t care about being liked. It was why she didn’t try. Then again, if he didn’t like her she just had to guess that he wasn’t someone who took his father’s advice by not assuming certain things about people. He seemed busy enough with the horse and attempting to get it back in the field. “Sounds good to me.” She stepped forward and walked towards her car. “Good luck with all that.” A hand waved halfheartedly before she got back in her car and drove off. / END.

.

There had been countless times where Vivienne had been unsure of her future and what she would do with it- gymnastics, art, even a moment where she had considered buying a bar and bartending. The truth was finding yourself. The things that make you happy were a lot harder than many people would have you believe. For Viv’s dad, it was easy, take a position in the family business in publications, new papers, websites, television radio, and more - he could easily have had his pick and been set for life. Her mother had always wanted to be a doctor and chose cosmetic reconstruction with a specialty in trauma reconstruction. Hell, even Ivan had known he was going into photojournalism from the time he was a young boy. Viv has bounced, even in art she fluttered from thing to thing, finding them all fascinating. “We should all have that luxury of doing what makes our hearts happy.” Vivienne’s nose wrinkled, “Cats- I’d say they’re why I have a dog but I like them all, even ass holes like your stray guy who sounds half feral.” Viv shrugged, and stepped off the side walk. “I’ll let you know when we plan to do the sample opening. It’s all free for the trial run just so you know our guests get to be our guiena pigs but the catch is free food and a painting lesson for anyone who wants it.” Vivienne gently waved, “I have to make it to my meeting for staff but it was good seeing you Nari…really. I did miss you.” She adds before walking a little ways down the road.

+

Nari smiled at the brunette and nodded her head. While her opportunity had come and gone, she knew that she wasn’t miserable doing what she did. It wasn’t the easiest thing on her body anymore but it was better than doing some other things like working a desk job. The military had come and gone and despite knowing she would have gotten more resources and opportunities out of that, she did her best not to dwell on it. “We’re some of the lucky ones that have found something that has made them happy.” She said with a nod of agreement towards the brunette. It was evident to see why Hudson had been with her. Now that he was back, she was starting to feel better being around Viv. 

“I swear I hate the thing but then he looks at me and it’s like he just forces me to take care of it.” She had always hated cats and preferred dogs but she could relate to the felines a lot more. They were dicks just like she was. “You’ll see him around next time you come down. Hopefully without gunk of his eyes but he likes to make his presence known.” She nodded and then turned back to Viv. “Yeah, of course. I won’t keep you any longer. Thanks for the help even though he’s a bit of a dick and didn’t show his face. It was nice seeing you and... same, I missed you too.” / END.

“I keep the mints because I see horses everyday. Like your pediatrician kept lollipops, I keep mints. But, I keep the halter for such cases as this and more. Shouldn’t assume that every person you encounter is a moron, you could be missing on good knowledge.” Horses were animals, sure. But in most ways they were much more dependable and deserved more than humans did. They acted their nature, saw things through the lens of what they knew, and there were no ulterior motives with them. Horses broke and fractured like humans did - but people knew that and understood that humans. The same courtesy was rarely extended to the equine assets of the world. “Anything can kill you. A very determined goose has given me more stitches than any of these guys combined. These animals are the only ones that we can train against their nature purely through trust. They were designed to carry us, designed to be our most perfect companion. The truly extraordinary ones require an extraordinary horse person. And every day, I am reminded that they deserve more than what most people give them.” Colt rubbed the mare’s face, pulling her forelock through his fingers. She was a pretty little mare. At her question he gave her a shrug, “She’s not mine, so who knows. It’s probably fine though. I’m sure you’re late for something very important.”

+

“I was asking because it’s not common knowledge that horses like mints. But you shouldn’t be quick to judge that someone is knowledgeable in this shit.” The brunette shot right back with her arms folded over her chest. “Most people are morons so I think I was acting as normally as I could have.” A horse in the street and he just thought that no one would approach it in an attempt to get it back somewhere safe? Come on. Hospitals and prisons wouldn’t be so full if they were surrounded by intelligence. “Interesting. You just give out horse facts to anyone?” Nari wasn’t that interested. She appreciated horses but she knew better than to get close to them. A mutual respect type deal. “Like I said, humans are stupid and those who mistreat animals are probably the bottom of the barrel in terms of humanity.” The only way that she’d approach that horse was if she had to tackle the man because he was going to do something stupid to the animal, but he seemed caring. “So important. I was just keeping an eye on you. My job is me dealing with people who lie to me all the time so I don’t have the highest trust level when it comes to people but you seem legit.” And it certainly wasn’t because of his vet mints in his pocket. 

.

Vivienne chuckled. She hardly called the Fonseca strings lucky- “I have to work- living off my family isn’t something that could ever make me happy.” Vivienne had always been adamant about earning her things but was no stranger to how the Fonseca wealth had benefited her throughout her entire life. “but I get it as if I could ever quit art anyway.” Vivienne would have typically joke about how Nari was hot enough to be a sugar baby. Still, the anxious feeling that the joke wouldn’t land quite right had her biting her tongue as she shifted from foot to foot. Vivienne tried to imagine it, pulling a face of concern, “That would be a terrible way to go - pissed off cat mad he’s lost his manhood.” Vivienne frowned, “Hell of an obituary tho.” Vivienne smiled brightly, “Like I said if you need help I’ll take a few scatches from a Tom Cat for you.” Vivienne shrugged, “I’m just happy you’d show up at all, Nari. I’m trying to make roots, make something for myself so having your support is nice- and even if it’s not totally your thing there is always the food- my chef is amazing. Like marry her amazing just so you can eat her food the rest of your life.”

