makin' waves

“That is true. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t the same, but when it comes to coffee, I guess we’re all guilty of it,” answered Aidan with a soft laugh and a shake of his head. At mention of the gym, however, he found himself nodding his head, amused by the thought of it. Everyone was the same in the New Year, January was full of people with good intentions and failing completely. “I don’t think it’s just that, they just start the year wanting to get in shape every single year and then realise they really can’t be bothered with it.” He shrugged his shoulders casually. “Alright, I’ll look out for it, then,” he responded with a small smile.

“Yeah, new resolutions or whatever. I mean I get it, if how I looked didn’t dictate a majority of my career and income I probably couldn’t be bothered to get up every morning and run a few miles. Maybe once my career is shot or I retire or whatever I can hide away in the mountains and eat carbs all day long.” It was a dream, and one a far ways away if he was lucky. “Good! Maybe that can be a resolution of mine, trying a new odd ice cream flavor whenever I buy it. Though I guess that would be a bit counterproductive to the gym thing but...semantics.”

               “Bro,” Brax, lips apart and eyes widened with the excitement of fevered agreement, had hands clasp together in a loud clap, “You’re blowing my fucking mind right now. I’ve been saying that! Any asshole who calls that Chestnut Praline Latte ‘garbage’ is a no-good liar whose personality could use some holiday cheer and a fucking drink,” Definitive were the words that left Brax, as passionate as Ollie’s, and the laughter that dispelled from the blonde was contagious as a bout of his own left the brunette.

              Braxton shook his head, scratching at his head of wayward, lightly gelled hair, “Now see, that I don’t get. Since when was it cool to hate on the definitive drink of Christmas? I’m telling you, man, no one’s got the holiday spirit anymore–– we need a grinch to come in and steal Christmas, ‘cause you never know what you got ‘til it’s gone.”

“A man of TASTE here, ladies and gentlemen!” Ollie announced, though he doubted anyone was giving more than a passing glance to the two men discussing coffee so passionately. “This is why we’re friends! You get me up here, and in here.” A hand gestured to his head and more importantly, his heart. “Don’t I know it dude. Between this war on egg nog and all things now being fuckin’ pumpkin spice flavored, I can’t deal with overly consumer christmas. Did you know that apparently the top toy of the year for kids is a unicorn that shits rainbow slime? I’m not even joking! People runnin’ around grumpy as hell, hating on quality coffee and frantically looking for a unicorn that wears a diaper and leaks glitter.”

The topic of presents reminded him of another question though, one he’d been tossing back and forth in his mind for days. “Side note, how many gifts do you think i’m allowed to get Taylor before she throws the box at my head?”

Aidan’s eyebrows rose at the mention of eggnog icecream and he found himself nodding his head. “That does sound amazing,” he said in agreement. “Where did you get it? Might have to pick some up. Not gonna lie, I’m all about the festive food, my place is full of it. I’ll be the size of a house by January.” He chuckled very lightly. “Yeah, I think you get stuck in your ways sometimes and always go for the same drink… I’m definitely like that.”

“People love nicely formed habit, my man. And they also love to indulge for the sake of the holidays. Come January I never go to the gym unless it’s past 11pm solely thanks to the masses of people who re-join to work it off.” It helped that he preferred running outdoors to a treadmill though. “I got the ice cream at the market! That one of 10th st. But i’m pretty sure they’d carry it everywhere since it was just a regular brand. It was buy one get one and I was feeling curious. Usually that ends up being super fuckin’ gross but eggnog? Worked in my favor.”

                    “Seven times, and the night is still young. I bet we’ll get way into the double digits. Seriously though, Ollie— seven times, can you believe it? And that’s just today,” She pointed out, laughter escaping her lips, softening her features.

His statement made her smile widen playfully, a finger lifting like she’d had an idea before she wagged it at him, “I would actually applaud you if you got up there and did that. Everyone in here would probably faint, but a real musician up there?” She nodded towards the karaoke stage where a large man was currently serenading his girlfriend with All I Want for Christmas is You. 

