I did it to myself again

INTRODUCING: Samar “Sam” Amin

“It's so hard to forget pain, but it's even harder to remember sweetness. We have no scar to show for happiness. We learn so little from peace.”

THE BASICS

Full Name: Samar “Sam” Victor Amin Age: twenty-six Birthday: April 20th, 1995 Zodiac Sign: Aries Occupation: Tattoo Shop Assistant at Tatt’s All Length of Time in Crescent Harbor: all his life Neighborhood: Goldfinch Valley, currently resides in @lilywhittaker​’s house Hometown: Crescent Harbor, Washington Nationality: American, his mother was from France originally, his father is of Indian descent Sexuality: Bisexual Relationship Status: Single, not looking Qualities: creative, loyal, fearless, passionate, playful Flaws: impulsive, hot-headed, reckless, selfish, withdrawn MBTI: ENFP-T “The Turbulent Campaigner” Moral Alignment: Chaotic Good Enneagram: Type 7 “The Enthusiast”

❛ Ah yes, your speciality. ❜ Nadia couldn’t help but still smile as she rolled her eyes, shaking her head a bit when he kept teasing her. She was pretty sure she would have stabbed her eyes with forks if Sam had walked in naked. In the same sense, she’d be mortified if he walked in on her changing even though they shared baths sometimes when they were kids. It wouldn’t be the same as any other guy walking in on her though, it wasn’t that kind of embarrassment. As much as Nadia didn’t care walking in on her sisters changing, she’d die inside if it happened with Tim as much as with Sam. The thought made her shudder slightly before she gave Sam another toothy smile.  ❛ That’s the spirit. ❜ Of course he always shared but Nadia had made a habit in life of asking instead of assuming, although that didn’t apply to Sam all the time, like when she’d borrowed his laptop. ❛ And how would she know? — Nobody’s gonna know. How would she know? ❜ she mused, clearly referencing a TikTok sound.  ❛ Unless she gets home but bet she’d pretty busy with the wedding? We can definitely head out right after. We’ll come up with a great idea of what to do while… Under the influence. We usually do, ❜ she snickered, pulling out her bag to shuffle through it in search for her bikini.

It was funny how most people assumed they were a couple when they were out and about, mostly because their looks were easy to perceive when in reality they were more like an unlikely pair of siblings. Their teasing could easily be mistaken and yet it came from a place that was nothing but genuine – Sam had never seen Nadia that way and he was sure, she hadn’t seen him like that either. They’d grown up together and remained close. There was no way for Sam to see her as anything as an extension of his family. It was a special bond, one that was hard to explain to those who hadn’t gotten to know them as they were – always giving each other shit but in a way that felt familiar and loving. Sam let out a snort and only grinned wider when Nadia recited a TikTok sound that was perfectly describing most of his everyday antics. “You know what? I think I’m with you on that – we’re gonna be just fine,” he announced after a moment, humming thoughtfully at her suggestion. “Oh!” Sam’s eyes were wide, as if he’d just had a breakthrough to share. “I think I got an idea,” he announced with a spark in his eyes. “You know what would be fun…?” Sam wriggled his brows. “Watching fish float around in a dimly lit space.”

This was definitely not how he had intended their reunion to go, but how could he expect anything different from his friend? Growing up they had gotten themselves wrapped up in all kinds of shenanigans and harmless misdeeds that might’ve made some headlines had they ever been caught. An odd form of love and friendship, that’s what they all were, family by choice and by chance, not forced to stay together, but willingly doing so over the years regardless. “I know, I make good points all the damn time. Don’t act like this is a first time occurrence, it wounds me my dear Sam.” he snorted, eyes trailing over his friends features briefly forgetting about the bumbling idiot who’d made him run towards Sam in the first place. “You’d think I would’ve stopped being full of myself in California? You should really be surprised that I didn’t become the next Kardashian, and got lip fillers like everybody else in L.A. Not that I didn’t try though, just that me with an even bigger ass would give me too much power.” he giggled. “Your favorite Jerk, my future husband only because I’m going to need marriage benefits, you…you get to keep the toaster.”

