NO DAY BUT TODAY

Casey nodded along to the words Savannah spoke, making note of it and smiling. She was glad to know where she could find the girl if she ever needed to see her. “Oh, you own this place? That’s amazing.” She grinned lightly. “About a week? Definitely on the newer side when it comes to being in town. I, uh…” How was she going to explain her decision to come here? “…Wanted to see what this place held for me.” Yeah, that was it. Casey decided to take her on mind off of it by returning the attention to Savannah. “So on a scale from one to ten, how much cooler did you make this place?” She asked with a cheeky grin. She could only assume someone as wonderful as Savannah would only make an establishment like this better.

Savannah was definitely proud of her little shop, too. It had been a major risk any every last dollar she’d saved up working for the past few years had gone into it but it had been worth it in the end. Regulars kept coming back, the location was decent enough for strangers to walk by often enough to wander inside and word-of-mouth was the most important thing anyway. She wasn’t going to get rich from it or even pay a second employee but it paid the bills. “A week? Holy shit. I feel like I gotta throw you a Welcome Party now. Why Seattle of all places?” Casey’s question had her grinning, head tilting back so she could look around the store. “Fifty-seven. First of all, the name had to go. I have a whole notebook full of potential tattoo parlor name ideas so my time had definitely come. The guy who owned it wasn’t too bad aside from that but I painted the whole place and obviously filled it with my art.”

“We should totally go there!” Jaron announced in an excitable manor, as he jumped down from the bar stool and pulled Savannah gently by her arm. “Come on boo, you can be my wing lady or.. whatever. Or, we can just dance and drink some more.” He giggled. “Probably the latter, actually.. I have a boyfriend at home, in Denver.” Jaron explained, a frown creeping onto his forehead. It hadn’t even been a week and he was missing the other like absolute crazy. 

“Wait -- now?” she asked, mildly surprised about the sudden change in plans but certainly never complaining to be leaving a straight bar. Still, she was slightly afraid that this would end with her having to try and maneuver this dude into a cab at some point soon and that was annoying enough when it were her actual friends. “Yeah, dude. If you’re already hitting on the bartenders, I feel like you should probably chill out on more drinks, too. But I’m down for the Purr so long as you don’t pass out on me.”

Marisol nodded, amused about how quickly the topic changed to tattoos. Obviously, she was passionate about them. At least it seemed like it. “Wow, I don’t think I could do tattoo’s, nevertheless that many tattoos to take up that much of my arm.” She laughed as Savannah denied her ability to get her to wear anything other than black,blue, or army green. “So you think, and how can you improve your closet if you’re so closed off to them?” She raised an eyebrow. “You’re being prejudice to these poor colors. They could be some of the most flattering colors on you.”

“Why’s that?” Savannah questioned, one corner of her lips twitching up into a smirk. “Too much of a statement sleeve?” In all honestly, Savannah knew tattoos weren’t for everyone, let alone large ones that were visible at all times. Too much commitment. But as far as Savannah was concerned, they were just part of her journey. “Who said I wanted to improve my closet in the first place?” she asked, tone joking enough to not come across too serious. “Let me live my dark colored life. What am I gonna do, buy a shit ton of pastel clothing and look like a unicorn next time I dye my hair?”

BOLD what applies to your muse.

PLACE IN SOCIETY

financial: wealthy / moderate / poor / in poverty.

medical: fit / moderate / sickly / disabled / disadvantaged.

class or caste: upper / middle / working / slave / unsure.

education: qualified / unqualified / studying.

criminal record: yes, for major crimes / yes, for minor crimes / no.

FAMILY

married - happily / married - unhappily / engaged or betrothed / partnered / single / divorced / separated.

has a child or children / has no children / wants children.  

close with sibling(s) / not close with sibling(s) / has no siblings / sibling(s) is deceased.

orphaned / adopted / disowned / raised by birth parent(s).

TRAITS + TENDENCIES

extroverted / introverted / in between.

disorganized / organized / in between.

close minded / open-minded  / in between.

calm / anxious / in between.

disagreeable / agreeable / in between.

cautious / reckless / in between.

patient / impatient / in between.

outspoken / reserved / in between.

leader / follower / in between.

empathetic / unemphatic / in between.

optimistic / pessimistic / in between.

traditional / modern / in between.

hard-working / lazy / in between.

cultured / un-cultured / in between.

loyal / disloyal / in between.

faithful / unfaithful / unknown.

