Grayson Tarik

“I definitely would not,” he mumbled, still focused on trying to gather his papers together. When they were all safely tucked back in his arms, he looked at the other man. “Thanks.” He gave him an awkward smile. “For just handing it back and not being nosy and reading that.” He did want his words to be read but not today. Not until he was finally ready for someone besides himself to see. 

“Of course.” Grayson said as he looked at the other man. Though, he did look at the papers. It was only a glance, enough to tell him what they were about but not much more. “You should be glad that I’m not feeling particularly malicious today.”

“See, you say that’s not bad but all I hear is damage control and no sleep for Kelsey.” 

“Okay, let me rephrase that. It’s not bad for me. For you, well. It would be an entertaining night nonetheless.”

Aalis shrugged, not minding in the slightest that he didn’t want to listen. “I don’t know if I should be more concerned that you thought I was bobbing along to nothing or by the fact you don’t seem that surprised,” she grinned, remember the man from when he crashed on her couch that one time.

“If you’re so experienced with walls, then you make a better one.”

“Well, somebody sure reminds me of the president right now.”

“She wasn’t incompetent… You’re just being rude.”

“She lost her son and yelled at me because I can’t here and I am the rude one?”

“If there are stores just to vape in then they are plenty that still specialize in vinyls,” Adaline grinned. “Hipsters are all about owning records and being as indie as possible.”

“Right. I forget youth today is too busy pretending to be a different generation and in the most horrid ways at that.”

“I beg to differ, I find this highly amusing,” the original retorted, adding a shrug and a nonchalant grin. 

Laughing dryly he took his wallet with a huffed ‘thanks’. Opening it he made sure everything was there and then tucked it back into his front pocket. “Did you take this from me or back from her?” He asked. “Something strong please.” He answered.

“If I told you, that would be boring.” He said with a shrug. “Easy enough.” He said, ordering a drink for him before turning back. “How have any of you survived this long when you can’t even tell somebody is stealing your wallet?”

Aalis was standing bobbing along to some new music that she was listening to on her iPhone. She almost had forgotten she was in public when she turned to meet a pair of eyes. Despite hesitating for a moment and her cheeks flushing red, she eventually spoke up, “It’s a new song I just heard! Want to hear?” she asked them.

“Yeah but I don’t think your side commentary helped me out any.” He shot back. “What?” He asked feeling for his wallet. “Yeah, no, you’re right, I’ve got to cancel my cards real quick and then you can buy me that drink.”

“I disagree, it was plenty helpful.” He said, a smirk as the man searched for the missing wallet. “I know I’m right.” He said as he pulled the wallet from his pocket and dropped it in front of him. “And to think. My side commentary wasn’t helpful.” He retorted, eyebrow raising before he waved over the bartender and ordered his drink. “Now what do you want?”

“I have never heard that name in my life… Does he have a stripper name?” Vivian asked. It wasn’t too odd of a question since they had male strippers and prostitutes here.

“How would I know if he has a stripper name?” He questioned, a long breath following. This was getting annoying. Really, there wasn’t any way she could find out? “Whatever, forget I asked. Apparently, you’re useless right now.”

“Well, maybe not convenient,” he shrugged with a casual wink, “But it has served it’s purpose of entertaining me while I wait.”

“I happen to thing that I’m very charming but I appreciate the help anyway.” Brenden smiled at the other. “But you’ve also scared my date away so not too happy about that. I think that warrants you buying me a drink don’t you?” 

“You’re so charming she practically ran.” He said, eyebrow raising. “I assure you, it wasn’t me who scared her so I just don’t see how it’s my responsibility to buy a drink. But, considering I’m pretty sure she just made off with your money, I’ll pity you and buy you one.”

“Hey,” Adaline smiled. “I hate to be a bother but do you know of a good record store? I checked google but I trust personal recommendations rather than online reviews. It would be a huge favor to me.” 

“It’s 2018 if there are stores solely dedicated to sending records still then I wouldn’t know much about it.”

“Yeah, that’s private.” Ravi gathered up the scattered papers on the ground where he’d dropped his notebook. “So if you could just give that back, that’d be great. Thanks.”

Grayson knelt to pick up the papers that fluttered at his feet, looking at them, he didn’t see the other until he looked up. “These look like you should keep better track of them.” He said, an eyebrow raised. “Wouldn’t want them in the wrong hands.”

“But it’s so much more convenient to stand right here and bother you,” the original answered, cocky grin spread across his face as he looked at the man with daring eyes.

“Aww but cuz!” Blaze snorted loving how easy it was to push his cousins’ buttons. “Where’s the fun in that? Unfortunately for you, – and a little for me – you’re stuck with me. So deal with it.”

“But shit Blaze.” Grayson huffed, shaking his head at his cousin. “Am I? Am I stuck with you? I can’t just find a way to leave you in the subway and pretend you don’t exist?”