𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕤𝕒𝕧𝕒𝕘𝕖

Kit’s lithe form squirms from the swarm of bodies in search of momentary peace, seeking out the confines of a bathroom where she’d likely forget why she entered at all, instead peering back at the girl in the mirror to the muffled tune of a top forty hit. Digits descend to a handle and she slips in, bringing a duo of tangled bare limbs into swift view. The brunette exits as gracefully as she enters: a stumble, as the crescent of a mouth splits in laughter. “Saints are busy sinning,” mirth sets her aglow within the hall’s dim light as she turns to the other frame seemingly waiting for the bathroom as well. “Let’s find somewhere else,” she leaves no room for the other to decline, hooking their frames together at the elbow.  “One of their neighbours comes in to the shop, and says the people who live here fuck like rabbits. She claims she can see it through her window and has seen them have orgies in the living room,” Kit hiccups, looking over at her newfound company with a beam, “think thats on the agenda for tonight?”

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𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐒  𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐑𝐋  in  stella’s  vision  despite  the  lack  of  light  in  the  hallway  .  a  little  pill  long  dissolved  on  her  tongue  brings  forth  a  different  party  of  its  own  nature  ––––  she  welcomes  the  high  ,  the  way  it  tickles  sunkissed  skin  as  a  melodic  voice  fills  the  hall  .  stella  turns  to  who  it  belongs  ,  ruby  lips  curling  into  a  smile  at  the  description  of  the  home’s  occupants  .  “  maybe  if  we’re  lucky  ,  ”  she  whispers  back  with  an  arm  interlocking  through  the  fellow  brunettes  .  stella  doesn’t  question  the  guidance  away  from  the  spot  as  she  floats  on  air  now  set  on  a  new  adventure  .  though  she  shifts  to  lower  her  hand  and  lace  fingers  between  the  other’s  ,  two  temptations  interlocked  and  weaving  their  way  through  the  guests  celebrating  len’s  birthday  .  “  i’ll  be  a  little  disappointed  if  we  don’t  at  least  get  some  type  of  show  tonight  .  ”

stella: hey pretty lady

stella: a little birdie told me nomad's is putting out a whole new arrival of clothes tomorrow

mick: did he tell you right after that he didn't actually want to go out anyways

mick: and that he's out of your league or something sad and desperate afterwards

mick: he had those Vibes

stella: his face turned really red and that's when i left

“And the bakery,” he reminds, gesturing up the block. “For later, of course,” he says, and yet when they make their way into the tiny stores, he swears he could eat four of the colorful cakes that laid sliced behind the counter. Oz leans against the counter. “I’m getting strawberry,” he decides, glancing back behind him. “Maybe macaroons for the house,” he adds, staring between his options. “You know, it’s weird. It’s been getting quieter there,” he admits. “Or maybe I just haven’t been around as much.”

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“  𝐈𝐓  𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒  you  know  ?  there’s  always  that  excitement  when  you  move  into  a  place  but  then  everyone  settles  into  their  routines  ,  they  meet  other  people  –––  ”  stella  keeps  eyes  on  the  pastry  case  in  front  of  them  ,  a  mental  list  made  of  which  oversized  cookies  she  plans  on  taking  back  to  costa  and  some  chocolate-coated  cheesecake  bites  as  well  .  “  well  i  know  you’re  not  spending  all  your  time  with  me  so  who  exactly  is  keeping  you  out  of  the  house  ,  hmm  ?  ”  a  brow  raises  as  stella  turns  to  look  at  oz  ,  one  hand  on  her  hip  as  she  waits  for  an  answer  .

stella: remember your student's dad who snitched?

stella: he asked me out on a date today

Dove lifts her shoulders. “It’s not so bad,” she says, toying with the drink presented out in front of her. “I’m good on my own,” she insists, despite not remembering the last time she’d been left alone. “It’s the quiet that fucks me,” she says, though lifts her drink to cheer with her friend. Dove drowns her lies with her liquor and slips into the next conversation like slipping into an old pair of sneakers: familiar, comfortable, and even if it’s a little worn out, it’s exactly as you’d expect it. “Well we played. Hung out with Nik for a bit. Got high with Rain. Conned some people out of their money. Used it for drinks. Got into a disagreement about…” She hesitates, shaking her head. “I forgot what. Pretty usual,” she summarizes. “Didn’t see Gabe much though. How’s things with him?” 

