Timothy Hill

“I never flirted with Jace. He’s my flatmate and we just happen to get on really well together. Is that a crime?” 

“hey, asshole,” she smacks the other’s arm playfully. “that lesson was also for the other pickpockets you might encounter. i guess we have to do a refresher course on it then? because some people have become so innovative and learned some new ways nowadays,” she wiggles her eyebrows at the other. monroe wanted her and timothy to be back in the cycle and just skip the awkward stage of meeting again, that stage would be just a waste of time, right? “look, things don’t go according to plan sometimes. it’s just the way it is, and i learned a lot from it, well…not to stop doing it, just how to prevent shit like that happen again,” she chuckles lightly. “but hey, seriously, i do think i have something serious…and great going on with me.” she shoves the male lightly. “of course, tee! this is not a one time thing. we can have breakfast next time after my set if you want? or drinks, you silly boy.”

“And by that, I think you mean that you have become very innovative and learned some new ways?” he teased, even though he knew it was probably not far from the truth. They were skipping straight over the ‘I haven’t seen you in ages, are we still compatible etc. etc.’ stage. “Well, I’m glad it thought you the important lesson of not getting caught. And please do tell what great thing you’ve got going on for you. I’m very curious.” He knew that this probably wasn’t going to be a one-time thing since it was going well so far but it was still nice to know they were both on the same page. “Breakfast sounds amazing. I’m more of a foodie than a drinker, that hasn’t really changed with age.” 

Claudia was hoping that her small joke actually made him laugh and didn’t make him even more upset. Claudia liked to think that her humor could make people feel better. She really believed that that was one of her positive traits. The Latina smiled at the small man in front of her, and leaned on the bar. “Sometimes just forcing yourself to laugh when you’re in a bad mood can put you in a better mood. But it’s better when you have a friend who’s fucking hilarious.” she motioned to herself. She chuckled. “I’m just kidding, silly.” Had she taken her joke too far?

“I don’t know what’s better, having a friend that’s fucking hilarious or a friend working at the bar who can get you free drinks whenever you’re in the mood to get completely wasted”, he said, giving her a cheeky wink to show he was only kidding. Considering how rarely he actually got drunk, it was obvious he didn’t really mean that but he needed to remind himself that Claudia barely knew him so he needed to be careful over what he said. “I’m kidding. With how often I get drunk, I’d ask for maybe one free drink every month. Maybe. I wouldn’t run you out of business or anything.” 

Atlas clicked his tongue, rubbing his palms together as he examined the jumper cables. He was sure he did everything right, sure the connections were correct. He let out a soft sigh, rubbing his hands through his hair, pushing it back off his face before he looked over to Tee. “You don’t need to be an expert to see that didn’t work….” He teased playfully with a grin, trying to make light of the situation. He shook his head, leaning down into both of their cars to inspect the work being done. “No, no need to try again…. Everything is right on the attachments. I think my car is just… needing of a rest. She’s pooched.” He teased with a laugh, beginning to unattach the cables. “I should call a tow. You got any ideas for where I can hangout until it comes? It usually takes a while, even in a small town.”

Tee looked at the car, biting his lip. He hoped it just needed a bit of a break and it would go back to working alright because he knew how upset he would be if his own car was ever considered to be a total loss and not worth fixing. “I’m sorry, I was really hoping that would work. “Oh yeah, the tow guy in this place takes ages to show up and he’s nor particularly friendly either”, he said, rolling his eyes at the memory of his own interaction with him. Where could he suggest Atlas hangout while he waited? There was the obvious choice of a coffee shop or something like that but this could take hours and no one wanted to hang out so long at a cafe doing nothing. Maybe that’s why he ended up offering what he did. Or maybe that’s just the excuse he was telling himself so as to not have to think about the real reason. “You can come to my place if you want? My roommates are probably out right now and I can keep you entertained while you wait.” His face turned bright red when he realised how that could be interpreted and he coughed awkwardly. 

“man…..you really went that dark and deep, huh?,” the older woman smirks teasingly at the other, shaking her head. upon seeing timothy, she could immediately see some of the differences that they both had after so many years. but it feels nice to know that some things really did stayed the same. “oh please….i guess you’ve forgotten the little lesson i taught you on how not to have your shit stolen by monroe,” she chuckles playfully at the other. she slips her hands in her pockets as her friend takes his watch. “you know….i did get in trouble for that for a few number of times, i won’t deny that,” she grins. “my drink’s free today, tee?”