+

The brunette could commend her need to work but she had come to see enough of people to know that wealth had little to do with actual money. Rich people weren’t asked to pay for shit. Most of the time, they were the ones who made it easily because they were given things that those below them couldn’t get. “Whatever makes your heart happy is probably what you should still with. A lot of people don’t have the luxury of doing that so it’s nice.” She’d said it again but she felt it deeper in her core than she was willing to admit. All she wanted was to be in the military but that dream had been torn away all too rapidly. 

“He could do it too.” The cat was vicious and that’s probably why she liked him so much. He was a little fucker but she understood his need to be free and reluctance to just settle in for a warm home and free food. “I’ll keep that in mind depending on how easily I can get him to come around.” The cat hadn’t shown up so she didn’t know if she would be of much help or not. “Well, I’ll definitely be there for the food then because there’s no easier way to my heart than through my stomach.”

𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾: Juniper Café

𝗐𝗁𝗈: @narisun​

Sebastian’s blue eyes scanned the menu in silence as he found a comfortable seat in the busy establishment, a soft sigh escaping the teacher as he made up his mind about his lunch for the day. Being an elementary school teacher, half of his lunches now revolved around kids: either by choice or not alas, it was nice to have some time to eat outside of school grounds, away from the neon lights and health posters; in company of someone not part of the school board. Someone like Nari. 

Although, to the untrained eyes, their friendship seems like an odd one at first because of how different their life paths were, the more time Sebastian spent with the bounty hunter, the more he understood why he enjoyed spending time with her, especially when he needed a break from what he knew. Reason why when Nari crossed the door of the café, the teacher smile widely, calling for her attention from his seat as he felt the worry he had been carrying for a week slowly melt from his shoulders “Over here, kid!” he called out with a chuckle, standing up to greet the other properly, a teasing smirk present on his face. “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in so long I’m thinking of going back to my FBI days to get a hold on you.”

+

Nari hadn’t expected to get along with the teacher as well as she did. Those who knew her would know that she didn’t hold much enthusiasm most of the time or hope for much of anything. All things that teachers had to have when hoping to bring up the next generation. But Sebastian was different. The ex-FBI agent was a lot more tolerable than she expected. Even to the point that she decided to come meet him for food, though she hoped he’d be offering to pay since he’d invited her. 

Her eyes instantly rolled when she walked into the cafe and heard his voice above all calling her a kid. She zipped past loaded tables towards him and sit down, shrugging off her jacket. “You’re such a shit.” The brunette muttered and leaned back, grabbing the menu to look over at it. “I’ve been around. I had to leave town last week for work but I’m back.” The bandage on her arm was just another part of the job that probably should have let him know that work had called her away. “I’d be honoured if you did that. I’d probably like you a lot better as well, but only because I could use your resources.”

.

Vivienne was used to people not catching on to her sense of humor- Hudson always had. So many of her friends even so despite the deadpan way she delivered many of her often self-deprecating and sarcastic jokes - Vivienne smiled, a light chuckle, “Nari, I’m kidding.” Vivienne had never wanted to be anyone’s trophy, anything, wife, friend, daughter. They were things she had run from, hid from, and did everything to ensure it didn’t happen despite her parent’s best efforts. Her smile didn’t falter, and she waved her hand, “I don’t need to marry for money anyway.” Another joke, she hadn’t touched her trust. It sat unused, collecting interest in a bank only she had access to it. “I’m also kidding about that- ” She added quickly with a shrug of slim shoulders. One day she would have a use for the money, but for now, it was just another thing tieing her to her life in New York. “I like all sorts of things. Music included. I just want everyone to enjoy their time at least there, maybe come to an art class- make something they find joy in…” Vivienne trailed off. From what she could recall, Nari was the sort of woman who didn’t like many things or many people, so to see her caring for a cat who made it hard on her softened Vivienne’s heart. “Next time you trap him, you should get him neutered so he doesn’t make more revved-up cats and give us a feral colony of tomcats.” Vivienne knew an excellent vet, thanks to her stray pup. She pulled the card out and handed it over to Nari, her number quickly written on the blank back space. “They’re a great vet. They do low-cost spay and neuters for stray ass hole cats- and my number is on the back.” Vivienne handed it over. There was so much more she wanted to say to Nari, a lot of caught between her ribs and tongue, tangled and cutting - heavy and perhaps misplaced. She only gave the brunette woman a warm smile- in some ways, she was thankful for her, and in others, she was angry. Her emotions had been like that a lot these days. An amalgam of feelings that contradicted and made no sense made her stomach roll a furious storm of feelings with nowhere to put down. Inhaling, “I know it might not be your usual scene, but you being there would mean a lot to me…and if horny cat gives you any trouble, you can always call me. I’ll help any way I can.”

