#c0pacetics

                      “   why    am    i    still    standing    in    a    crowded    room    if    it    makes    me    lonely    ?    i’m    so    tired    of    lying    all    the    time    ⸻   the    paper    walls    are    collapsing    ,    i    couldn’t    stop    that    from    happening    .    ”

                      “    what    am    i    supposed    to    do    when    you    used    to    be    my    lifeline    ?    ⸻    i’ve    counted    all    the    days    since    you    walked    away    .    and    look    ,    i’m    alone    again    ,    i’ve    gotten    used    to    sleeping    here    without    you    .    ”

                      “   and    hate    me    if    you’re    gonna    hate    me    .    but    just    say    it    plainly    ,    with    everything    lately    i    just    need    the    truth    .    ”

a single eyebrow arched quickly, sharp above eyes already clouded with disdain; every line of his face etched with irritation. "uh, i'm sorry? i knew we weren't exclusive n'all, but i didn't think i'd be seein' you shovin' somebody else in my face. somethin' i'm missin' or should i just be on my way for the night?"

"you know i can't be out late!" the femme's voice fractures the air, trembling somewhere between a hushed secret and a frantic shout. vienna’s gaze flickers over her shoulder, a quicksilver motion steeped in unease — as though some invisible observer loomed just beyond, ready to sprint into the night and spill every whispered sin into her sister’s waiting ear. "lorén is going to be pissed, plus i have sound check tomorrow — we gotta get back!"