“Shut up, you should be grateful that these lips finally graced yours. Now I’m no longer pure, I have been sullied. Now I won’t find a good husband as my lips have been used by another man,” he dramatically wept as he buried his features in the space between his chest. Once he had the money in hand, he waved it around a bit maniacally, happy to be back to his old antics with his best friend. Slapping a high five on Sam’s hand, he smiled before leaning close, tugging the man’s arm over his shoulder. “Now we walk like this before I attract anymore unwanted attention, I’m just too gorgeous, the marilyn monroe of our times.” he sighed. “If he remembers I’ll just tell him he’s lucky I didn’t cut it off and make him wear it like a permanent choker. Hmm, sure sounds like a plan,” he said through pursed lips. “Wow, you’re still talking about the kiss, damn was it that good? Guess you just wanted another one dude, and it’s cute that you’re still so obsessed with me, but I think we should just be friends, don’t think you could handle a night of romance with me, I’m just too pristine.”

.

Sam wasn’t sure what he’d expected – either way he was sure that their reunion would’ve turned out to be somewhat chaotic, too, so he couldn’t say that he was fazed exactly. It was funny and just so them that he’d merely gone with it, masking the excitement that bubbled up at the prospect of seeing his friend again after quite some time to play the part – they’d have plenty of time to catch up later – or at least that was what Sam hoped for ultimately. Pulling a face at Ty, Sam snorted and rolled his eyes. “One shot for every lie you dish out tonight, man,” he told him with a smirk, nudging him with his shoulder as they stood in front of each other, falling into their usual dynamic for a moment. “Nah – that’s a valid point. I’m surprised though you should really get some work done right there,” Sam played along, reaching out to tap a finger against the nonexistent lines on Ty’s forehead, unable to fight a snort. “Shit, could you imagine? Built-in cushions…the fucking dream.” It was good to know that neither of them stopped being a dork – apart or not, Sam was always ready to joke around and talk shit. “You better get me an extra sparkly ring on top of it all, Ty – or you know…I’d be fine with a ring pop or something. Remember those? Get me one and I’ll make you an honest man,” he joked.

With another dramatic eye-roll, Sam squinted at Ty. “What the fuck’s that supposed to mean? You’re the lucky one here – I use chap stick and stuff but…,” he snorted once more. “Pretty sure those lips have touched worse so that’s another free drink,” Sam teased as a grin broke out over his features and he immediately reciprocated the high five, an arm wrapping around Ty’s shoulders to tug him close as they walked the moment it was animated to do so by the other man. “Man…what a hard fucking life you’re living,” he sighed dramatically. “What’s it like to know everyone wants to be you?” He asked, using his free hand to pretend he was holding a microphone to his friend’s lips. As they walked, Sam was laughing loudly, always a little careless when it came to the volume of his voice. “How could I forget all about that – so rich, so pretty, so irresistible,” Sam added in their dramatics. “I could only dream to be like you,” he teased. “I think our friendship couldn’t take it so I’m holding myself back like I have for all these years,” the man cooed. “Seriously though – what brings you back and more importantly, when were you gonna tell me like a normal person?!”

one of val’s simpliest pleasures in life was bothering sam. so when she saw him standing alone she couldn’t help but steal the opportunity. she strolled over, wine glass in tow, and dressed hiked slightly so she could walk with ease. “always and never.” she snickered, sipping her wine before raising a brow looking over at sam. something was a bit off and she couldn’t put a finger on it. “why are you hiding away in the corner? shouldn’t you be the life of the party, hmm?” she teased a bit, but curious just why he was alone and why his sleeve was damp. sam crying? that didn’t make sense to her at all. especially if she wasn’t the one teasing him to tears. 

Sam was used to Val’s antics and he was sure she was used to his own just the same. He welcomed the company, as much as he didn’t want any at all now that he found himself in that rather fragile state – which of course, he’d never admit to. Huffing, he rolled his eyes at her. A harmless gesture considering the slight grin that spread after all. “I’m not hiding away!” His defense came up quick and Sam took a long drag of his cigarette before he held it up for emphasis. “Smoke break,” he told her, matter-of-factly. His head tilted and he was quick to reach up to push his sunglasses back up the bridge of his nose – suddenly thankful for the extra yet rather unnecessary accessory. “I’m gonna be back to being the life of the party before you know it – no one in there is ready for me yet, though,” Sam justified with a shrug, clearing his throat. “Why did you come out here?” He asked, squinting at her teasingly.