“Dark and deep, that’s me. Can’t you tell by looking at me?” he teased. It was nice to see that they were picking up on their easygoing banter straight away and it wasn’t awkward even though they clearly weren’t the same people they were when they last saw each other. “I’m starting to think your little lesson was just a lie to shut me up and you actually taught me nothing useful.” In reality, he really did forget most of what Monroe told him so long ago. After all, it’s not every day you needed to be careful not to have your watch snatched out of thin air. “Why am I not surprised?” he said, shaking his head, and he really wasn’t. He knew ages ago that his friend was going to get in trouble over her little hobby at some point. Tee was only surprised it took so long. “Sure but only if you promise we can do this again so you can return the favour.” 

Once he pulled around, Atlas smiled softly. “Thanks again.” He murmured, getting his own cables out and popping the latch of his own car. “I always work my magic.” He retorted, nearly flirtatiously, towing the line. “Not a trouble at all. In fact, here, let me show you how it works…” He offered, hoping to help him learn something. Once Tee’s hood was up, he held up the cables towards him. “So we need to do this in the correct order, red to red, and black to black. Otherwise known as positive to positive and negative to negative.” Atlas explained, beginning to work on attaching the cables to their cars. “Unless you wanna jump start your heart, you do it this way.” He teased with a chuckle, standing back once their cars were attached. “Now we’ll just start our cars.. and hope for the best….”

Tee tried paying attention to what the other boy was saying, he really did. After all, it was important for him to learn how to do this sort of thing in case he ever needed to do it himself. No matter how much he tried, he just couldn’t get himself to concentrate. Was it wishful thinking or was the other actually flirting with him? By the end, Tee was sure he wouldn’t trust himself to jumpstart a car himself but at least Atlas didn’t look like he suspected anything so he smiled and nodded. He got into his car to start it up and watched the other do the same but his car still seemed to be the only one working at the moment. “Um...I’m no expert but I don’t think that worked?” Tee felt kind of stupid saying that because he was way out of his depth here and maybe this was just part of the process to jump-start a car. He was pretty sure the other boy’s car was supposed to be able to start though. “Should I try again? Maybe something’s not attached right.” 

monroe couldn’t help but laugh at the male’s reaction. “i was made for the career, but hey, it’s nice to see you finally get taller than me, what was your secret, dark magic, milk?,” she grins teasingly at the other. it was really nice to see a familiar face again after all these years, considering how busy the older girl has gotten, with her always getting in trouble, to now slowly finding her way and starting up this….dj-ing career. she immediately hopped into the taller one’s arms for a hug. “i’m not much of a hugger, i have to remind you that, but it’s been years. and i missed you, tee, i really did,” she admits. she manages to pull the watch off his wrist, “but i do miss doing these kinda stunts with ya,” she grins again, another light chuckle escaping her lips as she returns it to him. “i’m sorry, i can’t help it.”

“You see I managed to get my hands on this dark magic potion from the black market which allowed me to grow to a height where I no longer look like I’m ten years old”, he said, keeping up the serious look on his face. “It was hard but totally worth it.” Tee remembered that hugs weren’t really her thing but he couldn’t even think back on the last time they saw each other so he figured this could be an exception. He smiled when he turned out to be right and hugged her back. “I missed you too although I definitely haven’t missed being your test subject for your little games.” He playfully rolled his eyes and took his watch back from her, putting it on. “Should we go in? You know, one of these days you’re going to get in trouble for this. ” 

Roman laughed at the boy’s comment, because he certainly had a point, but that didn’t make it any less true. “You’d be surprised. They think they’re king of the world when they’re hiding behind a screen. Going through with it though in person? That’s a whole other ball game.” He informed the other assuredly. His face then showed that he quickly realized what a weird conversation this was, and took another shot. He wasn’t at all surprised that Tee wasn’t buying the compliments he was dealing out, typical, this poor guy was so deep in self denial, and insecurity to accept anything Roman had to say about him. “Listen mate, I know you don’t know me jus’ yet, but I’m far from the type to say what I don’t mean.” He pointed at the other, and then giggled as he watched him take down the shot with an adorably scrunchie face. Bless his soul.”You jus’ need to loosen up a bit. Live in the moment, life is short. If people don’t like you, fuck ‘em, move on to the next.” Roman was really good at giving advice, not always the best at taking it, but what else was new?