.

𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀  𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒  𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋  how  the  apartment  was  never  quite  so  quiet  when  dove  lived  there  and  it  was  comforting  ,  a  reminder  of  home  where  the  noise  never  stopped  .  fingers  catch  her  straw  to  give  the  drink  a  quick  stir  ,  nodding  at  the  mention  of  the  show  they  played  at  the  party  .  “  an  amazing  set  ,  as  always  ––––  it’s  so  great  you  guys  are  in  town  now  ,  not  that  i  don’t  love  traveling  for  shows  but  this  just  means  getting  to  see  you  perform  more  .  ”  as  the  bartender  passes  by  stella  catches  his  attention  ,  putting  an  order  in  for  a  round  of  tequila  shots  as  the  conversation  topic  switches  back  onto  her  .  shoulders  shrug  in  reference  to  the  lead  singer  ,  painted  lips  lifting  up  in  a  smile  as  she  looks  towards  dove  .  “  things  are  the  same  ,  we’re  hanging  out  and  enjoying  each  other’s  company  ––––  and  the  company  of  others  .  ”  it’s  no  secret  the  relationship  she  has  with  the  lead  singer  isn’t  exclusive  or  defined  by  any  one  word  ,  a  situation  she’s  completely  content  with  .  “  truthfully  i  haven’t  seen  a  lot  of  him  either  these  last  few  days  .  ”

Gabe leaned back against the wall, one leg stretching out long as he made himself more comfortable in the chair. He dwarfed it, with his long frame, and he supposed that Stella’s view was comical enough to draw a smile not her mouth, curved indulgently. “Are you volunteering? I’ll lick the stamp and everything.” Humour sat in his dark eyes and his fingers continued to brush along the strings, casting his attention down on the chords while he began to sing the lines that had been written for her. His intention had always been to snag her attention, to hold it like a prize— and now that he had it, Gabe felt triumphant enough to raise his voice. Not Wonderwall indeed, it was something special, and he continued for a few bars, aware of the silence that left him as the centrepiece of the room. One last strum rang through and he looked back up. “And for me, it’ll always be Stella.” A lopsided grin tugged onto his lips, “D’ya like it?”

“I’ve got you. Food is my speciality,” he assures, propping his piece into his mouth. Oz leaned back in his seat as she spoke. “Sounds like Joey,” he admits, never knowing the girl to back out of something she enjoyed. He takes a sip of his water, their third round arriving along with the waitress. He orders four more to keep their meal flowing, pulling the plate forward. “The only place I’ve had better is in New York,” he admits when the waitress is an ear shot away. “There’s a place in Greenwich Village that’s just fantastic,” he says, digging into the newest piece. “Though admittedly, there’s not a lot not great there.”

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“  𝐈𝐅  𝐈  𝐀𝐌  𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑  in  new  york  then  i’ll  have  to  check  it  out  ,  risk  exposure  to  hipsters  but  if  this  sushi  is  as  good  as  you’re  making  it  sound  then  it’s  worth  it  .  ”  stella  doesn’t  hesitate  to  dive  into  her  share  of  the  food  between  them  ,  the  pair  making  fast  work  of  a  few  rounds  before  it  feels  as  if  her  stomach  is  going  to  explode  .  she  sets  the  chopsticks  down  and  leans  back  against  the  padded  cushion  of  the  booth  seat  ,  a  slow  sigh  exhaling  past  her  lips  as  she  looks  at  oz  .  “  this  was  exactly  what  i  needed  ,  wow  ––––  i  can’t  believe  i  am  going  to  have  to  make  this  drive  whenever  i  want  sushi  now  ,  ”  she  says  with  a  laugh  .  stella  sits  back  up  to  have  a  quick  drink  of  water  ,  quite  ready  for  the  food  coma  that  would  normally  follow  a  meal  like  this  .  “  we  might  need  to  walk  around  before  getting  back  in  the  car  ,  burn  off  some  calories  .  there  was  a  cute  little  shop  we  walked  past  on  the  way  here  .  ”