She laughed at herself as soon as Sam argued on her behalf. She knew that she got worked up over little things so easily, something like the cashier just giving her a look would have sent her spiraling for hours if she’d been on her own. But, Sam was good at getting her to mellow out, which was something she appreciated in him. Maybe she was being silly, and unreasonable, but the fuck-you attitude felt better than worrying more than she needed to.  Maybe once she was home, she’d go over the whole thing in her head again, worry about it later, but for now she as fine to let it sit on the back burner. “Okay, you’re right. It’s none of her business, we can enjoy our strawberries in peace,” she said with an exaggerated nod as if too affirm the statement. She bit into her strawberry, and chewed for a moment, happy for a small second of peace. “Maybe I’ll make a pie or something with one of the containers,” she mused, humming in thought, even though baking was never her strong suit.

Settling down into the grass felt comfortable. It was probably getting a little overgrown, but that made it easier to sink into. Her eyes hardly strayed from the trees with the apple blossoms coming in heavily. She rolled her eyes at the name, and pulled out the container of strawberries she’d opened. “Please, if you start bullying me, then the free food stops.” She set it between them, before digging into her own tote bag. She handed off a wrapped sandwich to Sam, and an individual bag of chips. “The sandwich was not made by me,” she clarified, hoping it would bring him a little ease of mind to know she hadn’t steered him wrong. “Freddie at the diner made it. I think it’s some sort of chicken thing? I don’t know he said you liked it. I wanted to make sure I didn’t accidentally start another horseradish fiasco.”

.

Sam always liked spending time with Amelia – it never failed to put him at ease in a way not a lot of things could. It was fascinating to watch her and figure out how her brain worked, considering its wheels seemed to turn entirely differently than his own. It was also fun to see her freak out over things like these, only to talk her back down because ultimately – these were not things Sam ever thought about. If he wanted to buy a dozen boxes of strawberries, he would. Not even thinking twice about whether or not he’d rob others from their chance. He’d pay for them after all but seeing Amelia worry about it was almost a little grounding – a learning experience. One of many that had accompanied him for the years he’d known her by now. “Damn right! You paid for them – you eat ‘em,” he added with a raise of a brow, his words underlined with a pointed index finger waving around. “Good call. I’d say I could help but…I guess you wanna keep your kitchen in one piece, huh?”

As they settled, Sam let out a breath. It felt good to just sit and let the sun hit his face after the long winter and he allowed his eyes to close for a moment before they blinked open again behind his signature red-tinted sunglasses. A gasp escaped and he sat up a little again. “You’d let me starve? Just like that? Shit, Landry…I know you’re a lot of things but I didn’t think you were heartless after all,” he told her, sulking a little though he was aware she knew about his antics by now – knowing better than to take him seriously. “I’ll be nice,” he promised, holding out his pinky for her to seal the deal. An excited beam washed over his features the moment Amelia unpacked the food and Sam was quick to accept the sandwich and chips. His brows shot up and he snorted before crinkling his nose. “Fuck horseradish,” he huffed under his breath, shuddering as he placed the sandwich down and started unwrapping it. “I appreciate it though. The guy knows what he’s doing so this is gonna be good,” Sam added, rubbing his hands together before his expression fell and he looked back at Amelia a little panicked. “Not that you suck at it or anything! Just – god, keep the horseradish out of my business.”

@crescentstarters​  (0/4)

As much as Sam didn’t want to admit it, he was feeling a little more emotional than expected seeing Sanem and Alli so utterly happy and in love. Sanem was someone he looked up to, someone he admired and a part of him wondered if their rather regular antics would change now that she was settling down. They’d had that conversation and he was sure it was just his ever-looming fear of abandonment hitting him hard but there he was, a drink in his hand and a cigarette in his other as he felt a fairly unfamiliar sting behind his eyes. He let out a snort at himself and reached up to wipe at his eyes a little clumsily, consider he could only use his sleeve to do it with when someone came closer and Sam went right back to being, well, Sam. He immediately cleared his throat and grinned at them widely – yet, there was still a hint of emotion glimmering in his dark eyes. “Shit, you always sneak up on people like that? Can’t get a minute of privacy at functions like that, huh?” He joked, eager to gloss over his moment of weakness.

Liam raised his eyebrows as the younger man gave him a sharp look. “Sorry,” he said. “Occupational hazard.” He chuckled a little and shrugged. “Nine times out of ten, I’d say you’re right, yeah,” he agreed. “I like to think at least a few people out there mature, even if we’re not lucky enough to actually catch them in our orbit.” Liam smiled slightly and shrugged. “It’s probably for the best. I think tag teaming somebody probably sounds a lot cooler in theory rather than being cool in practice.” He smiled faintly as the younger man spoke. “I teach high school, so yeah,” he said. “I’ve broken up more than a few fights in my day.” He paused. “Actually, I’ve broken up more than a few fights this week.”