BELIEFS:

monotheist / polytheist / atheist / agnostic.

belief in ghosts or spirits: yes / no / don’t know / don’t care.

belief in an afterlife: yes / no / don’t know / don’t care.

belief in reincarnation: yes / no / don’t know / don’t care.

belief in aliens: yes  / no / don’t know / don’t care.

religious: orthodox / liberal / in between / not religious.

philosophical: yes / no.

OPINIONS

pro-choice / anti-abortion /  doesn’t know or on the fence.

pro-marriage / anti-marriage / doesn’t know or on the fence.

pro-death penalty / anti-death penalty  / doesn’t know or on the fence.

pro-drug legislation / anti-drug legislation / doesn’t know or on the fence.

left wing / right wing / middle / doesn’t know or on the fence.

SEXUALITY + ROMANTIC INCLINATION

heterosexual / homosexual / bisexual / asexual / pansexual.

sex repulsed / sex neutral / sex favourable.

romance repulsed (in general) / romance neutral / romance favourable.

sexually: adventurous / experienced / naive / inexperienced / curious.

potential sexual partners: male / female / agender / other / none / all.

potential romantic partners: male / female / agender / other / none / all.

ABILITIES

combat skills: excellent / good / moderate / poor / none.

literacy skills: excellent / good / moderate / poor / none

artistic skills: excellent / good / moderate / poor / none

technical skills: excellent / good / moderate / poor / none.

HABITS

drinking alcohol: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

smoking: never / sometimes / frequently (marijuana) / to excess. 

other narcotics: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

medicinal drugs: never / sometimes  / frequently / to excess. 

indulgent food: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess. 

splurge spending: never / sometimes / frequently / to excess.

The bartender looked over his shoulder, and narrowed his eyes towards Jaron in a very, non-amused fashion, before looking back and continued to serve the customers on the other side of the bar. Jaron gasped, and pouted out his lips and looked across to the female sat beside him. “If you pull her, we can’t be friends because like.. I’am sex deprived and when your used to receiving it daily then not at all, it’s hard.” Jaron giggled, and laughed even harder at the pun he’d included, without even realising. “Oh my gosh, wait.. that pun was sooo intended like, ahhh..” He continued to laugh, and rest his head against the girls shoulder. Jaron was, without a doubt, very drunk. “Can you recommend a gay bar around here?” 

Savannah watched the entire journey the stranger went on right before her eyes with raised eyebrows. Clearly she had some catching up to do as far as drinks went -- she was slightly tipsy but definitely not drunk enough for this quite yet. With that notion, she raised her beer and took a long swig. “Dear god. I feel like that issue shouldn’t be too hard to fix one way or another but, y’know. You do you,” she shrugged, eyes cutting back to the bartender for a second ebfore deciding that clearly, this was not the time. Maybe another day. “Depends what you’re looking for. My personal favorite’s the Purr. It’s chill, they got good music, good atmosphere and actually decent food, too.”

Seb laughed, leaning back in the seat. He craved a cigarette, something to toy with between his fingers– the hospital wouldn’t allow it indoors and already he was calculating his small window for indulgence between the ride and work. Dark eyes glanced over at the woman, lips split in a grin at her series of questions. “I’ve got a knack for it, I guess. I’m twenty-five.” The interest made him smile wider, “I mostly just learn by ear, I can’t write any of them worth a shit–” He could barely write in English, for what counted, “But honest to god I learned Polish and Romanian from bodega owners in Greenpoint.”

“Jesus,” she muttered, head shaking. Two languages was enough for her -- granted, she’d never taken an intense interest in other languages either but that seemed both impressive and like way too much work. Even if the idea of being able to communicate with people from all over the place was really cool. “This just proves, once again, that bodegas are a god-sent gift and deliver so much more than just the best soda in town. There’s an amazing one around the corner from where I live and I swear, that’s my personal candystore.”

Katrina paused in front of the glass window of the pub, assessing her look one last time before heading in. She hadn’t wanted to come, there was something incredibly miserable about being somewhere without a sidekick, but it was Saint Patrick’s Day (not really, but trust Seattle to fuck that up) and of all the things she could use, a free drink sat high on the list. With one more fuss over her hair, she glanced at the door and the patron already heading in. 

“Wait,” she called, rushing over. “How do I look?”

A good, comfy night at a pub with fun company was high on the list of Savannah’s favorite things to do that weren’t adventure-related. Of course, a belated St. Patrick’s Day was the perfect reason to carve out a couple days to do just that. And so, she headed out with tentative plans to meet some friends at one of the bars at some point but no doubt that she’d be fine if that didn’t happen either.

