....

"Alright, alright," she laughed, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes as she visualized her dream concert. "First up, god — why'd you have to choose something so damn hard? I guess I'd have to go with Fleetwood Mac, no doubt. Stevie Nicks' voice, it's like a spell you can't break."

And that'd been hard to pick between them and The Cure.

She paused. "And then, for some soul-stirring depth, I'd bring in the legendary Bob Dylan. His poetic lyrics they have this way of unraveling the complexities of life, you know? It's like a journey through the soul every time he sings." Leaning back, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She'd give anything to hear All Along the Watchtower. "And to top it all off, we'd need a dash of pure unbridled energy. I'd go with the Billie Holiday. Her voice makes me believe I was born in the wrong era, y'know? She's like a goddess."

With a satisfied nod, she glanced back, eyes bright. "And if we're talking venue, let's do it in an open-air amphitheater nestled in the mountains, with the stars winking down at us. Oh, and for the set list, I've actually written a draft," she joked with a wink before she shook her head. "I'm nerdy, but not that nerdy. I wish I had a list, though."

"Now you,"

the more depth the individual went into, the more likely they'd be willing to continue a conversation. if not, they'd give a simple answer and move in. in either case, sj had learned something new and, on some level, felt satisfied. though surely she couldn't have been more intrigued by the choices this woman had made. "you're an old soul--and I like it. you think deeply and intentionally and it totally makes sense, your line up--especially dylan. what a genius that man was. i don't know what you do for work, but concert planning could be in your future--might want to tuck that away for just the right time." sj winked and nodded. "oh that venue sounds just like red rocks--i've stopped on my way here, actually--well, i mean, years ago--and it's just as you describe."

ah, now it was her turn. "well, i'd be an idiot to not also include my girl stevie--i'm sure there would be plenty retribution if i gloss over my namesake. but for the sake of being unique and letting them take center stage at your concert, i'd have to go with zach bryan--for many of the same reasons you listed bob dylan. his lyrics stir something deep within me, and i think the way they feel geuine compared to some of the other lyrics i've heard.

"i'm also a big vibes person--so I'd say someone like maybe the killers? perhaps not the best band ever, but they've got good range and an interesting oeuvre to keep people engaged. and for our finale....queen. god, who doesn't love queen? they will surely bring the house down. i don't actually think i have a venue--though maybe i should since this was my own question." sj laughed, taking another sip of her drink. "god, i must sound wild for asking a complete stranger this question at a bar, huh?"

WHEN: 16th of August, 2023.

WHERE: Diner.

Baris sat alone at a corner booth of the diner, the familiar scent of sizzling bacon and brewing coffee enveloping him in a comforting embrace. It was night time, and quiet. The perfect time because the nightmares were keeping him awake more than usual. The vinyl seat creaked slightly as he shifted, his focus alternating between the menu and the sand streaked window. A plate of eggs and toast lay half-eaten before him, the remnants of a hearty late-hour breakfast that had momentarily distracted him from his thoughts.

He wondered how many men and women from his unit went through this exact same thing. Did it happen to them every night or just momentarily. Just as he was about to take another sip of his coffee, his cell phone buzzed against the tabletop. Startled, Baris reached for the device and glanced at the screen. An unknown number texting, accompanied by the alluring promise of intrigue. Hesitating for a moment, opened it only to groan loudly.

"My house mates and squaddies are a bunch of dicks,'' He grumbled loudly, the text which had been sent was just a single photo of every item in his room turned upside down. ''Why did I ever think communal housing was a good plan,'' He whispered to himself.

she also liked it for the kinds of people she would run into. ever the people watcher, she took great joy in learning about those around her. sometimes she found out that a person only ate runny eggs--and other times she had the fortune of watching someone make a large life decision. she didn't retain the information, usually, but it was always in her best interest to be aware of her surroundings.

"communal housing? that was...certainly a brave choice.' sj said aloud, turning slightly. she was all for a roommate--but more than one? that felt criminal. "was it like a buy get four free kind of deal?"

delicate fingers traced the rim of her glass as maia suppressed the urge to yawn for the millionth time that night. she had just wrapped a brutal twenty-four hour on call shift at work, and with a two day weekend in her horizon's she wanted to make sure she actually did something for once. maia was known to be quite the homebody and never left the comforts of her apartment other than for work purposes, but tonight she was stepping out of her usual comfort zone. as she brought the remaining contents of her glass towards her lips to finish it off, she did a small wiggle in her seat as she forced down the alcohol, raising her hand for the bartender to bring her another. as she waited for her refill to be made, her eyes averted from the bartender to the person who sat down next to her, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "also bring them whatever they want. first one is on me."

what: open starter where: first & vine

to say zehra was nervous about making a good impression on her first day would be an understatement. she was busy making a few arrangements for the display. but, she needed to get another vase down from the top shelf. her small frame proved hard and being the overachiever she is there was no need to ask for help when she couldn't find the step stool. after all there was a perfectly good stool behind the work bench either way. so, she stood on top the stool balancing her best as she stretched to get the vase the from the top shelf. "aha!" she said as she grabbed the vase with success. only to jump at the sound of the door chime. catching herself on the shelf the vase slipped right out of her fingers and onto the ground. "no!" she gasped, quickly making her way down from on top the stool. it seemed as she had been caught. "welcome to first and vine." she said with a embarrassed smile to the other after they entered the store and into her new mess.

but in some ways-- she was exactly what she looked like. "hi!" sj trilled, almost floating into the flower shop. she had always loved the way flower shops smelled--though she had also always found it ironic that it was a tribute to death, but in the most beautiful way. she liked that though--it reminded her that things were more nuanced than just the black and white. even things you'd think were the objective one way weren't always that way.

eyes fell on the floor, where the now broken shards of glass lay. "Oops--I didn't realize you'd be that excited to see me. But I suppose it's only fair I help you clean up!"