“—that would be pretty damn amazing for a change.”

“That does seem excessive.” Ollie had to agree, wincing in sympathy for the girl and the never ending songs of holiday cheer. “Buble and Bieber put out entire christmas albums and you get a bunch of tipsy people serenading with Last Christmas.” 

Blue eyes flickered towards the stage, a laugh brought out once more at the oh so passionate way he sung to his love. He couldn’t talk though, you get him buzzed and his girlfriend in the same room? He’d be up singing too. “I guess we’ll see. I’d like to say i’d need to be much more drunk to even consider but--- that’s a lie and we both know it.”

                               “Haven’t actually tried any of them,” Nate said, wondering vaguely why that was. There was no Starbucks back home, and in Los Angeles he’d never gotten anything but iced coffees, more or less. Maybe this was the place and time to finally try one of the many insane Christmas choices Starbucks had to offer. “Which one would you recommend I try first?” He asked, looking over at his blonde friend with one eyebrow raised.

                            His somewhat somber look made Nate laugh, the whole eggnog thing not something on his radar. “Is there a war on eggnog I don’t know about? And who started it? Chickens?”

Ollie grinned, content enough that his friend was entertaining his antics enough to consider the question at its source. “Yes, it’s clearly the chickens. Like the chik-fil-a cows have their evil plans, this is clearly started by the chickens. Or worse...the vegans.” He was outright chuckling now, though it sobered up once the choice of what to suggest was put on the table long enough for him to have to choose.

 “You have like a solid week and a half until christmas, i’d say get one every day up until then and just work your way through them, dude. Skip the liquified tree, I took that bullet so you didn’t have to. But i’d start with the caramel brulee, it’s basically just a caramel latte but with like...seasonal salt and sugar or something, I really don’t know. But it’s tasty as hell.”

“I think that’s just how capitalism works,” Killian said with a shrug. “Gotta make that Christmas money.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he responded, “I drink a lot of stuff. I think I’ve tried eggnog at least three times now.”

“Christmas money, new year money, Valentine’s money, there’s a drink for everything. I tried that vampire frap they had a few months back, it made me want to cry.” He admitted, even the sense memory of that cloyingly sweet drink too much. “Well then yeah, maybe it’s just not for you. Spiced ciders though? Those could rock your world.”

“Oh, a shit ton of spices. In that case…” She teased. His memory was endearing, a motherly figure taking it upon herself to please her little blonde boy after a casual comment– it reminded the girl of her own history, her parents and the special memories they had together similar to the one she had just heard. Despite her feelings about the drink, she nodded thoughtfully. “Opposing perspective accepted and greatly appreciated. I’d probably hate it a little less if I had a warm memory like that attached to it. I’m sure the cloves and cinnamon were significant.”  Belize pursed her lips as her taste was now the one being questioned, chuckling at his diction choice.  “I can definitely fuck with a good cider and, don’t write me off when I say this, but a pumpkin spice latte can fuck me up on a crisp fall day. But yeah, all those other seasonal drinks can suck my dick.”  

“Yeah, I mean i’m always down to try something a solid three times before hating it. Also if you’re partial, it’s great with some strong liquor in it too. A pretty decent staple at all these holiday things.” Ollie replied, not that he himself often indulged in the 21+ version of the drink. He liked it all the same. Now here was the moment he’d expected to be brought up sooner or later, unable to help the frown. “---Now don’t get me wrong because I know I just made a very strong case for eggnog and all the other winter holiday drinks starbucks has to offer but I just..” The blonde sighed, a bit too dramatic considering they were still just discussing drinks. But she’d indulged him in his whims, a mistake some few soon learned to dodge. “...I just don’t see the appeal of a pumpkin spice latte. I think it’s the pumpkin? I really hate pumpkin in liquid form. Or pie form. Pumpkin bread though? That’s okay I guess.”