Having no experience in cheating himself, Tee wasn’t about to disagree with the other boy. He could barely get himself one date let alone a relationship and someone else to cheat on them with. Just the thought of it seemed pretty wild to Tee not to mention that he could never actually do that to someone. Tee couldn’t help but feel confused over why Roman was even being so nice to him. “It’s not my pleasure to bring it up again but you do remember I threw fak jizz that probably wasn’t so fake in your lap right? Like, that is a thing that really happened so you should not be trying to make me feel better right now”, he said, shaking his head. It’s not that he didn’t appreciate the gesture but he couldn’t help but feel like he needed to prepare himself for something to happen when he least expected it. Maybe the other boy had his own bag of whatever, waiting to spring it on him and catch him off guard. Or maybe the shot was already having its effect and his thoughts were making no sense whatsoever. “That’s easier said than done. I can’t just...forget about someone, just like that. It’s not so easy.” He took at least part of roman’s advice though and downed another shot, making an effort to keep his face neutral this time. “Are you speaking out of your ass or from actual experience?” 

“Its a healthy lifestyle. Plus, going to the gym means you can eat your body weight in pizza and still look good doing it.” Eden knew that all too well. She ate well for the most part, but she for sure ate way too much pizza, but made sure to work it off in her daily workout routines. She knew that the gym lifestyle wasn’t for everyone, but she firmly believed that people could always take a healthier lifestyle. “If you don’t want to do a gym, you could also always dance. Thats a good workout.” She said, lifting the end of the couch up, as the headed out the truck once more.

The thing is, Tee knew all too well that he didn’t lead the healthiest of lifestyles. The only exercise he did was the walk from work to the closest coffee shop for his break and sometimes he still got too lazy and used his car. So he knew he wasn’t about to win any fitness awards any time soon but it was something he came to terms with a long time ago and now he embraced it. Besides, he tried his best to limit his junk food consumption to a few times a week rather than every day. How was he supposed to say that dancing wasn’t really his thing either without sounding like a spoilsport? “Uh...sure. Yeah, I’ll definitely take that into consideration.” They made their way from the truck back to her apartment and placed the couch where it was supposed to go. “Was that the end of it or is there anything else hiding in that truck?” 

Roman just gave Tee a look when he told his story, not really getting why he would let something so trivial and silly like that, make him believe that he wasn’t good enough as himself. “Don’t be ridiculous, people get stood up on dating sites all the time. Most of the people on there are either catfish, just looking for sex, or they chicken out at the last minute because they either already have a boy or girlfriend, or they think you won’t like them.” Roman gave his advise, because lord known he’d seen enough of that shit over the years, his friends as well. He’d heard some real horror stories. “If I saw you on a dating app, I would definitely hit you up. They were probably jus’ intimidated.” Ro shrugged, and reached for a shot to take back with a lime.

Roman was being very optimistic but that was never really Tee’s strong point. Actually, he was pretty much the opposite so for him, it was only natural to think he got stood up because the other guy wasn't interested in the first place or as some sort of practical joke. The thought that maybe he was just as intimidated as him never went through his head and he found it hard to believe, even now. “Why would anyone with a partner even use Tinder if they’re going to be too chicken to cheat?” Not that Tee condoned cheating, but if you’re going to do it, go all the way otherwise it’s just useless and a complete waste of time. Not to mention that if their significant other found their tinder, the relationship would be ruined anyway. “That’s very nice of you to say. I don’t believe it at all, but it’s nice nonetheless.” He picked up his shot and downed it in one go, scrunching his face up afterwards.  

There was nothing that sounded worse to Eden than having to climb at stairs to an apartment. She had never lived above the first floor of a place, and she had every intention on never living above it. She looked the boy up and down, sure, he didn’t look like the kind of guy who would spend time at the gym. But, it didn’t mean he couldn’t start. “I mean - no. But you could start going to the gym. “ She told him. Eden spent far too much time at the gym. “There are people there who can show you where to start. I mean at most gyms there are at least.” She said, as they got back to the truck. “The couch next?”

“Give me one good reason why I should take up a gym?” he said, shaking his head. This wasn’t Tee’s first time having a conversation like this. Especially in Dayton, where everyone seemed to be so fit and healthy, people tended to get one look at his noodle arms and decide he needed the gym. In reality, he was perfectly happy as he was. He looked at the couch and nodded, moving towards it. He grabbed onto one end of it and waited for the girl to take a hold of the other end, just like they did previously with the table. “Ready to go?” 

Claudia made an ‘o’ shape with her mouth as her eyes widen. Poor dude, but she did appreciate a good self deprecating joke when she heard one so she couldn’t help but let out a small giggle. “I’m sorry to laugh, I know you didn’t mean that as a joke.” she said, trying to keep a straight face. “That sucks though. We’ve all been there….when feelings aren’t reciprocated.” Claudia thought for a moment. Had she actually been there before? Claudia didn’t get attached to people too easily. That’s how she stayed a bad bitch. Her theory was that you can’t be a bad bitch if you’re somone else’s bitch. “Claudia.” she said with a warm smile. “It’s not problem, but I am expecting a stellar tip.” she joked. 