Sam wasn’t trying to intimidate the other man, let alone drag him into it. He was on edge, there was no denying that so he took in a deep breath and rolled his head to relax his shoulders. “Right – what do you do then?” Sam asked, squinting curiously. “I was just trying to mind my own business. It’s not my problem the dude woke up thinking he had to be a dick today,” he huffed under his breath, clearly not quite over it yet. Snorting, he shrugged. “It can be fun. Not that I’m talking from experience or anything,” Sam joked with a shrug before his question was immediately answered and he huffed. “Man…I was also kind of a dick in high school so my condolences,” he told him almost a little too genuinely. “I see not a lot has changed then, huh?”

“Course I’m breathing, you think I’d get winded so easily. I used to be a gymnast Sam, I can take a lot!” Ty expressed for some odd reason that not even he could comprehend, but his lips were upturned at the edges. A smile tugging at the very corners of his lips the more he got back into the groove of being around one of his band of merry thieves. Childhood friendships usually didn’t mean much after you leave town, but Sam had been one of the reasons why he came back, him, Nadia, Anna, Harlow, even that sweet idiot with the pretty face. Sam was familiar to him, from his sun kissed skin, to the scruff he started sporting and the dark locks of hair that Ty would always complain would be tickling him whenever they were too close for comfort. He remembered the ways his skin was soft, but taut with hard muscle underneath, the curve of his collarbone, even that of his cupids bow. All these little things so eerily familiar to Ty, and for once after coming back, he felt like he was truly home. Sam was home. “The world is fucked up and I’ll make fun of it all.” As he felt an arm around him, protective almost, he took the chance to bury his features there, taking the moment all in before remembering why he was there to begin with. “And yet you seem really happy right now, dweebasorous rex.”

“Oh yes, you’d think I’d be able to stay away from my horse hung monster…personality of a man? I think not. Who else would I call Lord Montgomery at night during our very sexy times.” Ty had to look away to keep himself from laughing, digging into his own pockets briefly to take out a tin of altoids. “He’s not gonna leave so open up, and I’m so gonna hate this.” Jamming a mint into Sam’s mouth, he sighed as he pressed their lips together, trying to not grimace at the fact, before seeing the man had passed out on the street. “Ok, coast is clear.” he sighed. “Be right back,” He told the other as he strolled over in the direction of the other man and checked his pockets for a wallet. Bingo! he smiled as he found it, taking out every bit of cash it had before placing it back where he found it. “That loser is going to treat us to drinks now. I love living in a somewhat rich town, cause that man was loaded. Now let’s go.”

.

A genuine snort escaped Sam in amusement as his lips curled into a smirk, though he immediately tried to downplay it in order to go with the original request that had come with his old friend’s arrival. It felt surreal, having Ty back in town and in his space, even and as much as Sam wished the circumstances could’ve been different, it seemed entirely on brand for them. They’d always been an odd bunch – all of the kids around town that he made a habit hanging out with. Some combinations questionable, others unexpected and some just made sense. He’d never known anything else – had always clung to those near and dear to him in order not to get left behind or disappointed even but as they got older, Sam had to learn that things shifted, some moved, some stayed, others returned – along with it came the sweet joy of seeing someone he was close with and it made him laugh just how much Ty hadn’t changed. The chaos that oozed from him, the dumb jokes, the warmth he radiated. Sam couldn’t wait to dig deeper as to why he was even there. “Well shit…that’s a good fucking point,” he huffed under another chuckle before tugging his friend closer – they were on a mission after all and he rolled his eyes. “Still as full of yourself as always, huh?” He joked. “Jerk.”

The words that followed almost made Sam burst out in laughter but instead, he choked on it, pressing his lips together as his face reddened in an effort not to lose it entirely. “Hate what?!” Sam wasn’t sure what he’d expected but the moment the minty taste spread across his tongue, he almost choked once more, pulling a slight face but giving an exaggerated hum at the kiss pressed to his lips as his dark eyes followed the figure in question, brows pulling together before he pulled away with a mwah. “Look, I’m happy to see you but not that happy – shit,” he cursed under a laugh that he finally got to let out. “Man…didn’t think he was that out of it,” Sam huffed, raising a brow at his friend’s rather questionable choices but then again – payback was a bitch and that might as well cover the discomfort. “Fucking had it coming,” he shrugged, holding up his hand to Ty to get a high-five like the goof he was. “Welcome back in Crescent, baby! Let’s hope I never see that dude walking around Sunstone – not that he’d remember any of that, huh,” Sam called out, already walking along. “Where do you wanna go? Fear Knot like the good ol’ days? You owe me a fucking shot for planting one on me.”