A stranger’s voice stopped her short of heading into one of the bars she didn’t often go to but that promised cheap drinks. Turning, her eyes caught sight of a woman around her age and she took a moment to look her up and down. “You look great,” she assured, eyes returning to the other’s face. “Ten out of ten, would recommend. You waiting for someone?”

Jaron was never one to miss a party, and what better way then to make new connections with people with a big gathering? He ventured out alone around two hours ago, continuously reminding himself to behave and not to consume too much alcohol - though with a few vodka’s knocked back, joined with shots, Jaron was far from sober. He was sat up at the bar in one crowded pub, and glanced across to a young girl who seemed to be trying to chat up the bartender. It was amusing to witness, and Jaron really couldn’t help but to join in with the conversation. 

“Who am I kissing?” Jaron smirked, his eyes taking in the amazing sight of the bartender.  He’d always been naturally flirty. “Please tell me that you are gay right now, because like.. you look delicious!” 

Savannah’s head jerked sideways at the sudden voice, brows knitting together. Obviously, she was hoping for a certain level of gayness as well but in that case, something told her they weren’t talking about the same person. Confusion showing in her face, she glanced around until she caught sight of a second bartender, working the other side of the bar. “All yours, I don’t want that one,” she assured, flapping a hand in both of their general directions.

“’m talking to her,” she added, pointing a finger at the woman in front of her. “Take your time, just -- think about it. Leprechauns live at he end of the rainbow. When will we ever get a chance to be this topical again? But. Y’know. I get it. No fraternizing with clients, ‘s cool. Maaaaybe after your shift, though?”

savannah was always game for a good party, as long as it was somewhat casual. and an event centered purely around believing in leprechauns and getting drunk was something she could definitely get behind. so of course she was out. not owning a single piece of clothing that was at least mostly green (aside from socks), she had to borrow from a friend but ended up pretty much decked out -- all the way to the green lipstick.

“okay but, how do you know kissing me won’t bring you luck if you don’t even try it?” she pointed out, wagging a finger at the bartender when she handed her another beer. “i’m just saying. mexican leprechauns. get on it.”

Casey giggled at her words. “Well, I am a gentleman and a scholar, I would clearly buy you a coffee and a scone before any shirts were lifted.” She adjusted her glasses. At the reveal of the woman’s name, she smiled. Savannah. It was nice to put a name to the face. It fit her. Casey couldn’t help but feel like she was one new friend she was about to make.

“Yeah, of course,” Casey enthused. She slipped her phone out from her back pocket and swiped her thumb across the screen to unlock the device before handing it to the girl.

“And you know, even if I don’t get that tattoo, I’d probably still want to get one anyway. Who knows, maybe I’ll just come in here one day and ask you to surprise me. From what I’ve seen from your tattoos, you have great taste.” She chuckled. “Have you worked here long?”

“Oh, shit. If I’d known I’m gonna be wined and dined like this, I’d have played a little harder to get,” she pointed out, lips pulling into an over-dramatic pout. The chances of Savannah saying no to free food were near zero at any given moment. If it was being sponsored by nice girls, that was even better as far as she was concerned.

Taking the phone from her, Savannah was quick to type in her number. "Gonna call myself so I got yours too,” she explained before doing just that, hanging up when she heard her phone buzzing from behind the counter and handing this one back.

“Yeah, no pressure! Honestly, feel free to drop by just to talk. I’m sitting here pretty much all day anyway, I’m always thankful for something to do when it’s empty.” The comment about her art had Savannah smiling happily -- it was one of the things she took great pride in. “Kinda? I took over this shop about... a year ago from the previous owner. Totally revamped it, though. How long have you been in Seattle?”

“Ha. I was going to say no, but since you’re throwing a drink in…” She ws all smile (perhaps the clearest indication that she is joking), that she tried to hide by licking her spoon. This was nice. It would be nice, too — Something to keep her mind off everything (even off being a mother) for one night, where the sole focus would be her friend. And maybe Savannah would not really need her help (maybe she would. Araceli had never gone out with her before), but this would be a good night. “I can’t wait. And, you know, maybe I’ll even end up dancing on the tables or something. I haven’t done that in a while.”

The idea of Malena throwing it down on a table at a gay bar was pretty tempting to Savannah. She’d been there and honestly, it were some of the best experiences of her life. While Savannah was absolutely the making-the-world-her-oyster kind of person, there was something about community that she missed in the big city. Seattle wasn’t exactly the neighborhood her grandma’s house had been in, where she knew everyone and could chill on someone’s porch if she forgot her keys. The bar gave her a sense of that. “Yeah right, and then you get laid before I do? I don’t think so.”