Tee looked at her in mock offence but he was holding back a laugh himself so it probably didn’t work that well. “Sure, sure, laugh at my misfortune”, he shook his head. In reality, he was glad he was getting to laugh about something which was causing him many sleepless nights. Maybe making it seem less important than it actually was, was the right step to finally getting over it without having to sleep without anyone else to prove it. Or he was being too hopeful. It was definitely one of those options though. “It’s fine, I guess laughing about it is the best thing I can do at the moment.” At the mention of feelings not being reciprocated, Tee couldn’t hold back a wince but he tried to hide it. Too soon. He laughed and nodded his agreement as a nice tip was more than deserved for getting him a drink on the house and a distraction from all the negative thoughts running through his head. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Claudia.” 

Klara chuckled at the others remark. Truthfully, if the man hadn’t initiated the conversation, she’d still be sitting alone twiddling her fingers.“Right!” Klara agreed. “As if somehow you’re some miserable hermit for choosing to acquaint yourself with Ben& Jerry or Mr. Cup-O-Joe” she piped a bit enthusiastically. For the first time in a couple of weeks Klara found herself relaxing into a conversation. 

”Oh hopefully they’re good live, they usually save the best ones till the end, hopefully, they don’t disappoint. At his question Klara opted for a tale not too far from the truth. “Just thought I’d try something new, what I was doing before wasn’t working too well for me, plus I’m new to Dayton, thought maybe I’d find some like-minded people, I suppose I wasn’t wrong” she smiled with a slight cock to her head.“I’m Klara, by the way.” 

Tee felt like for the first time in a long time he was talking to someone who actually got where he was coming from instead of pretending they do only to look at him with pity. It was a good feeling and was glad he bothered to start up a conversation with the girl. “I know right? I mean, why are we the miserable ones? We’re not the ones who need to get so drunk we spend the next day with our heads in the toilet to have fun. We just enjoy some tasty ice cream and then get on with our days.” 

“Definitely, hopefully, they make it worth the wait and the trip here”, he chuckled. Tee offered his hand for a handshake and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Klara, I’m Tee. I guess you're right but you’re also very lucky. The bar isn't usually the best place to bump into people who get the way we think. But since we’re here and we’re at a bar after all, could I maybe offer you a drink?”

Claudia shook her head. “Ya know, I once had a friend in college who met her partner on Tinder. So weird, the couple times i’ve used it I have only used it for hookups. What exactly were you on Tinder for?” There she went, prying into other people’s business. She was so curious about what the man on the other side of the bar had to say, the anticipation was so real. She chuckled to herself and looked down at her hands. Why would she need a pity drink? God, that was an easy question to answer. Claudia could easily sit here and tell him about her sexual exploits or even her excessive drinking, but telling people about her coke use and loosing her parents as a young adult was something that wasn’t easy for her to do - hence, the pity drink. “You’d be surprised.” she gave him a warm smile. 

Having only used Tinder once in his life, Tee couldn’t be considered an expert but he knew he probably wouldn’t be using it again after his only experience led to him getting ditched. He wasn’t sure how much he should say but he figured they didn’t know much about each other so the chances of her going blabbing about whatever he said to the wrong person were slim. Maybe he could finally open up to someone without the fear of getting judged. “I’m the kind of idiot who sleeps with one of their best friends and then tries to date other people so as not to show how much it affected them”, he said with a self-deprecating shrug. It wouldn’t even have been so bad if his dating idea actually worked but everything was a disaster and Tee was left feeling even worse off than before. Realising the girl didn’t want to talk about it, he tried his best to change the subject without making it too obvious. “I’m Timmy by the way. Figured you deserve a name considering I’m getting a free drink from you.” 

       “oh my god, timothy hill, i’ve got this! don’t you trust my multitasking abilities?” the blonde asked raising a challenging brow at him. she sucked in the smoke harshly before blowing it up into the night sky. “listen if i can smoke and shower at the same time i’m sure this will be a piece of cake. and if you even dare threaten the sack of sugar again i’ll take it myself and then i’ll be doing three things at once so which would you prefer?”

Tee almost pointed out that smoking while showering was very different than smoking while riding the bike with someone trying to balance on the front but he shut his mouth. He knew a lost battle when he saw one and this was definitely one of those times. Besides, time and experience taught him not to contradict Quinn was she was really determined to do something so he sighed, got a better hold on the bag of sugar and braced himself for potentially falling off the bike. “Fine, fine but I’m having some of those brownies of yours when we get home. It’s the least I deserve after putting myself at risk like this.”