At this point in her life, Kaiya wasn’t sure she even cared if she went down for something stupid like this. Her sense of self-preservation had taken a nose dive in the months since being home, her recklessness taking over more often than not. “Look, dude, if it comes down to it and someone has to take the fall, don’t be an idiot. I can spare a few hits on my rap sheet,” Kai shrugged. Sam had more of a future than she did, at least from where she was at right now. With all of the instructions now pulled up on her phone, Kai looked towards Sam for his opinion before nodding softly. The latter sounded a whole lot easier, which was both exciting and concerning at the same time. Movies always made it look so easy and now here they were attempting it in real life where, apparently, it actually did work in theory. “Alright, let’s see…we need some thin metal that we can just like…jam down in there,” she mused, looking around nearby. She didn’t have anything on her that was long enough to pop the lock they needed to, but a cursory glance showed at least a few trash cans to dig through. “Are we going dumpster diving to find a coat hanger or something similar?” she asked with a bemused laugh, not sure if Sam was down to take it that far. 

Snorting, Sam shook his head. He was a lot of things but he was never going to blame someone else on his bullshit. The young man was well aware of his status, of the perks that came with his name but also – of his reputation. He didn’t need to put the blame on Kaiya, not if he could’ve said no at any given time. “Nah, I’m not gonna put that on you. We’re in this together now,” he told her with a smirk, bumping her shoulder jokingly, yet as if to reassure her that he was being serious for once. His brows pulled together in concentration as the wheels started turning and he tried to figure out how to go about it. Was it even worth it? He huffed out a breath of air as his eyes wandered around. “Right,” he confirmed thoughtfully, pushing his hair back as if it’d help him focus. Another snort escaped and he grimaced, tilting his head at her. “You think that dude’s worth it getting our hands literally fucking dirty?”

❛ Right? ❜ she exclaimed back, mirroring his grimace. ❛ Honestly I was prepared for it, ❜ she snorted out, followed by a roll of her eyes however with a small smile on her lips as she shook her head. Nadia had been a little surprised when he’d walked in fully clothes already but then remembered Sam lived with a woman he likely didn’t want to flash. It was Lily Whittaker after all. Nadia however, he probably didn’t care if he made uncomfortable. She raised his brows when he told her he did indeed have a better idea and then she nodded slowly. Of course the girl knew what he meant. She should have figured. ❛ Well I don’t have any right now so you’re gonna have to share, ❜ she told him. Well, they could always go down to the dispensary, and if he didn’t have any either, they definitely needed to do that. ❛ We could always smoke in the hot tub, right? I mean, if Lily’s okay with that. ❜ 

“It’s called livin‘ on the edge,” Sam told her, his expression almost too serious to be comical but the mischievous sparkle in his eyes gave him away the way it usually did. “I don’t give free shows, Nad,” he teased her, flinging the towel at her with a snort. “I’m terribly sorry for your loss,” the young man continued, a hand resting over his chest as if he was genuine. Both, Lily and Nadia, felt more like siblings than friends at this point. They’d grown up with and alongside each other so not in a million years Sam could deal with the thought of either of them walking in on him naked and it was the other way around. Granted, his relationship with Lily was different that way – he seemed to simmer down around her, mellow out a little. Not in a bad way at all but she made him feel safe and calm and while Nadia did the same, she never seemed to keep his chaotic side at bay. In fact, they brought it out in each other and Sam couldn’t ask for a better way to spend his birthday and favorite holiday. “I always share with you, come on! It’s for sharing,” he told her, his expression serious. It wasn’t like Sam smoked a lot but occasionally and what better occasion was there year and year again? “Lily’s gonna kill me if she finds out,” Sam mumbled, worrying his lip between his teeth as he pondered. “You think she’s gonna? We could be sneaky and head out after,” he mused, raising a brow at Nadia as if to ask for her help.

