#why anthony

“Are you planning to leave town?” he asked suddenly. They’d been sitting in his car, waiting for everyone else to show up at the bar. Anthony lay across the front seats, his head resting on her lap as she played with his hair.

She blinked and stilled her hands, peering down to tilt her head at him.

“No,” she replied, after a moment. “I’m graduating this December, but I’m planning to do my Masters in Education here. Become a high school teacher. Science and math as well, if I can.”

“Fix the crappy system,” he laughed, then his face turned serious as he looked up at her. “You'll make a difference. I think you'd make a good teacher.”

“Me too,” she grinned. Shifting her weight, she stroked her fingers back into his hair, lightly combing it out.

He closed his eyes and hummed, pleased. They were both silent for a moment, enjoying each other’s company. Beyond them, the neon lights of the bar sign pulsed quietly. A few patrons exited the bar, their faces dark. Natasha continued to absently stroke his hair as she glanced around, wondering when the rest of their party would arrive.

The parking lot remained empty of new cars.

She sighed softly and looked down again at him. Anthony’s features stood out in the shadowy interior of the car, pale hard angles that were softened only by his scraggly beard. It was a boy’s face still, she mused, only without the puppy fat. Aged by his facial hair he looked like a rogue fairy in the night; blond hair soft, thick, and light, a joy to touch, yet his chin was rough and harsh with stubble.

Gently swiping the hair from his eyes, she looked at him curiously: “Why did you ask?”

“I just have a bad history of losing friends. When Anton leaves for the Coast Guard, well…” he shrugged. He cracked open first one blue eye, then the other, pausing as if unsure of what he was seeing. “I didn’t know if you’d leave too.”

She carded her fingers gently through his hair, and gave him a soft smile. “I’m staying. Promise”

I’m glad you consider me a friend, she thought, the corners of her mouth twitching further as he grinned. We haven’t known each other for that long. At least, I don’t think we’ve known each other long enough for you to miss me like you would Anton.

Anthony: You will wear a white, button-down shirt with a black and purple striped tie. You will also wear ripped-at-the-knees blue/black jeans. Not too dark, but also not too blue. Like at a halfway point. Then you have to wear the most combat-y boots you have and a hair clip. You don't really have hair that long, but you should wear one anyway. I also want you go to get a tattoo on your neck of the Mona Lisa, but with Squidward's face. I think that says casual… like for drinks... yeah... casual.