+

Nari nodded her head and smiled at the brunette, she’d felt like she had been but she hadn’t been certain. It had been a while since she’d hung out with the brunette alone, apart from a few coffee dates here and there. It was safer while Hudson was gone so she didn’t know if maybe Viv had chosen to take another path in life. She was pretty enough to be a trophy wife. “Lucky you, I wish I didn’t have to work.” Nari worked hard to get her bills paid but she also liked her job so she was luckier than others in that regard even if it left her covered in bruises on more than one occasion. 

“I’m sure you’ll do great.” Nari would come to visit and she enjoyed coffee but she’d be sure to drag Hudson along with her because she doubted she’d be able to make it that long on her own if someone forced her to draw something. “I tried to trap him once and I had to go to the doctor. it’s expensive to get animals neutered.” She’d thought about it countless times but just didn’t have the energy to care for the dumb thing while he was healing. She couldn’t let him back out with fresh wounds and stitches. “I’ll give them a call and see if they can see what they can do for him after because I think he might kill me in my sleep if I let him stay in my home after he’s fixed.” He’d likely piss on everything he could just to spite her. Pocketing the card, the brunette looked back at her and nodded her head because it wasn’t her scene and the reason she’d chosen to go was because of Viv. She could be a good friend if she tried. “Sounds good and I’ll be there. Can’t tell you for how long but I’ll show up.” That was the least she could do.

.

𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭.  all arguments would deem him the ghost in this scenario,  but hud was in no position to argue.  his shame and sobriety were waning by the second.  “  i know,  i know.  i’m the asshole here.  and it’s not like i care about being liked,  but  …  ”  but this was viv.  the first and only woman he’d ever loved.  he could handle the wrath of his landlord,  or the bag of bones whose azaleas he tramped on his way home from sully’s the other night.  this,  as much as it pained him to admit it,  was different.  “  what good would explaining do ?  short of reopening old wounds.  ”  twice he tried to pry open that part of his subconscious,  but the lockbox in his mind gave him nothing but anticlimactic remarks in return.  “  besides,  i’m not trying to  –  ”  to get back together ?  to take all of their fractured parts and piece them into something resembling a happy ending ?  as he flounders for the right words,  nari slides him the last of her beer and he accepts without hesitation.  “  you’re right.  we’re not drunk enough for this conversation  –  not even close.  ”

+

nari wasn’t certain if she supported the idea of him ever returning to his ex. she’d been dragged into their rupture, and even recently, asked about it once more. it had been too much. in the end, she wouldn’t stand in the way or even discourage him but she wasn’t going to advocate for it either. “what do you want, then?” she’d never been one for relationships so she didn’t quite understand the concept or what they brought. she liked her own company and if someone could be there to give her a few orgasms, she needed nothing else. “it would get her off my case.” she wasn’t really on her case anymore because viv had promised not to mention it again. “she deserves to know, you know. i’m pretty sure she felt like she was at fault.” maybe she didn’t, perhaps it was just nari assuming shit. so much for trying to stay out of it. “whatever you do, if you leave someone else without warning, you better take me with you.” she said with a laugh and the thread of dragging him back wasn’t said but implied with her eyes. she’d do it too. “can we talk about getting me laid. do you have friends who’re good with sneaking out before sunrise cause that’s exactly what i need in my life.”

-

He gave her a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Half ass way of doing the job, ye who have so little faith.” He reached out a hand, his eyes scanning over the mare, trying to see what might be on her mind. Crinkling the wrapper again and getting the mint from the wrapper into his hand, he out stretched it and then began to take a small step closer. The animal’s neck stretched out and then slowly took a step closer to him. Colt inched closer, trying to not spoke the animal and when the peppermint disappeared into the horse’s lips he slipped the lead rope over her neck and then gave her a pet. Digging into his pocket, he got another and freed it from the wrapper and handed it over to the mare who was not lipping his shirt and nuzzling him. He slipped the halter over her head and then turned to walk back toward where the woman was. “Been kicked, bitten, slammed against a stall before. I used to ride and now I am an equine vet. Which, doesn’t prevent all that from happening again, because half ton animal with its own thoughts, but I know the signs now. I take it you are not a horse person?”

+

She wouldn’t argue with him because she did have little faith in him. Horses were animals who could trample someone with little effort. She didn’t trust a horse — hell, she didn’t trust her damn cat that she kept feeding even though she swore she loathed the stupid thing. The mint trick was a little impressive but mostly because she didn’t know horses liked those things. “You just keep those mints with you all over you go? In case you run into an escaped horse.” It was weird. She at on the hood of his car and crossed her legs at the ankle, watching. “Well, that doesn’t give me much hope that this isn’t going to happen now. I don’t know CPR.” She did, she was trained in it but she hoped it would make him think twice because she just wasn’t in the mood. “Oh, you’re a vet. Should have lead with that, then.” So he knew what he was doing. “No, I’m not. I have respect for them but i know they can kill me and I choose to stay away. But listen, do you think I’ll spook him if I drive by with my car?”