With: @samaramin​

Where: Somewhere around town

Being back in town meant Ty had the chance to visit the places that his heart yearned for when he’d been gone. His mother’s studio where the glass walls had some of the best views of the coast, where the sunlight streamed in painting the walls in liquid gold. To the smell of fresh coffee streaming out of and wafting into the air from Brews Brothers, to the rich apple scents of Applewood Farm, even the obnoxious sounds of chatter coming from Keysmash where he’d used to once frequent with his friends when nothing in their life seemed to be bleak when the world was just one giant possibility.

Sadly, he was struck with the awful reality that came with living in Crescent Harbor       its people. Particularly the unsavory men that he’d come to find out would be out and about in their stupor, waiting to bother whoever their milky eyes would land on. This time, they had landed on him. Exasperation took over him, his features creasing in disgust as the man would follow him relentlessly, throwing out cat calls and sometimes even lesser desirable comments whenever Ty tried his best to ignore him. He could hear him stomping behind him like an elephant, a big sexist elephant. A little voice in the back of his head reminded him that murder was still considered a crime, even if the so called victim was a man. The voice said “you can’t just threaten someone just because they’re harrassing you like that.” he sighed.

A glimmer of hope shined through as he spotted Sam, someone he’d actually been looking forward to see since his time away. Ty bolted straight towards him, almost barreling in his direction before he stopped dead in his tracks in front of his childhood friend. “Sup, pencil dick. Look, I’m gonna owe you a big one after this but you see that sexist elephant behind me? Yeah, well he’s been bothering me for a while now, and I don’t wanna go to jail so please pretend to be my boyfriend so I don’t end up in cuffs, and spend the rest of my days being someone’s slam piece in Jail. Cause I’m so pretty and desirable, everybody will want me and my ho…” he coughed, almost running out of air. “Hole. Also, hey Sam I’m back.”

.

While Sam had never known anything but Crescent Harbor, there were times where even he enjoyed the town still, finding new spots that he found some kind of beauty in and yet, he’d never been above shit talking the place, cursing it and complaining which often seemed a little misplaced, considering he’d grown up so sheltered. Maybe he’d been too sheltered for too long, crushed by expectations he’d never wanted to honor – especially not after the great loss that came with his mother’s death. It had been then when the urge to strip himself of his family name and the rules that came attached with it but even with the dread that filled him at times, especially when it came to those scary, more official events where he was always expected to show up – sober – as his dad often reminded him, there were certainly things he enjoyed. The steady income despite his inability to settle for anything he enjoyed. The way he knew nothing could happen to him, really, unless his father had enough of him – but he knew that while Rohan could be cold, he’d never actually cut him off.

With the sun finally gracing the town after a long, cold winter, Sam was perfectly content doing what he always did when the weather was warm – hanging around and skating about. He hadn’t even realized the turmoil around him, the music blasting in his headphones when suddenly a very familiar face approached him, lips moving almost too fast and he pulled out his headphones just in time to hear a just as familiar nickname. Pencil Dick. Some things never changed. His mouth dropped open as a million questions were starting to occupy his mind but his lips quickly twisted into a grimace as Ty went on, though the corners of his lips twitched with amusement. “Holy fucking shit – are you even breathing?!” He mumbled towards him, shaking his head as he let out a gasp. “What the fuck is wrong with you, man – don’t joke about that, it’s fucked up,” Sam hissed, giving him a slight shove but could barely contain a snort that threatened to escape him at the situation – of course this was how they met again. While his brows had furrowed in confusion and dark eyes blinked wide, Sam was quick to throw an arm around his old friend, giving him a hug. “Messed. Up,” he breathed under a chuckle at Ty’s exaggeration, pressing a kiss to the side of his head to both get close enough to whisper and use the opportunity to take a closer look at whatever menace was following him. “Good to see you, babe – that fucking dickhead giving you some trouble?” He asked loudly and pointedly, winking at Ty before glaring at the guy from afar.  

Location: Applewood Farms

@samaramin​

“Do you think I took too many strawberries?” Amelia asked, as the two of them walked out from the stand, heading towards the orchard. Maude tacked along at her heels. She dug into her bag, and pulled out one of the containers, and prying it open to hand one off to Sam. “Like, they don’t have a limit per person, but they didn’t have that many out.” She took one for herself, and closed the container, setting it back into the tote she’d brought. “Four boxes seems like a lot. I think the girl at the register was judging me.” 