“If there is a war on eggnog, I’m pretty sure I missed it, too,” was Aidan’s simply reply, shaking his head for a moment. How the conversation had got onto coffee he wasn’t entirely sure, but he also didn’t mind all that much, there were much worse conversations to be having —- in fact, the ease and simplicity of it made him smile. “But I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty partial to the tradition gingerbread latte now… drink of choice by far.”

“I had eggnog ice cream the other night and i’m not gonna lie it was a little bit mind blowing.” Taylor had mocked him, videos had been posted on that insta story thing, it had been fun for all. Ollie’s grin brightened at the next words though, agreeing immediately. “Oh, those are great! It took me a while to try them all after the tree drink debacle but the gingerbread is definitely up in my top three.”

            “Please tell me you’re not here to sing ‘Last Christmas’— I might refuse to serve you if you are,” Sara japed, a pour of light laughter spilling from her lips as she moved swiftly behind the bar counter at Limelight, the karaoke bar she had been working at for… well, long enough to know everyone wanted to sing Wham’s ear worm of a Christmas song over and over again as soon as December rolled around.

“No, I’m just kidding— you can sing whatever you like. Or even better, you can stay here and have a drink and a chat with me. What’s your poison?”

“...Just how many times have you heard Last Christmas today for that to be your opener Sara?” Ollie mused aloud, chuckling as he took a seat on the barstool and made himself comfortable. In fact he had no plans to sing at all that evening, guitar still back at his place and much rather preferring just to sit and enjoy the various shows of drunken holiday spirit.

“Bold of you to assume if I did stumble up there that the only song i’d sing wouldn’t be the Nsync classic of Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.”

Killian tried desperately to keep up with what the other was saying– truly, he did– but it was a lost cause. He atemmpted to keep his face from molding into a ‘deer in the headlights’ expression, but that could have been a lost cause as well. “Eggnog is gross,“ he finally said, very firmly. “And drinking a Christmas tree sounds largely unpleasant.” 

“You got me there, it was extremely unpleasant. I don’t know why they gotta keep trying to make new drinks every year. You have a recipe for success, just roll with it!” Ollie agreed, nodding along with far too much vigor. “But eggnog, my man, is a treasure. Maybe you just aren’t drinking the right stuff.”

Grinding the plastic tip of the straw sticking up from her coke between her teeth, Bel tucked a lock of her chocolate brown hair behind her ear and made her way through the semi-crowded basement toward the table of colorful snacks and desserts. It was generally best to stray from parties, temptations and all, but since moving back to Washington Belize realized she was going to need to reacquaint herself with the coastal town, and in small towns like Bellevue the best way to get reacquainted is at one of the weekend “hangs”. Somehow she ended up here with an old friend from grade-school. Presently, it wasn’t terrible aside from the shallow small-talk and plastic streamers– nobody used streamers anymore, and for good reason. Beginning to feel disinterest creep toward the front of her mind, Bel leaned against a railing near the cheetos and began to pick at the chips, her ears picking up on the booming voice a few feet over by the mini hot-dogs. She found herself listening to the pointless rant about specialty drink flavors, her gaze making its way toward the voice– a lanky blonde who’s eyes did not quite match the level of enthusiasm that had grabbed her attention. Bel could relate. As she bit into a cheeto, she shrugged. “Eggnog is the most pointless, repulsive drink– it’s literally milk, sugar and fucking. eggs. Honestly, I’m confused how anyone can drink it without vomiting immediately after. Though, I’d love to hear an opposing perspective on this.” 