Janell scoffed but let a smile come across her face. “Alright, true.” She took the board from her hands and looked down the hill. It seemed steep from this angle but she literally just had watched Savannah survive. “Can two people fit on this board?” She asked, knowing it wasn’t possible. Taking a seat on the board, she scooted herself down and finally flew to the bottom of the hill in almost no time. Clothes pretty soaked, at least she didn’t wipe out like her friend had. “I survived!” She called from the bottom of the hill.

“I mean, we can fit. We just won’t be going anywhere,” Savannah pointed out with a shrug. It had been hard enough for just her to actually get in motion -- she doubted they’d move even an inch with the both of them sitting on that board. Before she knew it, though, Janell was sliding down the hill and Savannah’s arms thrust up in excitement. “Oh my god!” she called, hurrying down as fast as she could without slipping. “I have never been this proud of you in my entire life.”

“I was thinking of bruschetta when I was picked up but now you’ve got my heart twisting.” His grin was wide and perfect, two years in braces had given him the smile that he flaunted today– an easy match to golden features. “Jesus, you make Seattle seem gorgeous. New York’s so fucking blue if they even saw the font they won’t pick the bastard up.” Sebastian laughed, “Romanian, German, Bulgarian, Polish…” He trailed off, “Yeah, basically. Sometimes it’s at consulates, sometimes at hospitals. Once in a while I get called in for some stuff at the newspaper. It’s cool, you meet a lot of people.”

“Good!” she returned, face twisting up at the mere memory of that Uber ride. What she’d learned from that was that fighting someone in backseat was practically impossible and you could, in fact, get banned from the app even just as a costumer. But like she’d said -- she as allowed back now. “Maybe they can hitch a carriage to match their last.century views.” Her eyebrows raised at the mention of a number of languages. “Jesus Christ. How do you even know all these languages? How old are you? When have you learned all of these?”

“And, sometimes if you’re friendly enough, they throw in garlic bread for free. Has your oven ever given you free shit for being sweet to it?” Seb grinned, his hand carding through blonde hair that was likely in need of a trim. “I’ll probably try it again another time, this is kind of nice. Social, but without the whole, city bus vibe.” He shook his head. “Nah, I’m healthy as a horse. It’s for work, there’s just this Romanian family checked in right now and they don’t speak a lick of English. Sometimes I get called in for translation stuff so that they’re not doing operations or giving meds that no one wants.”

“Oh fuck, I could go for some garlic bread right now,” she groaned, shoulders deflating at that very thought. Granted, Savannah could go for garlic bread at any given moment. “Right? I mean, I did get stuck in the backseat with a dude in his fifties who smelled like he had rolled in garlic bread before getting in the car and who wore a Make America Great Again shirt once. But, I’m allowed back on the app now!” she explained with a bright smile. “Thank god. That’s cool though. You speak Romanian, then? Is this what you do, job wise? Drive around the city and translate at random places?”

The ass… of a frog. Maybe it was all of the emotions running rampant in her that she was trying to contain, but that had Casey break into a laugh she couldn’t stop even if she tried. She settled her laughter some moments later, a few chuckles still spilling out as she spoke.

“Well, your grandmother is a person with some words, lemme tell you. I don’t think just anyone could come up with a nugget like that if they tried.”

She beamed; she’d hold that little story close if she ever needed a pick-me-up.

“But that’s beautiful. In it’s silly little way, so heartwarming. And all encompassing. Everything a tattoo should be. Thank you for sharing that with me, uh…” Oh gosh. Of course, she just realized she never got her name. Shucks. She squeezed her eyes shut briefly before extending her hand. “I’m a dunce. Who’s also named Casey, by the way. I don’t think I’ve told you that. And here you are, showing me your mid-riff and telling me about your abuela and tattoos.”

If she was being honest, it was more along the lines of the butt of a frog. The cute version of that, too. The little butt of a frog. But Savannah liked to think in extremes and she had a feeling if she asked her grandma to translate, she’d go with ass too.

“She’s the best. We have matching tattoos,” she explained, putting her shirt back down and flipping over her hand to reveal a frog on the inside of her left wrist. As far as Savannah was concerned, her grandma was the coolest person on the planet -- which also immediately made her homesick. Mentally, she made a note to call her later.

The other’s -- Casey’s -- words had Savannah laughing and she shrugged a shoulder nonchalantly. “Consider yourself lucky. Normally I make people buy me, like, at least a coffee or so before I start taking my shirt off.” Which was a lie. Savannah was very easy to please. “I’m Savannah, it’s really nice to meet you. Do you wanna exchange numbers in case you change your mind on that tattoo?”