The orchard itself was only just starting to fill out, leaves popping out, and the flowers taking over most of the growth. Amelia sat down in the grass just outside the orchard, looking over the trees. “I brought actual food, by the way. Sit down so I don’t have to bully you.” 

.

At her question, Sam immediately reached up to lower his sunglasses, blinking at Amelia in a rather exaggerated manner before his mouth opened to let out a gasp. “Too many strawberries?!” He shook his head, long strands of hair swinging around and falling into his face as he did. “There’s no such thing, come on.” He peeked to get a look at the container, his arms crossing as they came to a halt. “You paid for the, right?” Sam tilted his head. “She’ll get the fuck over it - what if you had a whole family to feed? That’s on of anyone’s business or maybe you just really fucking love strawberries. They don’t need to know we’ll have like two containers each,” he teased with a smirk, clearly joking in an attempt to ease her mind. It was funny sometimes, to see how worked up Amelia could get over small details like these when she’d done nothing wrong at all - Sam often wondered what it was like to care so much.

As much as he liked to pretend though, Sam felt utterly content in the moment. The orchard was beautiful, blooming and the spring sun finally coming through. “Fine, bossy pants,” he huffed and swiftly joined her in sitting down, crossing his legs as he reached up drag a hand through his unruly hair. He clapped his hands, a grin spreading as he made grabby hands into her direction. “Whatcha got? Gimme! Or do I have to bully you for once in my life?”

location: hype house, sam’s room closed for @samaramin​

❛ There you are, ❜ she said with a soft sigh when the door opened and Nadia laid her eyes on Sam. Her arms pushed against the mattress of his bed, pushing her up on her knees as dark hues scanned the papers in front of her. Being an actual dance instructor was fun but it also took a bit more work. However, Nadia was organized and had been more than ready for it. ❛ I borrowed your laptop to do some planning while you took one hundred years getting home. Thankfully I didn’t open it to anything nasty. ❜ With a soft snort she quickly e-mailed what she’d written to herself since she hadn’t bothered logging Sam out from his account and then neatly stacked the papers she had brought so she could tuck them back into her bag. ❛ Norah let me in, ❜ she explained. ❛ I brought my bikini, figured we could hog the hot tub since it’s getting warmer. Unless you have a better idea. ❜

“Live and in color and a year closer to leaving my adolescence!” Sam announced with a broad beam as he looked back at his friend, dropping a rather silly looking move while making his way over. His hair was a mess, droplets of water still falling from the loose strands before he grabbed a towel to ruffle through it. “That’s really fucking brave, Nadia – what if you’d found my porn?” He huffed, pulling a face. “Or I could’ve been walking out there in my actual birthday suit! You really got lucky today,” Sam teased her, considering he’d already gotten dressed. With a wriggle of his brows, Sam walked over to the dresser nearby, tilting his head. “Actually, I do…,” he mumbled. “You know, it’s a special day and I’m not just talking about me for once...if you know what I mean.”

One shot, two shot, three. She had lost count how many she had in total as her hands curled around the tiny white glass, drowning the amber liquor down her throat. It burned on its the way, a welcomed pain that she itched to follow. Ignoring the lime on the counter, Dove leaned against the bar. “Another,” she shouted, a hard hand smacking the table. The bartender watched her in wary and the couple beside her stared at one another before rising from their spot. “Good riddance,” she muttered to herself as she settled into her seat, watching the bartender pour. With the couple gone and the buzzing in her head growing stronger, Dove turned towards her right, a newcomer seated far too close. “Can I fucking help you,” she shouted, her voice raised several octaves. Her hand curled around the fabric of the mans shirt, yanking him towards her, until he was eye level. “Your glasses are the shit. Give them to me,” she demanded.

There’d been times where Sam had made a promise to himself more than anyone else that he’d stop drinking – but a part of him had been smart enough to only extend that to most weekdays, yet never the weekends. In a small town like Crescent Harbor, there wasn’t much else to do, especially when you’d been living there for as long as he had. But now, quite a few shots in and now sticking to cocktails, Sam was looking for another way to pass his time. So, he made his way over to the stranger, a gasp escaping him when she gripped his shirt – a stronger grip than he would’ve expected – and pulled him in. “Holy fuck,” he exclaimed and held up his hands in defense, dark eyes blinking away some of the haze. “Not sure you can but letting go of my shirt would be a great fucking start – it’s vintage,” Sam complained, brows pulling together in a puzzled glare. “What the fuck…,” he mumbled, not sure what he’d expected staring at a random new face but apparently, this was what he got. “Those are vintage and designer so…nah, I don’t think so. Sorry ‘bout that.”