“I mean there’s a shit ton of spices in there too, but I can see where you’re coming from. It’s not a drink for everyone. Advanced palettes or whatever.” He was joking mostly, turning to give the woman his full attention. He didn’t recognize her face, but it wasn’t an unusual occurrence for him. “The woman who took care of me used to make it home made with cloves and cinnamon and some other stuff, after I mentioned one year I hadn’t ever had it before. And ever since i’ve been pretty much sold on it.” It probably also had to do with Mariana’s impact on his life overall, but it was beside the point. Ollie had an appreciation for almost all christmas drinks---liquified tree lattes aside. “Maybe you just haven’t had the right one.” Which brought up another point, so he flipped the question back to her. “So do you hate most seasonal drinks or can you fuck with like, spiced ciders and the likes?”

“And WHAT is the deal with this war on eggnog? What’s so wrong with eggnog? Did I miss the god damn cancelling of eggnog?”

Pania rolled her eyes as she deleted yet another DM. “Just cause I cam that doesn’t mean I want random dick pics.” She grumbled. Her ex roommate had warned her how people would hound her in her DMs because of her job, but it was still annoying.

“Is there at least an intro message or do guys just straight up lead with the dicks?” Ollie asked, unable to hide the blatant curiosity. In all honesty he’d sent one or two himself, but it had been on request and never to strangers. “I mean even if they did have an intro it doesn’t really make it okay, does it? Either way, i’d apologize on their behalf but I want nothing to do with them.”

“Don’t ask me what we’re celebrating, but you should totally have a drink,” Anna began, raising her glass of wine to her lips, a cheeky smile dancing about her features.

Glancing down at the energy drink he held, Ollie couldn’t contain a chuckle. “I don’t think this really counts but...seems like you could technically just have a drink for the both of us.”

                    Greeting the familiar doorman with a smile, she passed him a to-go cup of coffee and a croissant, still hot from the oven. “Not bribing you, but kind of bribing you,” She japed with a featherlight chuckle. “That tall blonde drink of water on the 12th floor? Can you buzz me in? I promise he’s expecting me.” 

Giselle too was expecting something like this to happen eventually— hanging out with her friend of course, but him having questions as well. In fact, she would’ve been disappointed if he had no questions at all after agreeing to take on the part of Noah. 

An elevator ride later, and she had barely raised her hand to knock on the door when it swung open, revealing said tall blonde drink of water and his signature smile. God, he really was so damn perfect for Noah. She could already see it, the girls swooning, the knees buckling, the pining gazes. Truly, she was self-satisfied with her decision, but even more grateful for Ollie’s wish to participate.

“Oliver West,” She said, almost formally, but not quite. “Well, you know me— I can always eat, and I eat pretty much anything, so there’s that too. What’re you in the mood for?” She pushed up on her toes and hugged him to her side in greeting before she slipped inside.

His lips pressed to her hair for the briefest of moments in the side embrace, the blonde was quick to close the door behind her and head instead for the kitchen. A favorite drawer, filled with all the various menus of the places he tended to Postmate from the most. The birthday gift last year from Mariana had been for a reason, he supposed. 

“I’ve been craving sushi like you wouldn’t believe if i’m being honest, but I also can always get down with some pizza so whichever or whatever you feel like having works for me.” Ollie sat the back onto the couch, gesturing for her to join him as he set the menus between them so she could peruse to her hearts content

. “--I do plan on ordering cupcakes from that little boutique down by the Bravern though too...it’s cheat day.” The admission punctuated with a cheeky grin. The little his trainer knew, the better. 

His gaze wandered to the script and various printed pages he had scattered throughout the coffee table. An almost physical manifestation of the state of his brain for the day. “It looks...much worse than this all actually is by the way. I sort of fell down a research hole.”

“I finally saw Eat Pray Love— a million years late, I know. But here’s what I wanna know: who would just up and leave Billy Crudup and a fancy New York townhouse. In this economy? That’s just not realistic.” 

“I never saw that one, was it good?” Ollie questioned, figuring it had to be since so many had gone mental over it. “I never got that whole thing, to be honest. But I also fall asleep in yoga when told to meditate so i’m not exactly the target audience. My ass would have stayed with Billy and called it a day.”