“Really boring,” she admits, leaning against the bar. “He’s not really there much. He pretty much comes in just to pass out – if that,” she informs, turning towards the bartender. Dove orders her usual: a whiskey sour and a round of shots for the pair of them. Once the bartender turns his back to them, she continues. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s the perfect situation. His place is immaculately clean and huge. He doesn’t even step foot into my room because he’s scared shitless of a little,“ a big, “mess. And honestly,” she shakes her head, “I think he prefers to be here.” She gestures around them to the currently quiet club that pressed forward to serve the early birds. “Not that I can complain,” she says, exchanging a polite nod to the bartender as he slid their drinks forward. Dove lifts her glass towards Stella. “Cheers to a free room, I guess?” 

.

“  𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐒  –––––  lonely  .  ”  stella  craves  the  company  of  people  ,  whether  physically  or  emotionally  .  sure  she  can  handle  being  alone  but  life  is  always  so  much  more  enjoyable  with  someone  by  her  side  .  having  dove  move  out  left  a  bit  of  a  hole  in  the  apartment  ,  having  grown  accustomed  to  the  guitar  late  at  night  and  even  the  morning  grumpiness  .  but  she  couldn’t  be  happier  her  friend  found  a  perfect  situation  ,  even  if  for  her  own  ears  it  sounds  a  little  less  than  perfect  .  “  cheers  to  a  free  room  and  a  sexy  man  who  occasionally  makes  an  appearance  ,  ”  stella  says  with  a  clink  of  her  glass  against  dove’s  .  she  savors  a  quick  sip  of  her  own  vodka  lemonade  ,  lips  puckering  subtly  at  the  sourness  of  the  lemonade  before  smiling  .  “  catch  me  up  on  your  escapades  from  the  full  moon  party  ,  i  feel  like  i  barely  saw  you  .  ”

“I’m down,” he says with a nod of his head, tearing open the package of chopsticks in hand. Oz sits up to eat, a habit formed as a consequence of his upbringing. He toys with the chopsticks, placing them gently in between his fingers and picks the sushi by the end. He saviors the dish, his expression mirroring Stella’s sentiment. He nods his head, going for a second. “Even the oyster place doesn’t stand a chance,” he responds. As their first plate clears and their second dish arrives, Oz slows down and returns to conversation. “Alright, this one’s a little sweet, but don’t let that throw you off. It’s one of my favorites,” he informed, taking his own piece. “Are you and Joey close? I feel like I lost track of everyone’s lives for a bit.”

.

“  𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓  𝐈𝐒  𝐌𝐘  𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘  ,  ”  stella  says  eyeing  the  newest  plate  in  front  of  them  .  really  there  hasn’t  been  a  sushi  she  has  yet  to  dislike  and  so  far  all  of  oz’s  suggestions  were  far  exceeding  her  expectations  .  she  takes  a  bite  first  to  try  it  without  anything  extra  ,  hips  wiggling  in  her  seat  at  how  good  it  tastes  .  “  oz  ,  i  really  hope  you  are  prepared  for  what  this  means  in  our  relationship  ––––  constant  text  messages  of  me  asking  for  food  suggestions  because  wow  ,  just  wow  .  ”  stella  finishes  up  the  piece  in  hand  before  reaching  for  a  second  ,  setting  it  down  on  her  plate  first  to  have  a  quick  drink  .  “  i  like  to  think  we  are  close  gal  pals  ,  getting  tequila  drunk  at  noon  on  a  tuesday  .  not  everyone  is  down  for  that  you  know  ?  ”

“Hmm, shiver’s kind of sexy,” she mused, lyrics strung together on her tongue. “She dressed in gold and silver. She bites down on a bullet. She makes a man want to shiver,” she sang, her voice too clear and too innocent, a strike contrast from the rasp of Gabe’s or the drawl of Nik’s. There’s a reason why Dove doesn’t sing even if the lyricist isn’t one to shy away. She tucks the song away in her memory bank, types the word ‘shiver’ in her phone to trigger the thought, and shoves it back into her purse slipping into the nightclub with her former housemate. “Did I tell you this is where I met the guy,” she said, recalling the man she could only describe as tall, dark and fuck-able. “I was half convinced he was a serial killer. I kind of wish he was, but he said he owned the place so who knows.” 