She leaned into the chair, nearly swallowed in the plush cushions, holding the can in front of her like a life preserver. “You know I would dare,” Len tossed back, her smile wolfish as he rifled through his clothing, pulling out an unreasonable number of options. “Aesthetic or like— tastelessness?” she asked, no malice in her voice as she looked from a particularly offensive option tossed to the floor and then back to him. Len tucked her feet up now, feeling particularly superior lobbing stones from her glass house. Her own closet was overflowing with objectively ugly items, from split toe boots to gaudy jackets in horribly loud prints. “Dancey,” she confirmed, “We can have a few drinks on the front porch or whatever, but it feels a little less momentous getting your nipples out for just the neighbourhood, you know?” Tipping her head back she drained what was left of her can in one deft glug, tossing the empty into Sam’s wastepaper basket. “Speaking of nipples, did you shave your chest? What’s the scene gonna be through that little shirt? Is it gonna be like a fishing net holding back a Chia pet?” Len pulled a face, nearly plucking herself up out of the seat to help with the search. She changed her mind, flopping back down like a contented house cat, cracking open a new can. “And what are you gonna do for pants? The shirt’s saying you bottom, so maybe try and contrast that a bit with whatever you pick for them.”

“Yeah, you totally would,” Sam agreed in defeat, letting out a breath. He immediately turned when she spoke up again, eyes wide as he reached for his drink to take a healthy sip and he set it back down with a rather scandalized expression. “It’s called personal style,” Sam countered, not sure if repeating his words helped his case because he was well aware that some of the things he’d found at Second Chances were questionable in their own right but he’d never cared all that much. His closet was an array of designer pieces mixed with vintage piece, some second-hand bits here and there but all in all colorful and seemingly random. “Don’t fucking drag me or I’m gonna change my mind. Maybe I’ll just not go dancing and cry myself to sleep tonight because you think my shit’s ugly,” he complained before snorting. “Nah, if anything I wanna get my nipples out for the world to see – the people of the earth deserve it,” he teased with a broad grin before a full laugh ripped from his throat. “It’s cute that you think I could grow that much hair. I’m touched, really,” he cooed, resting a hand over his chest for emphasis. “Just a tiny lil dusting is all,” Sam explained with a shrug before finishing his own drink, tossing it to let it join Len’s empty can before making grabby hands towards her in an attempt to get her to throw another one his way. His brows raised and he tilted his head. “Wait - are you fucking shaming me, Len? Fine. What says whatever goes then since you’re an expert and all. Have at it,” Sam prompted, gesturing at his mess of a closet. “Denim? Leather? Basketball shorts?”  

Andrew grinned as Sam snorted, giving a silent nod of thanks as he lit the end of his cigarette. “He thinks you’re hot,” Andrew teased as the other complained, letting smoke escape from his nose. “I’m willing to bet $10 his name is John,” he continue, pulling the cigarette from his lips to knock off the ash. Sam’s comment about the guy being so miserable that he openly picked fights in public with people half his age made Andre’s nose scrunch up in distaste. He was pretty miserable, but he wasn’t that bad. Then again, another twenty years and he might be whatever the male version of a Karen was. Andrew nodded as more smoke left his nose. “There’s an abandoned house with an empty pool if you’d wanna try that out? Might run the risk of pissing off more old rich people, though.”

A cackle escaped Sam’s lips along with a cloud of smoke as he huffed, pulling a face as he faked a gag. “Holy shit – I swear by my fucking daddy issues...that’s not it,” he joked in his usual over-exaggerated manner. “Nah, he looks like a Dick – literally.” With that, Sam took another long drag from his cigarette, exhaling it with a shake of his head. “Either way, I didn’t do anything to make him mad. This isn’t even his property so he can fuck all the way off,” he mumbled, still not at all over it but his anger was slowly simmering down. His head turned almost immediately at Andrew’s suggestion and he looked back at him with an excited glimmer in his eyes. “They’ll get over it – let’s go! I’m a sucker for abandoned houses. I got some friends in the ghost hunters’ squad so…the more abandoned the better. What neighborhood?” He asked, already starting to walk, despite not knowing the direction, yet he looked back at the other man in anticipation.