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“  𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘  𝐒𝐄𝐗𝐘  lyrics  ,  i  like  you  serenading  so  much  more  than  gabe  .  ”  stella  gives  the  other  a  playful  wink  at  the  mention  of  her  bandmate  ,  not  quite  something  the  two  have  discussed  though  even  she  isn’t  quite  sure  what  to  call  them  .  for  this  time  of  day  daddy’s  is  more  tame  ,  natural  light  flooding  the  entrance  rather  than  the  typical  darkness  and  neon  .  stella  waves  at  the  hostess  and  takes  it  upon  herself  to  lead  dove  to  the  bar  ,  another  wave  given  to  the  bartender  before  she  turns  to  her  friend  .  “  the  guy  ,  i  still  have  a  bone  to  pick  with  him  for  leaving  me  all  by  my  lonesome  in  that  apartment  –––––  but  so  happy  for  you  to  have  a  dick  to  bounce  on  on  the  regular  and  conveniently  located  too  .  how  are  things  going  at  home  with  daddy  dom  ?  ”

Where Stella is subtle, Joey is not—she’s busy squinting at the stranger’s t-shirt in a valiant attempt to decipher the slogan there, distorted by the sheer size of her rack. “If ever there was a reason to start believing in Jesus,” Joey’s hand flies in a quick sign of the cross, “can I get an Amen?” What she gets is a scoff of outrage from the next table; a gaggle of old ladies, one step away from clutching their rosary beads. Joey waggles her fingers at them in greeting. “Fuck yeah,” she scoops the ice from her drink with her straw to chew on. “We’ll see if her tiddies bounce when she walks over. The ultimate test.”

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𝐀𝐓  𝐓𝐇𝐄  𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍  𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄  𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌  stella  flashes  a  quick  wink  then  turns  once  more  to  look  at  the  topic  of  their  discussion  ,  not  surprised  at  the  other  woman  coming  to  approach  their  table  .  she  catches  the  straw  of  her  drink  between  her  lips  ,  playfully  biting  the  end  as  she  comes  to  a  stop  in  front  of  their  table  ,  introducing  herself  to  them  both  .  “  jessie  ,  what  a  cute  name  ––––  i’m  stella  ,  this  is  my  very  dear  friend  joey  .  both  of  us  were  wondering  if  you  want  to  join  us  for  a  round  of  tequila  shots  ?  i  happen  to  personally  believe  things  are  much  more  enjoyable  when  it’s  done  in  a  threesome  .  ”

Dove nodded her head as she slid into the elevator, knuckles pressed down on the worn out ‘L’ on the set of buttons that lead down to the street. “You wouldn’t believe the things he can do with his hands,” she said with a sly curl of her lips. She could still feel the ghost of his fingers tightened around her throat, so hard she swore it would bruise the next day. She rubbed her neck at the thought, the elevator doors prying open and settling to the ground with a delayed thump. Dove exited first, leading the pair into the streets that she had yet to consider familiar. Her eyes drifted to her jeep as Stella spoke, a double chick from her pocket ensuring it was locked. She’d have to come back for her things another day. There were more important things in pursuit, like their right to get hammered on a Wednesday afternoon. “Know what rhymes with ‘silver’? I’m fucking stuck.“

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“  𝐎𝐇  𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐇  ?  maybe  i’ll  have  to  introduce  myself  one  of  these  days  ,  i  always  appreciate  a  man  who  knows  how  to  use  his  hands  .  ”  stella  pulls  her  lipstick  out  from  her  purse  as  they  walk  ,  easily  applying  a  quick  touch-up  with  a  mirror  necessary  as  its  almost  second  nature  to  apply  .  she  walks  casually  beside  dove  ,  eyes  flickering  over  the  names  of  bars  as  the  two  venture  from  her  downtown  apartment  to  the  heart  of  the  action  .  “  with  silver  ?  hmm  ––––  deliver  ,  quiver  ,    shiver  ,  caterpillar  ,  ”  the  last  she  says  with  a  laugh  .  stella  catches  the  sign  for  daddy’s  from  across  the  street  ,  a  look  given  to  dove  as  she  takes  the  initiative  to  lead  the  way  .  “  happy  hour  just  started  so  perfect  timing  .  ”

who: @stellamcnroe​ where: outside daddy’s

Close to twilight was when Leo felt the most at peace in the quaint town of Costa Del Sol. Most of the town’s residents were deep in slumber, while those who were awake by choice were among the heartbroken and the ravers. It was a night off for Leo — he wasn’t due to play at Daddy’s nor was he needed in LA. Although in ways, he was still at work, wandering around from pavements to bars for his next hit of inspiration. It was as he was passing the town’s local club that his eyes caught on to a recognizable figure. “Stella.” She was alone. The volume of his voice was minimal, cautious not to frighten her. “Were you working tonight? Or just out?”

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𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀  𝐖𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐒  goodbye  to  her  company  for  the  evening  ,  watching  as  friends  slip  off  into  an  uber  together  .  although  they  were  ready  to  call  it  a  night  she  was  far  from  doing  the  same  ,  a  decent  buzz  coursing  through  her  system  and  a  dress  too  nice  to  be  wasted  at  home  .  it’s  the  sound  of  her  name  from  behind  her  that  causes  the  brunette  to  turn  around  ,  eyes  lighting  up  at  the  sight  of  leo  standing  outside  the  bar  she  was  just  in  .  “  hey  !  out  actually  ,  my  friends  decided  to  call  it  a  night  and  leave  me  all  by  my  lonesome  ––––––  are  you  playing  tonight  ?  ”

“Alright, alright. Next time,” he begins with a small laugh, “next time we’ll hit the bars. We’ll paint the town red and yellow,” he says just as their first plate arrives. “Speaking of,” Oz continued, tearing apart the chop sticks and setting a small bowl aside for soy sauce. Lifting the small glass container, Oz poured into his bowl, extending his hand out to offer her the same. “Barely. The last time I was here was with Joey. There was a new pop up bar a few blocks down. We met this guy who offered the whole place free drinks.” Oz settled the small container down, pausing to try his first bite of the sushi set in front of them. “Anyway, couldn’t tell you if the drinks were good or not,” he admitted, the night a blur but the next mornings aftermath enough to piece together the general storyline of events that ensued. “I’m most here for food,” he says as he stuffs another piece of sushi into his mouth. 

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“  𝐈’𝐋𝐋  𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃  𝐘𝐎𝐔  𝐓𝐎  𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓  ,  ”  stella  says  with  a  fingernail  tapping  against  the  side  of  her  head  .  “  steel  trap  ,  believe  me  ––––  i  won’t  be  forgetting  .  ”  she  scrunches  her  nose  with  a  playful  laugh  ,  following  suite  with  her  own  chopsticks  .  at  the  mention  of  joey  she  smiles  ,  stella  not  shy  about  her  fondness  for  the  girl  .  "  well  we  should  bring  joey  next  time  ,  the  three  of  us  can  paint  the  town  together  .  i  think  we  would  make  a  hell  of  a  threesome  .  ”  she  taps  her  chopsticks  together  for  emphasis  before  their  food  arrives  ,  stella  looking  on  with  excitement  as  she  grabs  the  first  piece  and  gives  it  a  small  dip  in  the  soy  sauce  then  pops  it  into  her  mouth  .  “  oh  fuck  ,  ”  she  practically  moans  out  looking  at  oz  in  disbelief  .  “  i  didn’t  know  sushi  could  taste  this  good  .  ”